519: Carly Simon releases “You’re So Vain”
Carly Simon’s smash “You’re So Vain” has led to much gossip since its release in 1972. The song, a biting kiss-off to a self-absorbed womanizer, was a #1 hit and spawned what fans consider to be one of the enduring musical mysteries of the 70s. Who is the song about? Guesses have included Mick Jagger (who lent backing vocals), Warren Beatty and Simon’s ex James Taylor. Despite the inevitability of reporters pressing Simon for answers, she has never given up the goods. In 1989 she stated some of it was inspired by Beatty but in a composite with other men she dated in the early 70s. Beatty, in fact, believes that the song is about him. “I’ll bet you think this song is about you…”, eh? Dick Ebersol, NBC exec, was the highest bidder in a charity auction in which the prize was Simon revealing the subject’s name on the condition the answer not be released to the press.