Born on this day in 1950, Bernie Taupin, the English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, and just announced Class of 2023 Rock Hall Inductee, turns 74.
The duo has collaborated on more than thirty albums to date. Taupin's lyrics include such songs as "Rocket Man", "Levon", "Crocodile Rock", "Honky Cat", "Tiny Dancer", "Candle in the Wind", "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters", "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", "The Bitch is Back", "Daniel", and 1970's "Your Song", their first hit. Hits in the 1980s include "I'm Still Standing", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", "Sad Songs", and "Nikita." In the 1990s, Taupin and John had more hits, including "The One", "Simple Life", "The Last Song", "Club at the End of the Street" and "Believe." In September 1997, Taupin rewrote the lyrics of "Candle in the Wind" for "Candle in the Wind 1997", a tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
In his honor, watch Elton John and Bernie Taupin discuss the inspiration behind some of their most beloved songs.
Bernie Taupin talks with Lee Cowan about writing the words for the 1975 Elton John song "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," and how it was inspired by John's "very feeble" attempt at suicide. Taupin also comments on using the American flag as art (below)