Bernie Taupin Net Worth

Bernie Taupin, the acclaimed English lyricist, poet, and longtime songwriting partner of Elton John, boasts a net worth of approximately $200 million. His staggering wealth largely stems from the enduring success of the Elton John-Bernie Taupin song catalog—one of the most commercially successful partnerships in pop music history.

Bernie Taupin Net Worth	$200 Million
Date of Birth	May 22, 1950
Place of Birth	Sleaford
Nationality	Brits
Profession	Lyricist, Poet, Songwriter, Singer

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The Power of a Legendary Partnership

Taupin’s financial legacy is intertwined with that of Elton John. The duo’s journey began in 1967 when both responded to a newspaper ad placed by Liberty Records seeking songwriters. Though each was rejected from the audition process, fate intervened—Elton got hold of Bernie’s lyrics, and the synergy was immediate. Elton could craft melodies, but he struggled with lyrics. Taupin, on the other hand, had a lyrical gift but wasn’t musically inclined. Together, they formed a match made in musical heaven.

Over the decades, Bernie Taupin penned the words behind Elton John’s most iconic hits. Among their extensive list of chart-toppers are:

“Your Song” (1970): Their first major U.S. hit.
“Tiny Dancer” (1972): A slow-burning fan favorite boosted by its role in the film Almost Famous.
“Rocket Man” (1972): A defining hit of the glam rock era.
“Candle in the Wind” (1973/1997): Initially a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, it later became a global sensation when reworked in honor of Princess Diana.
“Crocodile Rock”, “Daniel”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, and many more.

Though Taupin reportedly loathed “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the duet between Elton and Kiki Dee became their biggest hit across Europe.

Their unique process—Taupin writing lyrics independently and John later setting them to music—was spotlighted in the 1991 documentary Two Rooms. The 2019 biopic Rocketman further immortalized their creative bond, culminating in the Oscar-winning song “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.”

Career

Though best known for his Elton collaborations, Taupin has written for other notable artists, including Alice Cooper, Starship, and Heart. His lyrical skills graced major films such as The Lion King (1994), Aida, and Billy Elliot. He also co-wrote the screenplay for Rocketman.

Bernie has released solo spoken-word and music albums, such as “Taupin” and “He Who Rides the Tiger”, and formed the band Farm Dogs in the mid-1990s. A multi-faceted artist, Taupin is also a respected visual artist with exhibitions across the U.S. and Canada since 2010.

Personal Life

Born Bernard John Taupin on May 22, 1950, in rural Lincolnshire, England, he was raised in a modest farmhouse without electricity. A creative spirit early on, he left school and a brief newspaper job to travel before stumbling into the fateful Liberty Records ad.

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Taupin has been married four times. His first wife, Maxine Feibelman, inspired several of Elton’s early songs. His subsequent marriages—to Toni Lynn Russo (sister of actress Rene Russo), Stephanie Haymes Roven, and current wife Heather Kidd—reflect his colorful personal journey. He and Kidd have two children and reside in Santa Barbara County, California.

In 2017, Bernie listed his 30-acre Santa Ynez Valley ranch for $4.7 million after previously offering it at $5.95 million. The estate, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts, features stables, a riding arena, a pizza oven, and a pond. Despite his long-held love for horses, Taupin reportedly stopped riding, prompting the sale.