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Bohemian Rhapsody

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by Freddie Mercury and released in 1975 on the album "A Night at the Opera." It is known for its unusual multi-section structure, combining ballad, opera, and hard rock elements, and it became one of Queen's most famous songs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by Freddie Mercury and released in 1975 on the album "A Night at the Opera." It is known for its unusual multi-section structure, combining ballad, opera, and hard rock elements, and it became one of Queen's most famous songs. The song is often described as a rock opera.

Background and composition

"Bohemian Rhapsody" was written by Freddie Mercury and developed as an ambitious rock composition with multiple contrasting sections. Its structure combines an a cappella opening, ballad passages, operatic segments, and hard rock.

Release and reception

The song was released in 1975 and quickly became a major commercial success. It spent nine weeks at number one in the United Kingdom and became one of Queen's defining recordings.

Legacy

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is widely regarded as one of Queen's best-known songs and has received major industry recognition, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2022. The song remains widely recognised in Canada through Queen's continued popularity on radio, streaming, and classic rock formats, and it is part of the broader North American rock canon.

Key facts

  • "Bohemian Rhapsody" was released on 31 October 1975 as part of Queen's album "A Night at the Opera."
  • The song was written by Freddie Mercury.
  • It is notable for its unconventional structure and lack of a traditional chorus.
  • It became a major hit in the United Kingdom, where it spent nine weeks at number one.
  • The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and added to the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2022.
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Canadian context

The song remains widely recognised in Canada through Queen's continued popularity on radio, streaming, and classic rock formats, and it is part of the broader North American rock canon.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Bohemian Rhapsody"?
The song was written by Freddie Mercury.
When was "Bohemian Rhapsody" released?
It was released on 31 October 1975.
What album is "Bohemian Rhapsody" on?
It appears on Queen's album "A Night at the Opera."
What kind of song is "Bohemian Rhapsody"?
It is often described as a rock opera because it blends ballad, opera, and hard rock sections.
How successful was "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the charts?
It reached number one in the UK and stayed there for nine weeks.
Has "Bohemian Rhapsody" received any honours?
Yes. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 and added to the National Recording Registry in 2022.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Rhapsody
    Supports: Song by Queen, written by Freddie Mercury, released as lead single from A Night at the Opera, and its multi-section structure.
  2. WFTVhttps://www.wftv.com/news/trending-now/bohemian-rhapsody-some-things-to-know-about-queens-iconic-hit-song/864999903/
    Supports: Release date, album, runtime, UK chart performance, and Grammy Hall of Fame induction.
  3. Billboardhttps://www.billboard.com/lists/queen-bohemian-rhapsody-anniversary-things-to-know/
    Supports: Release date, Grammy Hall of Fame induction, National Recording Registry inclusion, and Diamond certification.
  4. Mental Flosshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/10-operatic-facts-about-bohemian-rhapsody
    Supports: Release date, UK chart performance, and Grammy Hall of Fame induction.
  5. uDiscover Musichttps://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/queen-bohemian-rhapsody-song-history/
    Supports: Freddie Mercury authorship, release date, and historical significance.