Bernie Taupin
The wordsmith whose poems fuel the melodies of a global legend.
Bernie Taupin is the lyricist half of the legendary songwriting partnership with Elton John, responsible for the words behind countless iconic songs. Their unusual collaborative style—referenced in the title of the 1991 tribute album Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin—involves Taupin writing lyrics first, which John then sets to music. This method has produced a vast catalog of hits, including those covered on the tribute album, which features interpretations of sixteen of their songs by various artists.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Bernard John Taupin
- Born
- 22 May 1950
- Birthplace
- Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England
- Genre
- Rock
- pop
- country
- Occupation
- Lyricist; visual artist
- Years active
- 1967–present
- Spouse
- Maxine Feibelman, 1971, 1977, Toni Lynn Russo, 1979, 1991, Stephanie Haymes Roven, 1993, 1998, Heather Kidd, 2004
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The tribute album Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin was released on 14 October 1991 by Mercury Records in the UK and on 22 October by Polydor Records in the US. Its title refers both to the song 'Two Rooms at the End of the World' from John's album 21 at 33 and to the duo's unusual collaborative style—a method where Taupin writes lyrics independently and John composes music separately. A companion documentary of the same name was released internationally on VHS (90 minutes) and aired as a one-hour ABC television special in 1992, hosted by Sylvester Stallone. The television version featured appearances by Bruce Hornsby, George Michael, Hall & Oates, and Oleta Adams, though these artists did not appear in the VHS version.
Reader's Guide
Bernie Taupin serves as the essential architect of narrative within Elton John's music. His role is not merely that of a hired gun but the co-creator who defines the emotional landscape of their songs. By providing lyrics first, he sets the tone and imagery, allowing Elton to interpret these words through melody and harmony. This division of labor has been the cornerstone of their productivity for over half a century. Their personal relationship is characterized by a deep, enduring friendship that predates their massive fame. They have navigated the complexities of stardom together, often prioritizing their creative bond over individual glory. Bernie's contributions extend beyond writing; he acts as a grounding force and a trusted confidant in Elton's life. In the broader context of the music industry, they are viewed as an inseparable unit. Fans recognize that while Elton is the voice, Bernie is the story. Their ability to evolve together through changing musical eras demonstrates a rare artistic synergy that has kept them relevant and beloved across generations.
Did You Know?
- Kate Bush's reggae-inflected cover of 'Rocket Man' from the album won The Observer readers' award for greatest cover of all time in 2007.
- Tina Turner's version of 'The Bitch Is Back' from the album was nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards.
- Wilson Phillips' cover of 'Daniel' peaked at number seven on the US Adult Contemporary chart due to strong radio airplay, despite not being released as a single.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bernie Taupin?
He is the English lyricist who has served as Elton John's primary songwriting partner since 1967. Their collaboration stands as one of the most successful partnerships in rock history.
When did they start working together?
Their professional relationship began in early 1967 after an agency sent Bernie's poems to Elton. They have maintained this creative bond continuously for over fifty years.
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