The legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin celebrates 74 today
Taupin and Elton John’s collaboration has produced some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century
The legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin celebrates 74 today
Bernie Taupin was born on May 22, 1950, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England. Growing up in the rural landscape of England, Taupin developed a love for storytelling and poetry at a young age. His upbringing in a farming family instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and simplicity, themes that would later influence his songwriting.
Taupin’s entry into the music industry came about through a serendipitous encounter. In 1967, at the age of 17, he responded to an advertisement placed by Liberty Records, seeking new songwriters. This led to his meeting with a young pianist named Reginald Dwight, who would soon be known as Elton John. The pair clicked immediately, marking the beginning of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history.
Taupin and Elton John’s collaboration has produced some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. Taupin, as the lyricist, and John, as the composer, created a body of work that spans decades and includes numerous chart-topping hits. Some of their most memorable songs include “Your Song” (1970) – one of their earliest hits, this song became an instant classic and remains a staple in Elton John’s performances, “Rocket Man” (1972) – a signature song that captures the sense of loneliness and wonder experienced by an astronaut, it remains one of their most beloved track, “Tiny Dancer” (1971) – known for its evocative lyrics and melodic composition, this song has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a cultural touchstone, “Candle in the Wind” (1973 and 1997) – originally written in honor of Marilyn Monroe, the song was reworked in 1997 as a tribute to Princess Diana, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) – the title track of their double album, a reflective piece that showcases Taupin’s lyrical storytelling and “Bennie and the Jets” (1973) – a unique and enduring hit, notable for its catchy rhythm and satirical lyrics, among countless other songs.
While Taupin is best known for his work with Elton John, he has also pursued solo projects and collaborations with other artists. He released a few solo albums, such as “Taupin” (1971) and “He Who Rides the Tiger” (1980), although they did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his work with John.
Taupin has also written lyrics for other musicians, including Alice Cooper, Heart, and Rod Stewart. His versatility as a lyricist has allowed him to explore different musical genres and styles, maintaining his relevance in the industry.
As of recent years, Bernie Taupin continues to collaborate with Elton John, their partnership remaining strong and creatively fruitful. They have worked on several recent projects, including the 2019 biographical film “Rocketman,” which tells the story of Elton John’s life and career, with Taupin’s lyrics playing a central role.
In addition to his ongoing work in music, Taupin is also an accomplished visual artist, with his paintings and mixed media artworks exhibited in galleries across the United States. Today he celebrates 74.
Watch Elton John and Bernie Taupin accepting The Gershwin Prize in 2024
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