(Gibson) On this day in 1973, Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard singles chart. Nearly four decades after Simon's blockbuster hit ruled the airwaves, people still don't fully know exactly whom she was singing about.Could it be Mick Jagger? He sang (uncredited) backing vocals on the single. Could it be James Taylor? He and Simon were married not long before the song hit the charts. Could it be Warren Beatty? He and Simon had been in a relationship prior to the writing of the tune. Or could it be Cat Stevens? Nick Nolte? Kris Kristofferson? David Bowie? David Geffen? David Cassidy?
Although Simon has never revealed the subject of the tune to the public, she has been giving away clues "in drips and drabs" for more than 30 years. Plus, she's ruled out a few of the usual suspects.
For instance, she dispelled the rumor that "You're So Vain" has anything to do with Jagger, save for his work as a vocalist. In 2001, she said "The apricot scarf was worn by Nick [Nolte]. Nothing in the words referred to Mick." The scarf in question is referenced early in the song's lyrics "Your scarf it was apricot
" Simon also ruled out Taylor back in 1973 and even told Rolling Stone that James had asked his then-wife if the song was about him. more on this story
