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Johnnie Walker Meets Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Johnnie Walker meets two of the greatest composers in modern music - friends and collaborators Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin - as they celebrate 50 years of working together.

Johnnie Walker meets two of the greatest composers in modern music - Sir Elton John and his lifelong friend and collaborator Bernie Taupin - as they celebrate 50 years of working together.

In 1967 they both answered the same advertisement looking for songwriters in the NME in London. Bernie travelled down from his home in Lincolnshire to lodge with Elton's family in Pinner. They failed the subsequent audition, but have gone on to create more than 30 albums together, and multimillion selling songs including Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, Your Song and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues.

At his 60th Birthday Madison Square Garden Concert, Elton told the audience that without Taupin there probably wouldn't be an Elton John.

Bernie talks about how proud he is that Elton calls him the brother he never had, the excitement of the early years on the road and their world conquering golden years and being part of the band, even though he never played an instrument on stage. He also describes how much he enjoys their collaborations and his love for Americana in all forms.

Elton talks about the freshness he feels both performing Bernie's timeless lyrics and composing new material with him. They both talk about the meaning and the creation of many of their signature songs.

Elton has achieved 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time with Candle In The Wind. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit. Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Programme first broadcast in 2017.

1 hour, 57 minutes

Last on

Sun 10 Apr 2022 04:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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My Life In Song: Carole King

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Led Zeppelin: A Celebration at 50 - A Rock Show Special

See all episodes from Celebrating Music's Greatest Stars

Clips

See all clips from Johnnie Walker Meets Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin (5)

Music Played

  • Elton John

    Your Song

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John

    Skyline Pigeon

    • Empty Sky.
    • MCA.
    • 8.

  • Elton John

    Sixty Years On

    • Elton John (Deluxe Edition).
    • Mercury.
    • 06.

  • Elton John

    Honky Tonk Women (UK-Release Mix)

  • Elton John

    Rocket Man

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John

    Elderberry Wine

    • Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player.
    • Mercury Records Limited.
    • 3.

  • Elton John

    I'm Still Standing

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John

    Tiny Dancer

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John

    Someone Saved My Life Tonight

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John with John Lennon

    I Saw Her Standing There

    • To Be Continued.. CD3: 1974-1982.
    • Mercury.
    • 4.

  • Elton John

    Funeral For A Friend (Love Lies Bleeding)

    • Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
    • Mercury Records Limited.
    • 1.

  • Elton John

    Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • Elton John

    Sacrifice

    • Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002.
    • Mercury.

  • Elton John Vs Pnau

    Good Morning To The Night

    • Good Morning To The Night.
    • Universal.
    • 1.

  • Elton John

    Song For Guy

    • Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002.
    • Mercury.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 12 Nov 2017 15:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
  • New Year's Day 2018 20:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
  • Sun 26 May 2019 02:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
  • Sun 10 Apr 2022 04:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2