Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol
Already have an account?
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn.

Lennon's only solo No. 1 song during his lifetime included Elton John

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.

Today's Morning Edition music is from John Lennon with "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," which was No. 1 on the Billboard charts 40 years ago today.

It was Lennon's first and only solo release that reached the top of the charts during his lifetime.

You can also hear Elton John on the recording. He played the piano and provided background vocals.

Lennon was not convinced that the song would be a hit, but John was. They even made a bet that if it topped the charts, Lennon would join John on stage.

Lennon made good on the bet on Nov. 28, 1974, at Madison Square Garden in New York. It would be Lennon's last live concert performance.

#