Bernie Taupin is best known as the genius songwriter behind many of Sir Elton John’s biggest hits. Starting in the 1960s, he wrote the vast majority of Elton’s songs, and thus created one of the most successful partnerships in music history.
While Sir Elton John naturally took most of the limelight, Bernie stayed relatively lesser known. However, Bernie Taupin has now released a debut memoir, Scattershot, which goes into detail about the partnership that made music history, sharing stories from his own perspective, and divulging never-heard-before tales from his own life and childhood.
Meet Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin was born in Lincolnshire, England in 1950 in a farmhouse with no electricity.
Bernie wasn’t a particularly dedicated student, but he did show an interest and talent in writing. He therefore left school at 15 and started working in the print room of a local newspaper in hopes of becoming a journalist. The job didn’t last however, and he spent a few years kicking back and generally enjoying life.
At 17 years of age, Taupin discovered an advertisement in a music paper from Liberty Records, who were looking for new songwriters. He applied, and little did he know, Elton John applied too. The partnership that followed produced some of the greatest hits of all time.
Some of Bernie’s greatest song writing achievements include ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Candle in the Wind’, and ‘I’m Still Standing’.
Both Bernie and Elton were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, and they won the Oscar for Best Original Song for ‘(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again) in 2020. In 2022, Taupin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music, and in 2023, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
What books has Bernie Taupin written?
Taupin’s published writing to date includes his debut memoir, Scattershot. He is primarily known for his songwriting rather than a large body of books.
What genre does Bernie Taupin write in?
As an author, Taupin’s memoir is nonfiction/memoir focused on music and life. Professionally he is best known as a lyricist for pop/rock songs written for Elton John.
What themes does Bernie Taupin explore in his writing?
His writing and memoir focus on the songwriting partnership with Elton John, stories from his life and childhood, the creative process, and chronicling moments that informed his lyrics.
Where should I start if I want to read or explore Bernie Taupin’s work?
Start with his memoir Scattershot for his personal perspective. To hear his work as a writer, listen to major songs he wrote lyrics for, such as 'Your Song,' 'Rocket Man,' 'Candle in the Wind,' and 'I’m Still Standing.'
What major awards and honors has Bernie Taupin received for his work?
Notable honours include induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992), an Oscar for Best Original Song for '(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again' (2020), appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2022, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
