Bernie Taupin Early Career and Songwriting Partnership with Elton John
Bernie Taupin is an English lyricist and songwriter best known for his decades-long collaboration with Elton John. The pair met in 1967 after answering a Liberty Records ad for songwriters, and their first album, Empty Sky, was released in 1969. Taupin wrote the lyrics for most of Elton John's biggest hits, including Candle in the Wind, Tiny Dancer, and Rocket Man. Their partnership produced more than 30 studio albums and made them one of the most successful songwriting duos in popular music history. For background on Elton John's career and business, see Forbes.
Taupin's lyrics often focus on narrative storytelling, social commentary, and vivid imagery. He has described his approach as writing the story first and then fitting Elton John's melodies to his words. This method produced a catalog of songs that topped charts in the United States and the United Kingdom for more than five decades. The duo's work has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More details on Taupin's early albums and credits are available through Discogs.
Bernie Taupin Solo Albums and Non-Elton John Projects
Solo Studio Albums and Collaborations
Beyond his work with Elton John, Taupin has released several solo albums. His 1971 solo debut, Taupin, featured instrumental tracks with lyrics only. He later released albums such as He Who Rides the Tiger in 1980 and Tenderness Is a Weakness in 1982. In 2022, Taupin released The Devil Made Me Do It, his first solo album in over four decades, which included new original songs and re-recordings of classic Elton John tracks with his own lyrics. The album reached the top of the UK Albums Chart and charted on Billboard. More information on Taupin's solo releases can be found on AllMusic.
Collaborative Works and Other Writing Credits
Taupin has also written songs for other artists and contributed to film soundtracks. He co-wrote the score for the 2019 animated film Rocketman, a biographical musical about Elton John's life. The film's soundtrack earned a Grammy nomination and featured Taupin's lyrics alongside Elton John's compositions. Taupin has also collaborated with other musicians on projects outside the Elton John catalog, including work with Alice Cooper and Kiki Dee. His publishing company, Dick James Music, manages much of his songwriting catalog. Details on licensing and publishing can be explored through ASCAP.
Bernie Taupin Discography Impact, Rankings, and Legacy
Chart Performance and Sales
Albums from the Elton John and Bernie Taupin catalog have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. Songs written by Taupin have topped charts in more than 20 countries and have been streamed billions of times on digital platforms. His lyrics have been covered by artists across genres, from Whitney Houston to Lady Gaga. The enduring popularity of Taupin's words continues to influence new generations of songwriters. Industry data on catalog sales and streaming performance is regularly reported by RIAA.