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Bernie
Taupin Page
Bernie Taupin & FarmDogs
Bernie Taupin is, without a doubt one of the most talented and prolific
lyricists of the 70's, 80's and 90's and an integral part of the Elton
John phenomenon. Outside of his involvement with Elton John Bernie Taupin
has established a solid carreer of his own. From writing books to producing
records and recording his own he has done it all. Having #1 hits with Heart
on "These Dreams" and Starship on "We Built This City" both co-written
with Martin Page.
In the book "A Cradle Of Halos" Bernie tells his story up until the time
he met Elton John. For an insight on thee man, this book is a must to read.
But here we will just concentrate on the music. In 1971 Bernie released
his first solo album entitled "Taupin". A collections of poems set to music
this is a good album. The accoustic guitar work is excellent and the reading
paints the picture. "Child" amd "Verses After Dark" highlight this album.
Following this album Bernie's producing debut came with David Ackles "American
Gothic". In 1974 when the Hudson Brothers signed with Rocket Records Bernie
took on the producing duties and scored a hit in 1975 with "Rendezvous".
In 1977 Bernie 's singing debut came with an album recorded in Canada with
the help of alot of stars including Ringo Starr. This album was never released
and remains in a vault somewhere. In 1980 Bernie released "He Who Rides
The Tiger". The following is a review of the album taken from Billboard
magazine:
The man who supplied all those marvelous lyrics for Elton John moves
into the limelight with his first album. Taupin isn't a bad vocalist, in
fact, with the aid of Elton and other supporting singers, Taupin comes
across as a self-assured singer in control of the situation. As expected,
his biggest strength lies in his lyrics, which are among the strongest
he's written, especially "The Whores Of Paris". With music and some impressive
guest musicians, the album moves along at a consistent pace. However, after
a while, Taupin's vocals become a bit too stagnant, resulting in periods
of tediousness.
It will be seven years until Taupin releases his next solo album. In
1987 "Tribe" was released. Highlighting this album are "Billy Fury" sung
with Elton John and the first single "Friend Of The Flag" and the second
single "Citizen Jane" with Elton doing the backing. "Citizen Jane" did
chart on Billboards Adult Contempery chart. The videos got extensive air
play on VH1 and MTV.
In 1996 Bernie formed the band Farmdogs and released the album "Last Stand
In Open Country".
Below is a discography of Bernie's solo efforts. Follow is a list of links
that will fill in all the blanks left on this web page. Be sure to check
them out for all the info on Bernie Taupin and Farmdogs!
Albums
1971
Taupin-DJM (UK) with deluxe fold open cover!
1972
Bernie Taupin-Elektra
American Gothic (David Ackles)-Elektra [Bernie Taupin producing]
1974
Totally Out Of Control (Hudson Brothers)-Rocket [Bernie Taupin producing
and co-writter]
1975
Ba-Fa (Hudson Brothers)-Rocket [Bernie Taupin producing and co-writter]
1976
A Personal Interview-Rocket [Interview on the book "The One Who Writes
The Word..."]
1980
He Who Rides The Tiger-Asylum
1987
Tribe-RCA
An Interview With...-RCA [double album interview on "Tribe"]
Friend Of The Flag-RCA [12" promo single]
Citizen Jane-RCA [12" promo single]
1996
Last Stand In Open Country (Farm Dogs)-Discovery
1998
Immigrant Sons (Farm Dogs)-Sire
Singles
1987
Friend Of The Flag-RCA
Citizen Jane-RCA
For more information on Bernie Taupin visit the links below!
The
Officail Bernie Taupin Website.
Thanks to Ramona for help with the Java Applet!
İRazorFace September, 2013