Queen: Somebody To Love Single (1976)

A Gospel Rock Cry for Connection

Queen’s “Somebody To Love” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 12, 1976, on EMI Records (catalogue: EMI 2565). Backed with “White Man,” this gospel-infused rock ballad, written by Freddie Mercury, was produced by Queen and engineered by Mike Stone. The A-side’s soaring vocals, layered harmonies, and Brian May’s guitar peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart for 9 weeks. Issued in solid centre, white label, company sleeve, and different back sleeve variants, it’s a cornerstone of A Day at the Races.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Somebody To Love” (Mercury)

Written-By – Mercury. Produced By – Queen. Engineered By – Mike Stone.

B-Side: “White Man” (May)

Written-By – May. Produced By – Queen. Engineered By – Mike Stone.

Release Details:

Label: EMI Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Published By – EMI Music Publishing Ltd. / Queen Music Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Queen Productions Ltd.

Copyright © – Queen Productions Ltd.

Pressed By – EMI Records.

Lacquer Cut By – Nick W.

UK Formats:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo (EMI 2565): “Somebody To Love” / “White Man.”

A: “Somebody To Love” (Mercury) – Written-By – Mercury – Producer – Queen – Engineered By – Mike Stone

B: “White Man” (May) – Written-By – May – Producer – Queen – Engineered By – Mike Stone

Vinyl, 7", Single, 45 RPM, White Label (EMI 2565)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Company Sleeve (EMI 2565)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre Issue (EMI 2565)

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Different Back Sleeve (EMI 2565)

Notes: Crest design © 1975 Queen Productions Ltd. Runouts stamped except NICK W etched. Variant 13: Labels swapped (A label plays B track, B label plays A track).

Country Variations

The single was released globally:

UK (EMI EMI 2565): Released November 12, 1976. Standard, white label, company sleeve, solid centre, different back sleeve.

Australia (Elektra 1976): Released 1976.

Belgium (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Brazil (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Canada (Elektra 1976): Released 1976.

Chile (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Denmark (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Ecuador (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

France (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Germany (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Guatemala (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Italy (EMI 1976): Released 1976 (three variants).

Japan (Elektra 1976): Released 1976.

Mexico (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Netherlands (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Peru (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Philippines (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Portugal (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

South Africa (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Spain (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

Sweden (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

USA (Elektra 1976): Released 1976 (two variants).

Yugoslavia (EMI 1976): Released 1976.

New Zealand (Elektra 1977): Released 1977.

Turkey (EMI 1977): Released 1977.

Production and Context

Produced by Queen. Musicians: Freddie Mercury (lead/backing vocals, piano), Brian May (guitars, backing vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, backing vocals), John Deacon (bass). Engineered by Mike Stone. Recorded in 1976 during A Day at the Races sessions. “Somebody To Love” was Mercury’s gospel plea, while “White Man” was May’s Native American tribute. Released amid A Day at the Races (No. 1 UK, 1976), it competed with ABBA and Showaddywaddy.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“Somebody To Love” was the lead single from A Day at the Races:

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 2 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 9 weeks.

Australia (Kent Music Report): 15

Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders): 2

Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia): 5

Canada Top Singles (RPM): 5

Denmark (Tracklisten): 19

Finland (Suomen Virallinen): 21

Ireland (IRMA): 6

Italy (Musica e Dischi): 10

Netherlands (Dutch Top 40): 1

Netherlands (Single Top 100): 1

South Africa (Springbok): 7

US Billboard Hot 100: 13

US Cash Box Top 100: 9

West Germany (GfK): 21

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: November 27, 1976.

Peak: No. 2 (December 11, 1976).

Weeks on Chart: 9 (Nov 27, 1976 – Jan 22, 1977).

Chart Run: No. 4 (Nov 27), No. 4 (Dec 4), No. 2 (Dec 11), No. 3 (Dec 18), No. 4 (Dec 25), No. 4 (Jan 1), No. 6 (Jan 8), No. 13 (Jan 15), No. 32 (Jan 22).

Legacy and Collectibility

“Somebody To Love” is Queen’s gospel rock masterpiece, with “White Man” a bold B-side. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch £3–£10 on eBay/Discogs (value £10 for mint). Verify catalogue EMI 2565.

Streams on Spotify via A Day at the Races reissues preserve the analog soul. This single is a must-have for Queen fans and ‘70s rock collectors.

Have you snagged this Queen classic in your vinyl collection? Does Somebody To Love find you? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube