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Today's Morning Edition music is the Elton John tune "Philadelphia Freedom." 

In the 1970s, John befriended tennis star Billie Jean King and frequently attended her World Team Tennis matches. 

King had a special warmup suit with her team's logo made for him, and in return, John promised to create a song for the team. 

The resulting tune topped the charts 40 years ago Monday. Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics, said they have nothing to do with tennis except for the title. In 1974, King played for the Philadelphia Freedoms.

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In the 1970s, John befriended the tennis star and frequently attended her World Team Tennis matches.

Today's Morning Edition music is from the 1970s when Elton John became friends with tennis star Billie Jean King and he frequently attended her World Team Tennis matches. King had a special warm up suit with her team's logo made for him. In response, Elton John promised to create a song for the team. The resulting tune topped the charts 40 years ago today. Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics, said they have nothing to do with tennis except for the title. In 1974, King played for the Philadelphia Freedoms.

Elton John's song for King's tennis team was a smash hit

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