Released May 1979 Genre Soul Label MCA | Recorded October 1977 Length 4:02 | |
B-side "Three Way Love Affair" | ||
"Mama Can't Buy You Love" is a hit single for British singer/songwriter Elton John from the EP The Thom Bell Sessions. The song was written by LeRoy Bell and Casey James (of Bell and James fame). Bowing at number 69 on the Hot 100 on 9 June 1979, the track became John's first US top ten hit in almost three years when it peaked at number 9 on 25 August 1979. "Mama Can't Buy You Love" also spent one week at number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In the US, it was certified gold on 17 August 1979 by the RIAA.
The chord structure of the opening instrumental of "Mama Can't Buy You Love" bears a strong resemblance to the chord structure of the opening instrumental of Ronnie Dyson's "One Man Band (Plays All Alone)" (after the site's short instrumental section). According to the Hot 100, Thom Bell produced both records.