Elton John's classic song "Rocket Man" first appeared on which 1972 studio album?

Elton John's classic song "Rocket Man" first appeared on the 1972 studio album Honky Château.

Released on 19 May 1972, Honky Château was Elton John's fifth studio album and marked an important step in his early-1970s rise. It was recorded at Château d'Hérouville in France, whose 18th-century setting inspired the album's title. Producer Gus Dudgeon helped shape its blend of pop, rock, blues, country-rock and soul.

"Rocket Man," officially titled "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)," was released as the album's lead single on 31 March 1972. Written by John with lyricist Bernie Taupin, it reached No. 2 in the United Kingdom and No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of John's signature songs.

A common mix-up is placing the song on Madman Across the Water, the 1971 album immediately before Honky Château. The album also includes "Honky Cat," while its follow-up, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, arrived in 1973.