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Photo- Terry O'Neill/ Iconic Images

Elton John and Bernie Taupin: Rocketman's Songwriting Duo

There aren't many legendary musical collaborations that can compare to the mutually beneficial genius of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

22 December 2024

Elton John and Bernie Taupin have collaborated to create some of the most well-known songs in music history, influencing the style of many generations and reinventing the songwriting technique. Bernie wrote the words that gave his compositions depth and storyline in a modest manner while Elton wowed with his extravagant stage presence and keyboard prowess. The beauty that occurs when two different artistic voices come together is demonstrated by their creative bond.


When both Elton and Bernie replied to the same Liberty Records ad looking for songwriters in 1967, the tale of their partnership officially began. As a fledgling musician at the time, Elton John had songs but no lyrics to go with them. Elton's songs were the ideal setting for the evocative words of a poet from Lincolnshire, England, named Bernie Taupin. It was a musical combination made in heaven.


It was evident from their first joint venture that they had discovered something unique. Unlike other songwriting duos, Elton and Bernie rarely collaborated in the same room, so their collaboration defied expectations. Independently writing the lyrics, Bernie would frequently forward them to Elton, who would then use his tunes to make them come to life. They were able to work with unmatched speed thanks to their unconventional approach, creating songs that combined storytelling, reflection, and unrestrained emotion.


When "Your Song," their first big hit, was released in 1970, it instantly became a classic. The tender piano ballad demonstrated Bernie's sincere lyrics and Elton's skill at transforming them into tunes that were both universal and intensely intimate. As the pair continued to produce hits throughout the 1970s, it marked the start of a golden age for them.


Their dynamic range is demonstrated by songs like "Bennie and the Jets," "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Elton's melodies added theatricality and emotion to Bernie's lyrics, which explored themes of love, celebrity, alienation, and amazement. Their songs were anthems that captured the essence of the era while remaining eternal, not merely singles.


Many people consider their 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to be among the best albums ever made. The record demonstrated their ability to fluidly move between genres and emotions, from the raw rock energy of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" to the cinematic grandeur of "Candle in the Wind."


Elton and Bernie's partnership changed along with the music business and their individual lives. Elton temporarily collaborated with other lyricists during the 1980s, which caused a lapse in their creative synergy. Their reunification in the late 1980s, however, signalled a return to their creative peak and resulted in poignant ballads like "Sacrifice" and "The One."


Elton and Bernie stayed loyal to their artistic identity despite changes in musical trends. Their later creations, such as the 1997 Princess Diana-themed remake of "Candle in the Wind," cemented their legacy in cultural history. Decades after it began, the single became one of the best-selling songs ever, demonstrating that their creative collaboration could still have an impact on audiences throughout the world.


Why is the partnership between Bernie Taupin and Elton John so enduring? It's their appreciation of one another's abilities and mutual respect. Bernie has frequently compared their relationship, which is based on trust and an instinctive grasp of their respective duties, to a marriage. Elton thrives in the spotlight while Bernie avoids it, striking a balance that has maintained their creative collaboration for more than 50 years.


Their creativity has also been influenced by their divergent personalities. While Elton's lively tunes and performances highlight those feelings, Bernie's reflective, poetic lyrics frequently capture the more subdued aspects of the human experience. They have united to close the gap between widespread appeal and introspection.


The impact of Bernie Taupin and Elton John goes much beyond their number-one records. Their distinctive songwriting style has served as an inspiration to innumerable musicians, and they have proven the value of teamwork in artistic pursuits. Their songs are now beloved by fans worldwide, used in movies, and performed by musicians of all genres. They have also become mainstays of pop culture.


The 2019 film Rocketman, which emphasised their ongoing relationship and the creative spark that has driven their work for decades, immortalised their narrative. The movie established their place as one of the greatest songwriting duos of all time and reminded viewers of the enormous influence their music has had on the world.


Elton John and Bernie Taupin's creative cooperation is proof of the power of teamwork. They have made a lasting impression on music history with their ability to combine memorable tunes with literary lyrics. As Bernie considers a lifetime of writing and Elton continues his farewell tours, their legacy is as strong and impactful as ever—a reminder that sometimes the greatest art is created through cooperation, trust, and a common goal.

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