The legendary songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin has been recognized with the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This esteemed award, previously bestowed upon luminaries like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel, celebrates the duo’s profound and lasting impact on the landscape of popular music. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden made the announcement, highlighting their exceptional talent and the broad appeal of their music that has resonated across generations.
Elton John, the charismatic performer and pianist, and Bernie Taupin, the poetic lyricist, began their extraordinary collaboration in 1967, forging a creative bond that has spanned over five decades. Their songwriting process, remarkably simple yet incredibly effective, involves Taupin crafting lyrics and sending them to John, who then masterfully composes the music. This unique synergy has resulted in an unparalleled catalog of hits, cementing their status as one of the most prolific and influential songwriting teams in popular song history.
“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have gifted us with some of the most unforgettable songs of our lives. Their remarkable careers are a testament to the exceptional quality and widespread appeal of their music, profoundly influencing artists worldwide,” stated Carla Hayden. “Over half a century ago, they crossed the Atlantic to captivate America and audiences globally with their captivating melodies and powerful rock anthems. We are immensely proud to bestow upon Elton and Bernie the Gershwin Prize, recognizing their monumental contribution to generations of popular song enthusiasts.”
Their discography is punctuated with timeless classics that have become anthems for generations. From the poignant ballad “Your Song” to the energetic “Crocodile Rock,” and the introspective “Rocket Man” to the melancholic “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” their songs are deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness. Even playful tracks like “Bennie and The Jets” showcase their versatility and ability to craft songs that are both commercially successful and artistically significant within the realm of popular song. Their first US No. 1 hit, “Crocodile Rock” in 1973, marked a pivotal moment in their ascent to global stardom.
Expressing his gratitude, Elton John remarked, “Having written songs with Bernie for 56 years, we never imagined this extraordinary honor could be bestowed upon us. It is truly incredible for two British individuals to receive such recognition. I am profoundly honored.”
Bernie Taupin echoed this sentiment, stating, “To be placed alongside the pantheon of great American songwriters, to even be considered in the same league is truly humbling, and I am deeply grateful to accept this prestigious award.”
Elton John: A Six-Decade Reign in Popular Music
Elton John’s career is nothing short of legendary. He stands as one of the best-selling solo artists of all time, boasting over 70 Top 40 hits spanning six decades, including an astounding nine No. 1 singles and 29 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His global record sales exceed 300 million, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in popular song. He also holds the record for the biggest-selling physical single of all time with the 1997 re-written lyrics for “Candle in the Wind,” a poignant tribute that sold over 33 million copies. In 2018, Billboard recognized him as the most successful male solo artist in the history of the Hot 100 chart. Furthermore, in America, he holds the record for the longest span between Billboard Top 40 hits, an impressive 50 years, demonstrating his consistent relevance in the ever-evolving world of popular song.
Beyond his musical achievements, Elton John is also recognized for his extensive philanthropic work. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a leading force in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The foundation has raised over $565 million, funding more than 3,000 projects across over 90 countries, providing vital care and education for AIDS prevention. His contributions to both music and humanitarian causes have been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest honor, and the National Humanities Medal, presented by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Since his inaugural tour in 1970, Elton John has captivated audiences with over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries. His musical talent extends across various platforms, from recording studios to grand stadiums, theatrical stages to cinema screens, consistently resonating with new generations of listeners, proving the timeless appeal of his popular song compositions. Disney’s “The Lion King,” featuring his memorable tunes, remains one of Broadway’s longest-running and most beloved shows, further solidifying his impact on popular culture.
In a landmark achievement in January, Elton John attained EGOT status by winning an Emmy Award for outstanding variety special for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.” This rare distinction, achieved by only 19 performers, adds to his five Grammy Awards, two Oscars for his work on “The Lion King” and “Rocketman” (both collaborations with Taupin), and a Tony Award for the score of the Broadway musical “Aida.” The Gershwin Prize further enriches his already unparalleled legacy.
Bernie Taupin: The Wordsmith Behind the Popular Songs
While Elton John commands the spotlight on stage, Bernie Taupin has often preferred to work behind the scenes, yet his contribution to their iconic popular songs is equally vital. In the initial years of their partnership, they primarily wrote for other artists, honing their craft before releasing their debut album, “Empty Sky,” in 1969, followed by the self-titled “Elton John” in 1970. It was this second album, featuring the seminal hit “Your Song,” that truly defined their signature style, characterized by soaring ballads and dynamic rock songs. Taupin’s narrative songwriting, influenced by folk, blues, and country music, provided the lyrical foundation upon which John’s melodies could soar, creating the magic that defines their popular song catalog.
Beyond his work with Elton John, Taupin has penned hit songs for other prominent artists, including Starship’s “We Built This City” and Heart’s “These Dreams,” along with collaborations with Alice Cooper and Brian Wilson. In 2006, he received a Golden Globe for “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” from the acclaimed film “Brokeback Mountain,” showcasing his versatility and range as a lyricist in popular song.
Taupin’s life took him to Southern California, where he became a U.S. citizen and developed a deep affinity for the American West. He embraced the cowboy culture, participating in horse shows and even hosting a rodeo competition on his Santa Barbara ranch. Despite the geographical distance, he continued his prolific songwriting partnership with John and also explored his own musical avenues with his Americana band, Farm Dogs. Adding another dimension to his artistic endeavors, Taupin has also established himself as a painter, working in abstract and contemporary mixed media, considering art as his full-time creative pursuit.
Their 1975 album “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is often regarded as their autobiographical masterpiece, using alter egos to explore their journey. The poignant track “We All Fall in Love Sometimes” poignantly describes their enduring partnership, highlighting it as one of the most significant relationships in their lives. Both Taupin and John were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, and in 2023, John had the honor of inducting Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their joint and individual legacies in popular song.
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize: Celebrating Excellence in Popular Song
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song stands as the nation’s most prestigious accolade for achievement and influence in popular music. Named in honor of the legendary songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin, the prize recognizes living artists whose work embodies the exceptional standards of creativity and impact associated with the Gershwin brothers. The Librarian of Congress, in consultation with a distinguished board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters, and music specialists, selects the honorees.
Previous recipients of this esteemed prize include a pantheon of popular song icons: Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie, and Joni Mitchell. Established in 2007, the prize criteria encompass artistic merit, influence in promoting music as a vehicle for cultural understanding, impact and achievement in entertaining and informing audiences, and inspiring future generations of musicians in the realm of popular song.
The selection process involves consultation with leading figures in the music and entertainment industries, as well as curators from the Library’s Music Division, American Folklife Center, and National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, ensuring a comprehensive and expert evaluation.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin will be formally presented with the Gershwin Prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., on March 20. PBS stations nationwide will broadcast the concert, titled “Elton John and Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,” on Monday, April 8, at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings). The program will be accessible via broadcast and streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App as part of the Emmy Award-winning music series co-produced by PBS. Additionally, it will be available to U.S. Department of Defense locations worldwide through the American Forces Network.
“Elton John and Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” is a collaborative production of WETA Washington, D.C.; Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc.; and the Library of Congress. The Gershwin name is used with permission from the families of George and Ira Gershwin. GERSHWIN® is a registered trademark of Gershwin Enterprises. The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, provides access to a vast collection of creative works and serves as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and home to the U.S. Copyright Office.
