When you think of Elton John’s biggest hits, you probably picture his iconic voice, flamboyant costumes, and electrifying performances. But behind the glitz and glamour is a quiet, poetic force who penned the words that brought those melodies to life – Bernie Taupin. Taupin’s decades-long collaboration with Elton John is one of the most successful partnerships in music history, and his lyrical magic has helped shape the soundtrack of generations.
With a net worth of $200 million, Bernie Taupin’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. But beyond the awards and accolades, his story is one of serendipity, creativity, and a love affair with language.
Humble Beginnings in Rural England
Bernard John Taupin was born on May 22, 1950, in the quaint town of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England. Raised on a farm with no electricity, Bernie’s upbringing was far from the rock and roll world he would eventually inhabit. His family, with French roots, instilled in him a love for storytelling and creativity.
As a child, Bernie wasn’t exactly a star pupil. While his brothers excelled academically, Bernie’s gifts lay elsewhere – in the realm of creative writing and poetry. By 15, he took a job as a trainee at a local newspaper, but it wasn’t long before the restless teen set off on adventures across England, hitchhiking with friends and scraping by with part-time jobs.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
In 1967, fate stepped in. Liberty Records placed an ad in a newspaper seeking new songwriters. Bernie answered the ad but failed the audition. As luck would have it, another struggling artist named Reginald Dwight (Elton John) also failed. However, Elton stumbled upon Bernie’s poems and was captivated by his words.
From that point on, the duo became inseparable, and thus began one of music’s most iconic partnerships. Bernie provided the lyrics, while Elton crafted the melodies. Their process was simple yet magical – Bernie would hand Elton sheets of lyrics, and Elton would disappear to the piano, often returning with a fully composed hit within hours.
The Hits That Defined an Era
Taupin’s poetic, heartfelt, and often deeply personal lyrics became the backbone of Elton John’s career. Their first major success came with “Your Song” in 1970, a tender ballad that catapulted both artists into the limelight.
Over the next few decades, Bernie and Elton crafted hit after hit, including:
- “Rocket Man” (1972) – A reflection on isolation and fame that reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Candle in the Wind” (1973, 1997) – Initially a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the reworked version honoring Princess Diana became one of the best-selling singles in history.
- “Tiny Dancer” (1972) – Although it didn’t chart high initially, the song’s popularity surged after being featured in the film “Almost Famous.”
- “Crocodile Rock” (1973) – Elton’s first U.S. No. 1 hit, driven by Bernie’s playful lyrics.
- “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (1974) – An emotional anthem that has endured for generations.
Taupin famously dislikes “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” despite its massive success. But even the songs he’s not fond of have cemented his status as one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
A Brief Separation – And a Triumphant Reunion
In 1977, Taupin and John briefly parted ways, allowing Bernie to collaborate with artists like Alice Cooper. However, by 1980, the pair reunited, and the hits kept coming.
Beyond his work with Elton, Taupin’s talents extended into film and Broadway. He contributed to Disney’s “The Lion King” and co-wrote the screenplay for the Elton John biopic “Rocketman.” His work on “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” won him and Elton an Academy Award in 2020.
A Life of Art and Horses
Now at 74 years old, Bernie Taupin lives a quieter life in Santa Barbara County, California, with his wife Heather Kidd and their two children. The couple married in 2004, marking Bernie’s fourth marriage. His previous marriages include Maxine Feibelman (1971-1976), Toni Lynn Russo (1979-1991), and Stephanie Haymes Roven (1993-1998).
A man of many talents, Taupin is also an accomplished visual artist. Since 2010, his artwork has been exhibited across North America, proving that his creativity isn’t limited to songwriting.
In 2017, Bernie listed his 30-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for $4.7 million. The property, complete with a horse arena and equestrian center, reflected his love of horses – though he reportedly no longer rides, prompting the sale.
The Value of a Timeless Catalog
A significant portion of Bernie Taupin’s $200 million net worth comes from the immense value of his and Elton John’s song catalog. With decades of hits that continue to be streamed, covered, and licensed globally, the royalties alone ensure his financial legacy.
In 1992, Bernie and Elton were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a partnership that has stood the test of time.
The Legacy of Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin’s story is proof that sometimes the most powerful figures in music aren’t the ones in the spotlight – they’re the poets behind the scenes. His words have given life to songs that have comforted, inspired, and uplifted millions.
Through every era of Elton John’s career, Bernie Taupin has been the steady hand, crafting the lyrics that continue to resonate with fans across the world. And as long as those songs play, the legacy of Bernie Taupin will endure – a quiet but monumental force in the world of music.
