Bernie Taupin: The Man Behind Elton John's Magic

What’s Bernie Taupin’s Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Bernie Taupin. The guy’s got serious talent and a net worth to match—$200 million. Now, that number isn’t just from royalties; it’s thanks to his legendary partnership with Elton John. Together, they’ve created some of the most iconic songs in music history. Bernie’s lyrics breathe life into Elton’s melodies, making them unforgettable. Their catalog of hits has been worth millions over the years.

It all started back in 1967 when Bernie and Elton answered an ad for songwriters. They hit it off right away, realizing they were the missing pieces of each other’s puzzle. Elton could craft incredible music, but he needed someone to bring the words to life. Bernie was the perfect fit. Their collaboration wasn’t just professional—it’s been described as a “nonsexual love affair.”

Take the song "Your Song," for example. One morning, Bernie scribbled down some lyrics on a piece of paper and headed off to brush his teeth. By the time he returned, Elton had already composed the melody. That’s how seamless their partnership was. Despite loving most of their work together, Bernie isn’t a fan of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” But hey, that song became a massive hit in Europe, proving that even the things we dislike can be wildly successful.

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In 1992, Bernie and Elton were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing their place in music history. Their collaboration has produced countless hits, including:

1. "Your Song" (1970): A timeless classic that reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
2. "Tiny Dancer" (1972): Initially underappreciated, this track gained fame after being featured in the movie "Almost Famous."
3. "Rocket Man" (1972): A space-age anthem that climbed to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 in the U.S.
4. "Candle in the Wind" (1973/1997): Originally written for Marilyn Monroe, it became a global sensation after being reworked for Princess Diana.
5. "Crocodile Rock" (1973): Elton’s first No. 1 hit in the U.S., making waves on the Billboard Hot 100.
6. "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (1974): A chart-topping success, hitting No. 2 in the U.S.
7. "Daniel" (1973): Another top-charting hit, reaching No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 5 in the UK.

Bernie’s Beginnings

Bernard John Taupin was born on May 22, 1950, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England. Growing up on a farm without electricity, he later moved to a house with modern amenities. Bernie wasn’t the academic type, but he had a knack for storytelling and creative writing. At 15, he worked briefly at a local newspaper before embarking on a series of adventures, hitchhiking around the country with friends and working odd jobs.

It was during this time that Bernie spotted an ad in the paper. That ad would change his life forever. It was an audition for Liberty Records, and though he didn’t succeed initially, it led him to meet Elton John. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Career of a Legend

Bernie failed the Liberty Records audition, but fate intervened. Elton John saw Bernie’s poetry and was instantly captivated. The two began collaborating, creating music that would define an era. Together, they’ve released over 30 albums, becoming one of the most successful songwriting duos in history.

In 1977, they took a brief break, allowing Bernie to work with other artists like Alice Cooper. But by 1980, they were back together, continuing their magic. Bernie’s influence extends beyond music—he’s also written lyrics for films like "The Lion King" and "Aida," and even contributed to the screenplay for the Elton John biopic "Rocketman." In fact, the song "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" from "Rocketman" earned them an Academy Award.

Throughout their career, Bernie and Elton have crafted countless hits, including "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Their collaboration has spanned decades, evolving from a distant exchange of lyrics and melodies to a close partnership.

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Bernie hasn’t limited himself to Elton, though. He’s worked with bands like Starship and Heart, produced albums, and even released his own spoken-word and singing projects. In 1996, he formed the band Farm Dogs. Beyond music, Bernie is also an accomplished visual artist, showcasing his work across the U.S. and Canada since 2010.

Love and Relationships

Bernie’s personal life has been just as colorful as his career. He’s been married four times. His first marriage was to Maxine Feibelman in 1971, influencing many of Elton’s songs. They divorced in 1976. Next came Toni Lynn Russo in 1979, sister to actress Rene Russo, but that marriage ended in 1991.

In 1993, Bernie married Stephanie Haymes Roven, daughter of entertainers Dick Haymes and Fran Jeffries. That marriage lasted until 1998. Finally, in 2004, he married Heather Kidd, with whom he has two children. They live happily in Santa Barbara County, California.

Bernie’s Real Estate Empire

In 2017, Bernie listed his 30-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for sale at $4.7 million. Originally purchased decades ago, the property was initially listed at $5.95 million in 2016 but failed to attract buyers. The ranch boasts a stunning main house with five bedrooms, along with a studio and office space. It also features an equestrian center, something Bernie loves despite no longer riding himself. Other highlights include a pizza oven, a pool, a pond, and outdoor riding rings, making it a true paradise.