Don't Go Breaking My Heart
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is a 1976 duet by English musician Elton John and English singer Kiki Dee. It was written by John with Bernie Taupin under the pseudonyms "Ann Orson" and "Carte Blanche", respectively, and intended as an affectionate pastiche of the Motown style, notably the various duets recorded by Marvin Gaye and singers such as Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston. John and Taupin originally intended to record the song with Dusty Springfield, but ultimately withdrew the offer; Springfield's partner Sue Cameron later said this was because she was too ill at the time.
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" | ||||
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Single by Elton John and Kiki Dee | ||||
B-side | "Snow Queen" | |||
Released | 21 June 1976 | |||
Recorded | 27 March 1976 | |||
Genre |
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Length | 4:31 | |||
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Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Gus Dudgeon | |||
Elton John singles chronology | ||||
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Kiki Dee singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" on YouTube |
Unlike many of John's singles from the 1970s, it was never included on an original album (although it was recorded during the Blue Moves sessions). In the same year, John and Taupin received the 1976 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.
In 1994, John released the song as a duet with American drag queen RuPaul. It was produced by Giorgio Moroder and reached number three on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number one in Iceland.