Elton John Helped John Lennon Achieve His First Solo Billboard No. 1 Hit

The two music legends collaborated on Lennon's chart-topping single "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night"

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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John Lennon was the last Beatle to achieve a solo number one hit, but that changed in 1974 when he collaborated with Elton John on the song "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night." The track became Lennon's first and only Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper, thanks in part to John's expertise and harmonies. Their partnership was not random, as the two had become close friends in the early 1970s as their solo careers were taking off.

Why it matters

This collaboration between Lennon and John was significant, as it marked a major milestone in Lennon's solo career after the breakup of The Beatles. The song's success also highlighted the close friendship that had developed between the two music legends in the early 1970s.

The details

Lennon was inspired to write "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" after watching a late-night TV show and hearing a character say the phrase. He also took inspiration from the 1974 chart-topping hit "Rock Your Baby" by George McCrae. During the recording sessions, Lennon was so satisfied with the backing band's energy that he decided to use the first few takes, resulting in a "ragged but swinging" final product.

  • Lennon wrote "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" in 1974.
  • The song was released in 1974 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.
  • Lennon and Elton John performed the song together at Madison Square Garden in 1974, which would be Lennon's final major live concert performance.

The players

John Lennon

The former Beatle who achieved his first and only solo Billboard No. 1 hit with "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night."

Elton John

The bestselling artist who collaborated with Lennon on the song and helped him achieve his chart-topping success.

George McCrae

The soul singer whose 1974 hit "Rock Your Baby" inspired Lennon's songwriting.

May Pang

A former music executive who revealed that Lennon was inspired to write the song after watching a late-night TV show.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't matter, it's whatever gets you through the night.”

— Reverend Ike (Interview with May Pang)

“It's almost the first or second take, and the musicians are ragged but swinging. We tried to cut it a few times again, but it never got that feel... We put that on, and it was over and done within five minutes.”

— John Lennon (Interview)

“I was fiddling about one night, and Elton John walked in with Tony King of Apple — you know, we're all good friends — and the next minute Elton said, 'Say, can I put a bit of piano on that?'. I said, 'Sure, love it!' He zapped in. I was amazed at his ability: I knew him, but I'd never seen him play.”

— John Lennon (Interview)

What’s next

Elton John's Disney+ documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late" is set to further explore the friendship and collaboration between Lennon and John.

The takeaway

The success of "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" highlighted the close bond between Lennon and Elton John, and marked a significant milestone in Lennon's solo career after the breakup of The Beatles. The song's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration in the music industry.