📰 Elton John Story – Article: Feb.1971
- Elton John
- Feb 12, 1971
- 2 min read
A Melody Maker Page 11 feature exploring Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s early songwriting partnership, published February 13, 1971.
📰 Overview
This Melody Maker feature from February 13, 1971 captures Elton John at a pivotal moment — on the cusp of international recognition but still close enough to his early struggles to speak about them with raw honesty. The article focuses on his creative bond with lyricist Bernie Taupin, the challenges of their early songwriting years, and Elton’s developing stage identity.
📰 Source Details
Publication: Melody Maker
Date: February 13, 1971
Issue: Page 11 feature
Provenance Notes: Original print edition; part of Melody Maker’s early‑1970s coverage of rising British songwriters.
📰 The Story
The article traces the origins of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s partnership, beginning with their meeting at a London music publisher’s office. Elton describes their early years writing songs on a small retainer, creating demos, and struggling to find their artistic footing. He reflects on the insecurity he felt as Reg Dwight and how adopting the name “Elton John” helped him shed a long‑held inferiority complex.
The piece also touches on Elton’s early recordings, his work singing cover versions for budget releases, and the frustration of producing material that didn’t reflect his true artistic instincts. He speaks openly about his stage clothes, explaining how his flamboyant style emerged from years of feeling limited by his weight and clothing options. The article ends with Elton acknowledging that while he still feels strange being called “Elton,” the persona has allowed him to grow into the performer he always wanted to be.
📰 Key Highlights
Early insight into Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songwriting partnership
Elton reflects on his transition from Reg Dwight to Elton John
Discussion of early demos, budget recordings, and industry struggles
Commentary on his flamboyant stage wardrobe and personal transformation
📰 Visual Archive
Melody Maker Page 11 feature on Elton John and Bernie Taupin, February 1971.
📰 Article Extract
"The first record I ever made was on the Philips label. It was called "I've Been Loving You wouldn't believe it. Actually we made a couple of singles as ..you on Bluesology, both Fontana. One was called. Come Back Baby," written by me, and the other was "Mr Frantic"... the mind boggles. Then we made one Polydor, written and produced by Kenny Lynch, called "Since I Met You Baby," which also never got on short that went with Elton. It had to be done in a bit of a rush. Nobody liked it-it was awful, but it was the only one we could think of and it was certainly better than Reg Dwight. Poor old Elton Dean's gone on to greater things as well, after I pinched his name"
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📰 Closing Notes
This early‑career feature offers a rare look at Elton John before superstardom fully took hold. It captures the vulnerability, ambition, and creative spark that defined his partnership with Bernie Taupin and shaped the beginnings of one of music’s most enduring collaborations.
📰 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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