Published almost on the anniversary of OoaLH charting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 is this article from Guitar Player regarding the creation of said hit single. I'm assuming it was originally a part of the main interview published last month.
https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/yes-how-i-wrote-owner-of-a-lonely-heart
And...it's a story long-time fans know very well. Or at least one of many stories. Just for perspective's sake I found this article which is from 2021 featuring Jon's point of view.
https://www.rhino.com/article/deep-dive-yes-owner-of-a-lonely-heart
And then another article from 2021 also featuring other perspectives...
https://www.loudersound.com/features/yes-story-behind-owner-of-a-lonely-heat
Given the 40th anniversary of 90125 a few months back there's been a lot of coverage about the album and the song published of late (as example, one posted on the BraveWords website last month). But one thing which stuck out for me in this latest one was this bit:
He learned it had reached number one while vacationing in Miami. As he celebrated with a glass of champagne by the hotel pool, a woman whisking down a water slide slammed into him and ruptured his spleen.
Trevor told the story of the accident (and Shelley's heroic effort to pull him out of the pool all on her own) during his Guitar Center in-store appearance in 2012. He stated it happened on his birthday, January 13th. The day "Owner" hit number one was January 21st (which is one helluva belated bday present). But it certainly makes for a dramatic scene, right? Trevor's greatest career triumph followed by a life-threatening accident, how fortunes can change from one minute to the next. Heck, even just a freak accident happening on your birthday is enough drama for anyone.
All that to say...I think this is an interesting example of how - when a cultural artifact is so revered, so famous - there are always going to be differing perspectives regarding how and why it is special, how it was created, and the truth likely lies somewhere in between.
