First released (as “Country Comforts”) by Rod Stewart (June 1970).
Also recorded by Orange Bicycle (Sept 1970), Kate Taylor w/ Linda Ronstadt (1971).
Hit album version by Elton John (NZ #15 Oct 1970).
“Written by Elton John, ‘Country Comfort’ would be first recorded and released by two other artists (as ‘Country Comforts’) in the months prior to John’s own release in October 1970: by Rod Stewart (on Gasoline Alley) in June 1970, and by Orange Bicycle in September 1970.
“John’s ‘Country Comfort’ would be released as a single from the album Tumbleweed Connection, with ‘Love Song’ as the B-side, with no apparent chart impact – except in New Zealand where the single peaked at #15. The album, however, went Top-5 in both the UK and the US. In 2003, Tumbleweed Connection was ranked #463 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
“Kate Taylor (sister of James) covered ‘Country Comfort’ in 1974, for her album Sister Kate, with Linda Ronstadt. Rod Stewart also performed the song live, with headliner Elton John dressed as a hornet, at a benefit concert for the Watford (UK) football club at the Vicarage Road Stadium in May, 1974.”
Orange Bicycle, “Country Comforts” (Sept 1970):
Elton John, “Country Comfort” (Oct 1970):
Kate Taylor with Linda Ronstadt, “Country Comfort” (1971):
Rod Stewart & Elton John, “Country Comfort” live performance at Watford (1974):