Elton John’s legendary songwriting partner Bernie Taupin turns 70 today.We’re taking a look at the amazing career of this music icon on his milestone birthday.
Here’s a look at some of Bernie’s career highlights:
- He's written the lyrics for the vast majority of Elton John's hits.
- The pair began working together in 1967.
- Bernie's first wife, Maxine Feibelman, was an American ballet dancer who inspired "Tiny Dancer." (They divorced in 1975.)
- Taupin has recorded three albums as a solo artist. None had any commercial impact in the U.S.
- Without Elton, he co-wrote Heart's "These Dreams" and Starship's "We Built This City."
- His love of the American west led him to become a U.S. citizen. He owns a California ranch and has bucking bulls, several of which were top attractions on the Professional Bull Riders Association circuit.
- Bernie and Elton were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.
- In 2013, they were honored with the Songwriters Hall's Johnny Mercer Award.
- British actor Jamie Bell played Bernie in the bio-pic Rocketman.