Non-Hit Hits Top Ten: Tiny Dancer (#4)

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Oh, so close. Today’s song on the list of classic rock tunes that never made the Billboard top 40 got real close….but no cigar. Rules is rules. But that’s okay, because I get to use it in this JJ-recommended countdown…and you get to sing along! #4: Tiny Dancer - Elton John Time to count the head lice on the highway! Yeah, this classic — one of Elton’s most enduring and iconic tunes — peaked at #41, not cracking the top 40. The other Madman single, “Levon” (which was named for The Band drummer Levon Helm if you’re interested, or even if you’re not interested! ) did make it into the top 40. But get the Whitburn Top 40 Hits book and you won’t find this one. Written partly about Bernie Taupin’s then-wife Maxine and partly about the vast differences Taupin found when he first came to America with Elton on tour, this 51-year-old tune (yes, you read this correctly, this song is fifty one years old) has stood the test of time. Combining a lovely string section, a little steel guitar that even Linda wouldn’t object to, and some tasteful piano and guitar work, this is one of those songs that comes to mind when you think of Elton’s career. Tiny Dancer Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Recorded by Elton John From Madman Across the Water, 1971 Billboard chart peak position: #41 Pretty eyed: