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St. Paul, Minn.

Lennon's only solo No. 1 song during his lifetime included Elton John

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Today's Morning Edition music is from John Lennon with "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," which was No. 1 on the Billboard charts 40 years ago today.

It was Lennon's first and only solo release that reached the top of the charts during his lifetime.

You can also hear Elton John on the recording. He played the piano and provided background vocals.

Lennon was not convinced that the song would be a hit, but John was. They even made a bet that if it topped the charts, Lennon would join John on stage.

Lennon made good on the bet on Nov. 28, 1974, at Madison Square Garden in New York. It would be Lennon's last live concert performance.

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