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Bernie Taupin: The Lyricist Behind Elton John's Hits
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Bernie Taupin, an English lyricist and visual artist born in 1950, is best known for his legendary songwriting partnership with Elton John, which has spanned over five decades and produced numerous chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums.
Early Life as a Lincolnshire Farm Boy
wsj.com
Bernie Taupin was born in 1950 at Flatters House, a farmhouse near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England. Growing up in a rural setting, Taupin developed an early fascination with narrative poetry and storytelling, which would later influence his songwriting career
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. His father, Robert, was a stockman on a large farm estate, while his mother, Daphne, had spent time in Switzerland during World War II before working as a governess2
. Taupin's childhood was marked by frequent moves as his family sought better farming opportunities, eventually settling in Owmby-by-Spital when he was nine2
. Unlike his academically inclined older brother, Taupin left school at 15 and briefly worked at a local newspaper before answering an advertisement from Liberty Records that would lead to his fateful meeting with Reg Dwight, later known as Elton John2
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Breakthrough: Elton John Partnership Begins
vulture.com
Bernie Taupin's breakthrough came in 1967 when he answered an advertisement from Liberty Records seeking new talent. This fateful decision led to his introduction to Reg Dwight, later known as Elton John, marking the beginning of their legendary songwriting partnership
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. Their collaboration quickly gained momentum, with early successes like "Your Song" in 1970 establishing them as a formidable creative duo3
. Throughout the 1970s, Taupin and John produced a string of hit singles and albums, including classics like "Rocket Man," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"1
. Their unique method of working separately - with Taupin writing lyrics and John composing music - proved incredibly successful, resulting in over 300 million record sales worldwide over five decades3
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Bernie Taupin (Photos)
rollingstone.com
en.wikipedia.org
billboard.com
Bernie Taupin's Discography
Bernie Taupin's discography extends beyond his collaborations with Elton John, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and musician. Here's a concise overview of his solo work and other notable projects:
Throughout his career, Taupin has also contributed lyrics to various artists beyond Elton John, including Alice Cooper and Heart, further demonstrating his impact on rock music.
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Taupin | Bernie's debut solo album 1 |
| 1980 | He Who Rides the Tiger | Second solo album 1 |
| 1987 | Tribe | Third solo album 1 |
| 1996 | Last Stand in Open Country | With Farm Dogs 1 |
| 1998 | Immigrant Sons | Second album with Farm Dogs 1 |
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His work with Farm Dogs in the 1990s showcased his interest in Americana and roots music, reflecting his passion for the American West.1
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Bernie Taupin's Awards and Honors
Bernie Taupin's illustrious career has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and songwriting. Here's a summary of some of his most significant accolades:
These awards highlight Taupin's enduring impact on popular music, particularly his collaborations with Elton John. The Gershwin Prize, awarded in 2024, recognizes their collective influence on generations of music lovers over more than 50 years of partnership
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Academy Award | Best Original Song | "I'm Gonna Love Me Again" from Rocketman 1 |
| 2020 | Golden Globe | Best Original Song - Motion Picture | "I'm Gonna Love Me Again" from Rocketman 2 |
| 2006 | Golden Globe | Best Original Song - Motion Picture | "A Love That Will Never Grow Old" from Brokeback Mountain 2 |
| 2019 | Satellite Award | Best Original Song | "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman 3 |
| 2024 | Library of Congress Gershwin Prize | Popular Song | Lifetime achievement (with Elton John) 4 |
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Bernie Taupin's Interviews (Videos)
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Bernie Beyond Elvis: Diverse Musical Collaborations
vulture.com
Bernie Taupin's musical contributions extend far beyond his iconic collaborative relationship with Elton John, encompassing a diverse range of genres and artists. His love for American country music and blues, which developed during his youth in rural England, significantly influenced his songwriting style throughout the 20th century and beyond
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. Taupin's versatility as a lyricist led him to work with various rock and blues artists, resulting in several breakthrough songs and best-selling singles outside of his partnership with John2
. For instance, he co-wrote Alice Cooper's 1978 hit "How You Gonna See Me Now" and Starship's 1985 anthem "We Built This City"3
. Taupin's passion for American culture also manifested in his work with Farm Dogs, producing two albums that explored Americana and roots music4
. His ability to craft compelling narratives across different musical styles has solidified his status as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century, with his impact extending well beyond his best-known collaborative works1
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Bernie Taupin's Personal Life
montecitojournal.net
Bernie Taupin's personal life has been as colorful as his lyrics. He has been married four times, with his current marriage to Heather Kidd, whom he met in 1998, being the most enduring
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. Taupin and Kidd have two daughters together, and he describes their relationship as a profound emotional connection that he had never experienced before1
. Throughout his life, Taupin has battled with substance abuse, particularly cocaine in the late 1970s and 1980s, though he claims he was never at risk of losing his life to drugs1
. In recent years, Taupin has rediscovered his Christian faith, though he shies away from the term "born-again"1
. His autobiography, "Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton and Me," published in 2023, offers intimate insights into his life, including his relationships, creative process, and his decades-long partnership with Elton John2
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Closing Thoughts on Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin's impact on the music industry extends far beyond his legendary collaboration with Elton John. His lyrical prowess has shaped countless albums, singles, and songs across various genres, from rock to blues. The amazing working relationship between Taupin and John produced some of the most iconic 70s albums, consistently topping the album charts and earning praise from music critics and publications like Rolling Stone. Their collaboration albums, including the introspective "Blue Moves," showcased Taupin's versatility as a songwriter, crafting everything from intricate narratives like "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" to chart-topping hits.
Taupin's influence reaches beyond his work with John, as evidenced by his collaborations with other artists such as Alice Cooper. His ability to craft compelling lyrics has not only resulted in numerous hit singles but also inspired him to write books about his experiences in the music industry. The enduring nature of Taupin's songs and his continued relevance in rock music underscore the depth of his talent and the strength of his amazing working relationship with Elton John, a partnership that has left an indelible mark on popular music for over five decades.
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