Elton John and Bernie Taupin receive 2024 Gershwin Prize

International musical expertise gathered just lately to honor Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, one of many longest and most profitable leisure partnerships.

Lyricist Taupin and music composer John acquired the 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Fashionable Tune earlier than a packed home on the D.A.R. Structure Corridor. 

The host for the night was entertainer Billy Porter, who walked by way of the viewers introducing every phase of a tribute live performance showcasing the memorable songs of the honored duo. John and Taupin confirmed their pleasure for the assorted preparations of their hits as carried out by Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth, Jacob Lusk of Gabriels, and Joni Mitchell and Garth Brooks, earlier Gershwin Prize honorees.

PBS stations nationwide will premiere the live performance at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, April 8. 

How the John and Taupin Partnership Started

“Greater than 50 years in the past, they got here from throughout the pond to win over Individuals and audiences worldwide with their lovely songs and rock anthems,” mentioned Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden.   “We’re proud to honor Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize for his or her unbelievable affect on generations of music lovers.”

John and Taupin’s collaboration has resulted in over 35 gold and 25 platinum albums. The Librarian of Congress selects honorees in session with a board of students, producers, performers, songwriters, and music specialists.

“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written among the most memorable songs of our lives,” mentioned Hayden. “Their careers stand out for the standard and broad enchantment of their music and their affect on their fellow artists.” 

The collaborators met in 1967. John, a younger piano participant, met lyricist Taupin-, and their abilities mixed completely from the start. Taupin would write a lyric, and John might put it to melody in about an hour. 

Taupin, who can also be a visible artist and writer, lives a quiet life in California together with his household. He moved to the U.S. in 1970 and is an American citizen. 

John, the final word showman, just lately ended a multi-year farewell tour. He and his husband, David Furnish, have two boys.

Grateful Appreciation for America

Each John and Taupin agree concerning the affect of American music on their careers. 

John was influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley. Taupin drastically admired document producer, bassist, and songwriter Willie Dixon, identified for his Chicago type of blues music. 

When accepting their award from Hayden, John was simple together with his sentiments.

“Once I grew up as a bit boy in suburban London, the one good music I heard was American. British music sucked,” mentioned John, getting fun from the viewers.

“All the things I’ve written emanates from the American songbook,” Taupin defined. Elton responded, “However he drives a Volvo.”

That mild joking between the 2 displayed the upbeat nature of their skilled and private relationship over 56 years.

“Your Tune,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Don’t Let the Solar Go Down on Me,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Street,” and “Bennie and The Jets” are only a few of the John and Taupin songs that turned timeless requirements. “Crocodile Rock” turned their first No. 1 single within the U.S. in 1973. These songs and others will likely be carried out on April 8 throughout the PBS broadcast of the live performance “Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Fashionable Tune.”

Study extra on the Library of Congress web site at loc.gov.