Tuesday, January 10, 2017
12 p.m. | VIP Reception: 10:30 a.m.

Internationally renowned for his 50-year songwriting partnership with Sir Elton John, as well as many other recognized musical projects, creative genius Bernie Taupin has also been an author, writer, poet, painter, sculptor, performer and composer.

In the Spotlight we will discuss his career and evolution as a lifelong artist.

Bernard “Bernie” John Taupin (born May 22, 1950) is a life-long artist best known for his long-term musical collaboration with Sir Elton John. While having written the lyrics for a majority of John’s songs, Bernie’s life as an artist includes being a poet, author, performer, painter and sculptor.

Born in rural England, the 17-year old Taupin answered an advertisement for new songwriters in 1967 placed by Liberty Records. A talented London pianist and singer, 20-year old Reggie Dwight, responded to the same ad. Both were rejected but worked together and developed their talent writing songs for other British performers. In 1970, Taupin wrote “Your Song,” Dwight changed his name to Elton John and the rest is music history. Among the more than 500 songs Taupin has written include the lyrics for “Rocket Man,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind, “Daniel” and “Bennie and the Jets.”

Taupin, a lifelong creative, was inspired in his youth by the narrative poetry of Tennyson and Byron, the paintings of J.M.W. Turner and the history of America and the American West. He became a master storyteller in each artistic medium, often referencing these themes in his writing and using them in his abstract artworks. He became an American citizen decades ago and realized his dream of becoming a real-life cowboy by having a working ranch in California. Taupin expresses his strong patriotism including the motif, the American flag, in many recent works. Taupin’s art has received critical acclaim, been presented by important galleries and is sought by serious collectors.

“I am a simple vessel with complex overtones. Opinionated on occasions but willing to listen. Comfortable with reclusiveness and devoted to privacy and family. Patriotic to a fault and allergic to cruelty, ignorance and bad music,” said Taupin.

In addition to working with Sir Elton John, Taupin has written for other composers, including Starship’s “We Built This City” and Heart’s “These Dreams.” In 1978, he co-wrote the album “From the Inside” with Alice Cooper. Taupin formed his own band, Farm Dogs, and released the album “Last Stand in Open Country” in 1996. Other collaborations include Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Lee Ann Womack (with whom Taupin won a Grammy in 2003). In 2004, Taupin co-wrote Courtney Love’s song “Uncool.” In 2006, Bernie won a Golden Globe Award for the song “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” from the film “Brokeback Mountain.”

His current work will be on display at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, an international fair presented by Art Miami in West Palm Beach from January 12 to 16. A special selection of his pieces will be available for sale at the Spotlight Luncheon, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation.

For acquisition information please contact: Mr. Dana Yarger, Curator TAUPIN Art Management (310) 710-9423.

UNDERWRITERS

Luncheon Sponsors

JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Ms. Suzanne L. Niedland | Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walsh

Patron Sponsors
Mr. Bruce Beal and Mr. Francis V. Cunningham Mr. and Mrs. James S. Karp Mr. and Mrs. Berton E. Korman	Mrs. Herme de Wyman Miro, president The International Society of Palm Beach PNC Bank Mr. and Mrs. Frederic A. Sharf
Supporter Sponsors
Ms. Dina Gustin Baker	Mr. and Mrs. William D. Parmelee
Patron Sponsors
Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Katz Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Stiller	Mr. and Mrs. Dom A. Telesco Palm Beach Illustrated

Special thanks to:

Location

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Cohen Pavilion, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

701 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL

26.706871 -80.06110000000001