Elton John’s 1976 hit single “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was a duet with Kiki Dee.
Released on June 25, 1976, the upbeat pop and disco song paired Elton John with English singer Kiki Dee. It was issued by John’s Rocket Record Company and became one of the defining vocal duets of the decade.
John and Bernie Taupin wrote the song using the pseudonyms “Ann Orson” and “Carte Blanche,” creating an affectionate imitation of the Motown duet style associated with singers such as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Dusty Springfield was initially considered for the recording, but Kiki Dee ultimately sang the female vocal.
The single became the first UK number-one hit for both John and Dee, remaining at the top for six weeks. It also reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. A later 1994 version paired John with RuPaul, but that remake does not change the canonical answer for the original 1976 hit.