Elton John wins again – this time, alongside longtime writing partner, Bernie Taupin
Getty ImagesSongwriting duo Elton John and Bernie Taupin will receive the Gershwin Prize (and a bonus PBS tribute show) from the Library of Congress.
The US Library of Congress announced today that Elton John will be honoured with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, along with his longtime writing partner, Bernie Taupin. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden shared the news that the 2024 recipients of the coveted US-based award will both be Brits – and that they will be honoured with a tribute concert in Washington DC on 20 March. The concert will premiere on PBS stations across the US on 8 April.
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"Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives," said Hayden in a press release. "Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists. More than 50 years ago, they came from across the pond to win over Americans and audiences worldwide with their beautiful songs and rock anthems."
Getty ImagesThe duo first met in 1967 and, according to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, by 1970 “Taupin could present John with a lyric and he could compose to it within the hour.” Some of the pair’s most beloved hits are Tiny Dancer, Rocketman, and Crocodile Rock. Over his six-decade career, John himself has recorded more than 70 Top 40 hits and sold more than 300 million records worldwide. He's performed over 4,000 times and in 80 countries and holds the record for the biggest selling physical single of all-time for Candle in the Wind from 1997, with lyrics rewritten by Taupin after John’s original recording from 1973.
What is the Gershwin Prize?
The Gershwin Prize was established in 2007 and is named after American songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin, whose collection resides in the Library of Congress. Last year's recipient was the iconic Joni Mitchell. Other honourees include Lionel Richie, Garth Brooks, Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
John says he thrilled to these ranks alongside Taupin. "I've been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us," John said in the release. "It's an incredible honour for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honoured."
This award comes just after another incredible achievement for John: with his Emmys win for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, the singer became the 19th person to earn the title of EGOT, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
While John has spent decades in the spotlight, his writing partner often preferred to stay out of it. Taupin told Billboard upon his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, “It’s funny because I don’t refer to myself as a songwriter. I’m just basically a guy who writes stories.”