Bernie Taupin, songwriter responsible for beloved songs, talks about his partnership with Elton John, friendship with Alice Cooper, influence of The Band, and the timelessness of his music. They also delve into discussions about Western movies, influential impact of American music, discipline in songwriting, meeting Graham Greene, and the editing of Taupin's book.
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Quick takeaways
Bernie Taupin considers himself a cinematographer, taking what he sees in life and turning those mental snapshots into fantastical stories.
The Band had a profound influence on Elton John and Bernie Taupin, inspiring them to write songs that explored storytelling and Americana themes while blending various genres.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin approached songwriting by focusing on creating albums as a whole, featuring a blend of different genres and themes.
Deep dives
The Early Beginnings and Songwriting Collaboration
In 1967, Elton John and Bernie Taupin met and bonded over their shared love for music and aspirations of becoming songwriters. They answered an ad in the New Musical Express and were signed to Dick James publishing. They would write songs together and share their ideas, often recording demos at Dick James studio. Initially, they wrote for other artists, but their songs weren't successful in that realm. However, their writing took a turn when an A&R guy at Dick James recognized their potential and encouraged them to focus on their own unique sound.
The Influential Sound of the Band and Americana
The Band, a group that the pair admired greatly, had a profound influence on their music. Through their music, the Band showcased storytelling and Americana themes, while blending various genres such as rock, blues, and country. Their earthy and timeless sound resonated with John and Taupin, who were inspired to write songs that explored similar themes. This shift in their songwriting style allowed them to tap into their own unique sound, and they began incorporating influences from various genres and periods of American music.
Meeting Paul McCartney and Early Songwriting
During their early days, John and Taupin worked together in Elton's mom's apartment, writing songs and bouncing ideas off each other. They developed a strong bond over their shared love for music and were always seeking inspiration from different sources. A memorable encounter was when they met Paul McCartney at an EMI studio while working on a novelty record for an English band called The Baron Knights. McCartney played them a song on the spot, leaving a lasting impression. The Beatles and McCartney's music had a significant impact on John and Taupin, inspiring them to pursue their own unique sound.
Writing Process and Discipline
Taupin admits to being undisciplined when it comes to songwriting. He describes himself as an unconventional songwriter who doesn't adhere to a strict routine or work ethic. He finds inspiration from various sources, such as books, movies, and life experiences. When it comes to writing songs for Elton's albums, Taupin usually starts writing a few months before the recording process begins. He doesn't consider himself a traditional songwriter, but rather a storyteller, crafting lyrics that tell a compelling narrative and draw from a mix of real-life and fictional elements.
Elton John's Impact and Legacy
Elton John's music has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners. His albums, such as Tumbleweed Connection and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, are considered timeless and have a distinct sound. Elton John is known for his ability to tell stories through his songs, often featuring characters and narratives. His collaborations with other artists, like Leon Russell, have produced memorable and successful records. Despite his retirement from touring, Elton John still plans to create music and explore new sounds in the studio.
The Unique Approach to Songwriting
Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin have approached songwriting in a unique way. They did not set out to write hits, but rather focused on creating albums as a whole. Their albums were a blend of different genres and themes, featuring everything from romantic ballads to stories of unsavory characters. Elton John's songs have the ability to connect with individuals in different ways, resonating with their personal experiences and emotions. The abstract and open-ended nature of song lyrics allows listeners to interpret them in their own way, making the songs more personal and meaningful.
Bernie Taupin is a songwriter responsible for many of the most beloved songs ever recorded. But he actually thinks of himself as a cinematographer, taking what he sees in life and turning those mental snapshots into fantastical stories. Bernie and Marc talk about the origins of his more than 50-years-long partnership with Elton John, his friendship with Alice Cooper, the influence of The Band, and the timelessness of his songs.
