Elton John’s Step Into Christmas Certified Platinum After 50 Years

🎖️ Historic Platinum Achievement Recognizes Enduring Appeal

The Recording Industry Association of America recently certified Elton John’s Step Into Christmas certified platinum status. This incredible milestone recognizes over one million certified units in the United States alone. The achievement comes more than 50 years after the song first graced airwaves in November 1973. Originally released as a non-album single, the track became an instant classic rock holiday favorite. Producer Gus Dudgeon captured the festive magic during a November 11, 1973 recording session at London’s Morgan Studios.

The platinum certification represents decades of consistent popularity. Each holiday season brings renewed interest in this timeless composition. Streaming services and radio stations feature the song prominently throughout December. Digital downloads and physical sales continue to accumulate year after year. The RIAA’s platinum recognition validates the song’s permanent place in holiday music history. It stands alongside other legendary Christmas classics that define the season.

📊 Five Decades of Chart Success and Holiday Dominance

Elton John’s Step Into Christmas certified platinum achievement reflects sustained chart performance across multiple generations. The song peaked at Number 1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart upon its initial release. It spent seven weeks on the UK Singles Chart, reaching Number 24 in 1973. However, the song’s true legacy emerged over the following decades. The track has spent 44 weeks total on the Billboard Holiday Airplay chart. This demonstrates remarkable staying power that few holiday songs achieve.

The song’s resurgence in the UK proves particularly impressive. Since 2011, Step Into Christmas has re-entered the UK charts every single December. During the 2020-21 winter season, it achieved its highest UK position ever at Number 8. The 2019 chart performance marked another milestone when it reached a new peak position. These consistent chart returns demonstrate the song’s growing appeal with younger audiences. Modern streaming platforms introduced the classic to millions of new listeners. The combination of nostalgia and genuine musical quality keeps the song relevant.

🎬 New Video Starring Cara Delevingne Reimagines 1973 Classic

In December 2024, Elton John unveiled a spectacular new music video for Step Into Christmas. British actress and model Cara Delevingne portrays the legendary musician in this creative reimagining. The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the original 1973 shoot might have been like. Delevingne transforms completely into the role, wearing an outfit identical to Elton’s original costume. She even applied special makeup to mimic his signature tooth gap and adopted his iconic 1970s hairstyle.

The concept originated during a conversation between Elton and Cara at Glastonbury Festival 2024. Both share a self-deprecating sense of humor that made the collaboration natural. The new video shows a chaotic production environment with escaped turkeys and missing reindeer. Delevingne brilliantly mirrors Elton’s original dance moves and facial expressions from the 1973 video. She lip-syncs to the track while recreating iconic moments, including the famous red feather boa draped over the piano. The video went viral immediately upon release, garnering over 20 million views within 48 hours.

Cara expressed deep admiration for Elton’s influence on her life and career. She described playing him as a dream she didn’t know she had until it happened. The actress joked about hoping Elton might return the favor someday. She suggested he could play her in a future biopic project. The video coincides with the Disney+ premiere of classic rock news documentary Elton John: Never Too Late. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish, the film explores Elton’s remarkable 50-year career.

🎹 The Recording History Behind the Festive Masterpiece

The recording session for Step Into Christmas took place on November 11, 1973. Morgan Studios in London provided the perfect setting for capturing holiday magic. The studio belonged to drummer Barry Morgan, who previously collaborated with Elton on several albums. Producer Gus Dudgeon helmed the session with his characteristic attention to sonic detail. The team completed both the A-side and B-side track during this single productive session. Elton and Bernie deliberately avoided their typical album-oriented approach for this special release.

Elton told Melody Maker in 1973 that they had never written a song specifically tailored as a single. This marked a departure from their usual creative process. The production technique paid homage to Phil Spector’s famous Wall of Sound approach. Heavy compression created the dense, layered texture that defines the recording. Multiple instrumental tracks built up the orchestral feel that makes the song so memorable. The arrangement features prominent piano, strings, and festive percussion elements. Ray Cooper’s percussion work adds essential holiday atmosphere throughout the track.

The song appeared on various compilations over the decades following its release. It became a bonus track on the 1995 remastered reissue of Caribou. The track also features on Elton John’s Christmas Party, Rare Masters, and To Be Continued. Two different vocal versions exist in the archives. The original single mix remains the definitive version most people recognize. A second version comes from Elton’s 1973 performance on The Gilbert O’Sullivan Show television program. That performance featured Bernie Taupin filling in for Ray Cooper on percussion.

🎸 ESSENTIAL ELTON JOHN ALBUMS COLLECTION 🎵

Celebrate the platinum success of Step Into Christmas with these legendary albums from one of classic rock’s greatest artists

Step Into Christmas

Limited edition white vinyl pressing of the platinum-certified holiday classic.

Features the original 1973 recording that has become a seasonal favorite for over 50 years.

Perfect for collectors celebrating this timeless festive anthem.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Step Into Christmas

The newly platinum-certified holiday single that conquered five decades of charts.

Essential listening for anyone celebrating the season with timeless classic rock music.

A must-have addition to your holiday music collection.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

The iconic 1973 double album that defined an era of rock excellence.

Features timeless classics that showcase Elton’s songwriting genius at its absolute peak.

Released the same year as Step Into Christmas, cementing 1973 as Elton’s golden year.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Greatest Hits 1970-2002

Comprehensive collection spanning three decades of chart-topping brilliance.

Features all the essential hits including songs like Rocket Man and I’m Still Standing.

The perfect introduction to Elton’s legendary musical legacy.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Honky Château

The groundbreaking 1972 album that launched Elton into superstardom.

Features unforgettable tracks that defined early 70s rock excellence.

Recorded at the legendary Château d’Hérouville in France.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Captain Fantastic 50th Anniversary

Limited edition 50th anniversary pressing of the autobiographical masterpiece.

Chronicles Elton and Bernie’s journey from struggling artists to rock legends.

Collector’s item celebrating five decades of this conceptual triumph.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Caribou

The 1974 album that later featured Step Into Christmas as a bonus track.

Contains powerful rock anthems from Elton’s most productive creative period.

Essential listening for understanding the context of the holiday classic.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Rock of the Westies

The 1975 album showcasing Elton’s harder rock edge and musical evolution.

Demonstrates the versatility that made him one of rock’s greatest performers.

Features powerful arrangements and unforgettable melodies throughout.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player

The 1973 album that preceded Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in an incredible year.

Features memorable tracks that showcase Elton’s piano prowess and songwriting skills.

Essential for completing your collection from Elton’s golden era.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Madman Across the Water

The 1971 album that established Elton as a serious artistic force.

Features orchestral arrangements and poetic lyrics that defined his early sound.

A critical masterpiece that showcases the depth of the Elton-Bernie partnership.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Elton John

The 1970 self-titled breakthrough album that launched an incredible career.

Features the timeless hit that introduced the world to Elton’s unique style.

Where it all began for one of rock’s greatest legends.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

Tumbleweed Connection

The 1970 Americana-influenced concept album showcasing Elton’s versatility.

Features Western themes and storytelling that demonstrated Bernie’s lyrical range.

A cult classic among fans that deserves recognition alongside his bigger hits.

🛒 GET THIS ALBUM

🇬🇧 UK Recognition: Quadruple Platinum Status Achieved

The British Phonographic Industry certified Step Into Christmas Triple Platinum in December 2023. This remarkable achievement coincided with the song’s 50th anniversary celebration. The certification recognized 1,800,000 units sold and streamed in the United Kingdom. Just one year later in December 2024, the song achieved an even more impressive milestone. The BPI upgraded the certification to Quadruple Platinum, representing 2,400,000 units. This acceleration demonstrates the song’s growing popularity with each passing year.

The UK has always embraced Step Into Christmas with particular enthusiasm. The song returns to the UK charts every December without fail since 2011. This consistent annual performance represents an extraordinary achievement in British music history. Very few holiday songs maintain such reliable chart presence across multiple decades. The song reached Number 8 during the 2020-21 winter season, its highest position ever. This surpassed its original 1973 peak of Number 24 by a significant margin. The improved chart performance validates the song’s enduring quality and appeal. Modern audiences appreciate the track’s authentic festive spirit and timeless production values.

🌟 Cultural Impact and Cover Versions Through the Years

Step Into Christmas has inspired numerous artists across diverse musical genres to record their own interpretations. Post-punk legends The Wedding Present released a cover version in 1992. Their distinctive take brought the holiday classic to alternative rock audiences. Punk band The Business gave the song their high-energy treatment in 2007. The Puppini Sisters created a sophisticated big band arrangement in 2010. Their vintage-styled version showcased the song’s versatility and timeless melody. Country artist Max McCabe took the track in a completely different direction with his 2016 version.

Perhaps the most unconventional cover came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Metal-themed comedy talk show Two Minutes to Late Night collaborated with shock rock legends GWAR. Together they created a slightly adult-oriented version titled “Stab Into Christmas.” This humorous take demonstrated how the song’s fundamental appeal transcends genre boundaries. Each cover version introduces Step Into Christmas to new audiences who might not typically listen to classic rock artists. The diverse interpretations prove the song’s strong melodic foundation and universal holiday message. Artists continue discovering new ways to honor while reimagining this beloved classic.

❤️ Elton’s Heartfelt Gratitude to Fans

Elton John recently shared his thoughts on the platinum certification through social media platforms. Posing beside his platinum plaques, he expressed genuine appreciation for this special Christmas present. The iconic musician acknowledged the remarkable nature of a 50-year-old song continuing to thrive. He noted that the track sat in the UK Top 10 once again during the 2024 holiday season. This consistent performance demonstrates the song’s undiminished appeal across generations of listeners.

In his Instagram post, Elton thanked everyone who keeps stepping into Christmas year after year. His gratitude reflects genuine appreciation for fans’ continued support of his extensive catalog. The singer recognizes how special it feels knowing his music remains part of countless family traditions. Each December, millions of households include Step Into Christmas in their holiday celebrations. The song has become inseparable from the festive season for many people worldwide. Elton’s humble acknowledgment of this legacy demonstrates the grace that has defined his long career. He understands the privilege of creating music that transcends time and brings joy to so many.

🏆 Elton’s Legendary Career and Recent Achievements

Elton John stands among the top-selling solo artists in music history. His remarkable career has generated over 327 million record sales worldwide. In the UK and US charts alone, he has earned 2 Diamond certifications. He also holds 43 Platinum or Multi-Platinum albums alongside 26 Gold certifications. The legendary musician has scored over 85 Top 40 hits throughout his distinguished career. These achievements place him in an elite category of musical accomplishment.

His awards collection includes six Grammy Awards, with one being the prestigious Grammy Legend award. He has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Best British Male Artist Brit Award. Elton received induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Additional honors include the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, and 13 Ivor Novello Awards. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him for his services to music and charitable work. In January 2024, Elton joined the exclusive EGOT winners club after securing his first Emmy Award. The honor recognized his historic Disney+ concert special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.

President Emmanuel Macron of France awarded Elton the Légion d’honneur in June 2019. This represents France’s highest honor, recognizing his artistic contributions and HIV/AIDS advocacy work. The UK honored him with Companion of Honour status in the 2021 New Year Honours list. Only 64 people hold this distinguished recognition at any given time. President Biden presented him with the National Humanities Medal in September 2022. This acknowledged both his storied career and tireless advocacy work to end AIDS. The Elton John AIDS Foundation, established in 1992, has raised over $600 million. These funds support more than 3,000 projects across over 90 countries worldwide.

The year 2024 brought numerous additional achievements and recognition. Variety magazine honored him as Philanthropist of the Year for decades of humanitarian efforts. He announced plans to perform at the 2026 Rock in Rio festival, demonstrating his continued commitment to live performance. His collaboration with eleven-time Grammy winner Brandi Carlile, “Who Believes In Angels,” topped charts worldwide. The Victoria and Albert Museum’s Fragile Beauty exhibition showcases photography from Elton and David Furnish’s collection. Running through 2025, the exhibition has received widespread critical acclaim. His documentary Elton John: Never Too Late premiered on Disney+ in December 2024. The film offers an intimate look at his life and the extraordinary early days of his career. Additionally, he will perform at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

✨ Final Thoughts

The platinum certification of Elton John’s Step Into Christmas certified platinum achievement celebrates more than sales numbers. It recognizes a cultural phenomenon that has touched millions of lives across five decades. The song’s journey from a 1973 non-album single to a certified holiday classic demonstrates remarkable staying power. Modern streaming platforms and consistent radio airplay introduce the track to new generations each year. The collaboration between Elton John and Bernie Taupin created something truly timeless with this festive masterpiece.

The recent viral video featuring Cara Delevingne proves the song’s continued relevance in contemporary culture. Young audiences embrace the track’s authentic holiday spirit and genuine musical quality. Social media platforms help spread the festive joy to corners of the world previously unreached. The song’s simple message about stepping into Christmas together resonates across cultural and generational boundaries. It reminds listeners that the holiday season’s true magic lies in shared experiences and togetherness.

As families gather around speakers, streaming services, and radios each December, Step Into Christmas continues playing its important role. The song has become an integral part of countless holiday traditions worldwide. Children grow up hearing the track, then share it with their own children decades later. This generational transmission ensures the song’s legacy will extend far beyond the current platinum certification. Elton John’s gratitude toward fans who keep stepping into Christmas year after year reflects genuine humility. His masterpiece stands as testament to the enduring power of well-crafted music that celebrates joy, hope, and unity. The platinum-certified Step Into Christmas will undoubtedly continue bringing festive cheer for many generations to come, solidifying Elton’s status among the greatest classic rock artists of all time.