On October 16, 1978, “Rocket” label released “A Single Man”, the twelfth Elton John album. It was recorded 1977 – 1978, at “The Mill” in Cookham, Berks, and was produced by Clive Frank an Elton John. It is the first album with Gary Osborne who replaced Bernie Taupin as lyricist. The album was certified Platinum in Canada by “Music Canada”, and Platinum in the US by “RIIA”.

Personnel:

• Elton John– piano, harmonium, church organ, lead and backing vocals, clavinet, mellotron, Polymoog, Solina String synthesizer
• Davey Johnstone– lead guitar, backing vocals
• J. Cole– steel guitar
• Tim Renwick– acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Leslie guitar, mandolin
• Ray Cooper– congas,  tambourine,  tympani,  vibraphone,  shakers, wind chimes, rhythm box
• Paul Buckmaster– Fender Rhodes, orchestra arrangement, ARP synthesizer
• Herbie Flowers– acoustic bass
• Clive Franks – bass guitar, engineer, mixing
• Steve Holley– drums
• Patrick Halcox – trumpet
• Henry Lowther – trumpet
• Jim Shepherd –trombone
• John Crocker –clarinet, tenor saxophone
• Vicki Brown– backing vocals
• Stevie Lange – backing vocals
• Gary Osborne– backing vocals
• Joanne Stone – backing vocals
• Chris Thompson– backing vocals
• Watford Football Club– backing vocals
• Joanne Stone – arrangements
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements
• Peter Mew – engineer
• Stuart Epps, Phil Dunne – engieer, mixing
• Ian Cooper – mastering
• Gus Dudgeon – digital remastering
• David Costa – design
• Mike Storey – design
• John Tobler – liner editor
• Chris White – liner notes
• Alex Foster – coordinator
• Mike Gill – spervising producer

Track listing:

All tracks by Elton John and Gary Osborne, except where noted.

1. Shine on Through
2. Return to Paradise
3. I Don’t Care
4. Big Dipper
5. It Ain’t Gonna Be Easy
6. Part-Time Love
7. Georgia
8. Shooting Star
9. Madness
10. Reverie – Elton John
11. Song for Guy – Elton John