Philadelphia Freedom (song) Philadelphia Freedom (song) "Philadelphia Freedom" is a song released by The Elton John Band as a single in 1975. The song was the fourth of Elton John's six number 1 US hits during the early and mid-1970s, which saw his recordings dominating the charts. In Canada it was his eighth single to hit the top of the "RPM" national singles chart. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King. King was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene
Billie Jean King support the women's sports movement after becoming friends with King. Actress Holly Hunter portrayed King in the 2001 ABC television film "When Billie Beat Bobby". King played a judge on "Law & Order" in 2007, and appeared as herself on "The Odd Couple" in 1973, "Ugly Betty" in May 2009, and "Fresh Off The Boat" in 2016"." Actress Emma Stone portrayed King in the 2017 biopic "Battle of the Sexes". The Ted Tinling designed dress King wore for the real "Battle of the Sexes" match is part of a Smithsonian Museum collection. Billie Jean and Larry King were engaged in