Don't Go Breaking My Heart

Don't Go Breaking My Heart is the title of a song written by Elton John with Bernie Taupin (under the pseudonyms "Ann Orson" and "Carte Blanche") and recorded and released as a single in 1976 by Elton John and Kiki Dee.

The single reached no.1 in the UK in July and remained at the top for six weeks over the hot summer, eventually usurped by ABBA's Dancing Queen. Don't Go Breaking My Heart became the second biggest single of the year, after Brotherhood of Man's Save Your Kisses for Me.

It also went to no.1 in the US Billboard 100 (John's sixth), staying at the top for four weeks, usurped by the Bee Gees' You Should Be Dancing.

The original female vocal choice for the duet was Dusty Springfield although she was allegedly 'too ill' at the time.

Promo video
The song was also famous for its promo video which featured the two singers performing the song in a recording studio in a jocular style, inclusing an impromptu hand jive/dance routine during the instrumental bidge.. The video was shown on Top of the Pops firstly on 08 July when the single was at no.9 and then from 22 July for the six successive weeks when it was at no.1. It also featured on the Christmas Day show. (view video here)

Elton John performed the song with Kiki Dee live at Live Aid, Wembley Stadium in 1985.

Other versions
John re-recorded and released the song with American drag queen and actor Rupaul in 1994. This version reached no.7 in the UK and no.3 in the US Billboard Dance Club chart.