📰Elton John – Article: Feb. 1971
- Elton John
- Feb 12, 1971
- 3 min read
A New Musical Express feature exploring the origins of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s partnership, published February 13, 1971.
📰 Excerpt
📰 Overview
This New Musical Express feature from February 13, 1971 traces the beginnings of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s creative partnership. The article highlights their early struggles, their first attempts at writing together, and the moment they found their true artistic direction. It also contrasts Elton’s flamboyant public persona with Bernie’s quiet, introspective nature, offering a clear picture of how their differences fuelled their success.
📰 Source Details
Publication: New Musical Express
Date: February 13, 1971
Issue: One‑page feature
Provenance Notes: Original print edition; part of NME’s early‑1970s coverage of emerging British artists.
📰 The Story
The article recounts how Elton John (then Reg Dwight) and Bernie Taupin first met after responding to the same advertisement placed by Liberty Records. Both were unknowns seeking a break in the music industry, and although they never signed with Liberty, the meeting sparked a partnership that would soon reshape British pop.
Bernie describes their early songwriting attempts as uninspired and overly commercial, admitting that neither felt connected to the material. After a year of frustration, they decided to write for themselves rather than for publishers’ expectations. This shift produced their first meaningful work, including “Skyline Pigeon,” marking the beginning of their distinctive sound.
The feature also explores the contrast between Elton’s extroverted stage presence and Bernie’s quiet, private personality. Bernie expresses no desire for fame or performance, preferring to remain behind the scenes as the lyricist. Their differences, the article suggests, are precisely what make the partnership so effective.
📰 Key Highlights
Origin story of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s partnership
Both artists responded to the same NME advertisement
Early songwriting struggles and a year of fruitless work
Breakthrough with songs written for themselves, not the market
Strong contrast between Elton’s flamboyance and Bernie’s introversion
📰 Visual Archive
New Musical Express feature on Elton John and Bernie Taupin, February 1971.
📰 Article Text
Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s partnership began when both replied to a small advertisement in New Musical Express placed by Liberty Records. Elton was searching for a lyricist to match his melodies, while Bernie hoped to find a composer who could bring his poetry to life. Although they never signed with Liberty, the meeting revealed a natural musical compatibility that set their collaboration in motion.
Bernie recalls that their earliest songs were uninspired and overly commercial, admitting that their hearts weren’t in the material. After a year of writing without satisfaction, they agreed to stop chasing industry expectations and instead create music that felt true to them. This shift produced their first meaningful work, including “Skyline Pigeon” and “Samantha,” songs they were finally proud to claim.
The article contrasts Elton’s flamboyant public persona with Bernie’s quiet, introspective nature. Bernie arrives to the interview apologetically, dressed plainly, speaking softly and thoughtfully. He expresses no desire for fame or performance, preferring to remain behind the scenes as the lyricist. His focus is on the partnership, not individual recognition — a dynamic that has helped shape their remarkable success.
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📰 Closing Notes
This feature captures Elton John and Bernie Taupin at a formative moment, before superstardom fully took hold. It offers a rare look at their early struggles, their creative turning point, and the contrasting personalities that would define one of the most enduring partnerships in modern music.
📰 Sources & Copyright
All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.
This post is presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes only.
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