'Candle in the Wind' topped charts 20 years ago
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" reached No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 20 years ago.
The original version of the song, which came out in the 1970s, was about Marilyn Monroe. Bernie Taupin rewrote the lyrics as a tribute to Princess Diana shortly after her death.
Elton John has only performed the song live once, during Diana's funeral at Westminister Abbey. It's the second best-selling single of all time, topped only by Bing Crosby's "White Christmas." Profits from the sales of the single went to Diana's favorite charities.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
