Elton John and Bernie Taupin Accept The Gershwin Prize | PBS

Official website: to.pbs.org/41eoAAr | #GershwinPrizePBS
Elton John and Bernie Taupin speak at the Library of Congress 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024. The legendary songwriting partners discuss their influences, their relationship over the years and place in music history.
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#GershwinPrize #EltonJohn
About the Gershwin Prize:
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in the field of popular song. It was established in 2007 to recognize and honor the artists whose creative works, both printed and recorded, are collected, preserved, made accessible, and valued by the nation’s library. It acknowledges the preeminent place of popular song in modern society and its vital role in expressing and deepening the personal and shared values of our time.
Gershwin Honorees are selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with music specialists within the Library, former Gershwin Prize Honorees, and eminent outside experts in the field, including scholars, publishers, producers, composers and performers.

[@Richard-yt9vi]

Bernie helping his injured big brother so heartwarming

[@dennismorris7573]

Warmest congratulations to Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin - such a well-deserved honor.

[@stacytadlock7666]

It's a well deserved honor for the greatest musicians to ever grace our lives! Love you Elton and Bernie!!

[@lemurianchick]

Um...Bernie isn't a musician. 🤦‍♀

[@elementrypenguin3116]

@@lemurianchickso what’s your point? Ridiculous

[@lemurianchick]

@@elementrypenguin3116 That person called Bernie something that he isn't. I certainly wasn't taking anything away from Bernie. Just acknowledge what his role was as lyricist, for God's sake.

[@elementrypenguin3116]

@@lemurianchick so big deal.

[@stormwildthing5321]

Only just seen this clip, while Elton was indeed a great musician, certainly not the best ever, ❤

[@franka8377]

"But he drives a Volvo", timeless.

[@wishingonthemoon1]

Thank you for speaking so highly of us, America loves you both! ❤

[@Pedro2706]

"but he drives a Volvo"-classic-EJ has always been so funny in a deadpan English manner-great speech.

[@jeanmkaufmann]

With my first paycheck I purchased Elton's first albumm, Empty Sky. You have been a part of my life for over 50 years. I love you guys so much. 🙂🇨🇦

[@stingylizard]

As a 10 yr old kid,I couldn't get my reading act together--the sentences overwhelmed me,it wasn't working out for me. Luckily,my folks had the Don't Shoot Me and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road albums with Bernie's lyrics for me to gaze at. I finally learned to comprehend full sentences via headphones and with these two guys teaching class.

[@BizkitLipz]

One can only try not to imagine what else they most likely taught you.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

What a wonderful tribute!

[@VitalityMassage]

What a wonderful vibe! Thank you Elton and Bernie!

[@user-jk5ff5fd6z]

Congratulations Elton and Bernie ♥️♥️

[@BabyLambCreations]

Elton John and Bernie Taupin have inspired me to get back into playing music, and their music has become a big part of my life. There's not a single song that doesn't get stuck in my head and I owe it to them for inspiring millions and bringing so much joy all over the world with what they've created. Congratulations, Elton and Bernie, for this very well-deserved (and long overdue) honor!

[@guitarlobos5069]

All of America loves your appreciation🇺🇸

[@SoulofAlice]

So glad I happened to see this PBS notification!!🎉🎉 This is so epic, Elton John n Bernie Taupin have been in my life consistently since 1976. Love them and their music, each and every piece!❤ Well done, gentleman and peace be with you always. ❤️🤍💙

[@RhondaHill-mi7cw]

Only fitting that true genius is rewarded with this prize and acknowledgement. These two people changed the face of music through many decades and they are truly unique and original artists. Congratulations Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

[@LeeLLewis]

What a beautiful presentation. So heartfelt. So brimming over with love, appreciation, respect, and humility from these stratospheric superstars. How lovely to see that their hearts and minds live compatibly alongside we, their loving, appreciative, respectful, and humble fans. Thank you.

[@askew9976]

I’ve loved this man since I was 6 years old. The first time I heard him, I was hooked. Love him to pieces forever and always. Such an amazing talent. Bernie too is a lyrical genius! Match made in heaven to contribute to music. Music is my life. Congratulations gentlemen. Well deserved and long overdue. Glad you’re both here to receive and accept this honor.

[@user-or3uv6rx9o]

PHONONMAL SIR ELTON JOHN A LEGEND AND GREAT JOB METALLICA ❤ GREATEST BAND IN ALL THE LAND

[@kellywoodruff6363]

So very happy I watched this Elton John and Bernie Taupin have been apart of my lives since just about day one I have every album to this day. Love to both of them and Thank you for all the wonderful music

[@SoFloCo-ne4rk]

They're the only songwriters I know of who write the lyrics first and then come up with a melody to fit the words. Everybody else does it the other way around.

[@robertmayer2748]

They couldn't have picked 2 more deserving guy's. They have written so many hall of fame songs.

[@Nancy-ty9ou]

Thank you, Bernie and Elton, for your illustrious catalog of music that enriched my musical life and I still love to sing along with. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a masterpiece IMHO.

[@leggomyeigonosensei]

Nobody deserves that award more than those two.

[@lillyboldlyshewhispers7145]

We Love you Elton John and Bernie Taupin and their incredible band! Madman across the water is how I first decovered their wonderful music. I was in the 7th grade. Im 66 years old now. Thank you for all your epic music that has been such a gift to us all. Fantastic Award and so deserving of. Congratulations! 🎼❤🇺🇸🎹

[@ms.twiggy]

Amazing! We are the same person.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Show must go on, have fun performing and entertain us, music is our family and we will never be apart anymore ❤🎉❤

[@deborahkizer4664]

We love you Sir. Sir's. Blessings to you all. 🙏🫶💪🎉🎈✨👏💯🤩🥰🌼💛👍🇺🇸❤️

[@Newfoundmike]

The Show was Everything a SHOW Should BE!! ❣️

[@m.a.henryvandu2654]

Happen to wander into a theater in the early 70s and watched a movie I knew nothing about. That movie was ' Friends'. That soundtrack was my first introduction to Elton. Magic !

[@mariteresolis5240]

They are the Best team of all times, I love them!!! Well deserved!!! They are very talented ❤❤❤

[@MichProgNerd]

Best songwriting duo.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I agree but tied with Lennon and McCartney.

[@shrekinasuit]

Wonderful to hear him honouring Keith Jarrett as well on the day he receives this precious honor. Elton is a popular musician, but he is also a musician‘s musician who knows his stuff.

[@mikeb359]

I can't think of anyone else that is more deserving for award after award than Elton John. One of the most iconic talents of our time. James Hetfield of Metallica also... Absolute Icons

[@lemurianchick]

Elton always acknowledged Bernie's contribution. I continue to marvel how Bernie could so effectively tap into Elton's energy field and write lyrics that sound like they came out of Elton's mouth. And for Elton to put music to words that seem to belong together. I do believe it was spiritual and telepathy.

[@nicholasjames8086]

What did Elton say? They've been working together for nearly 50 years plus? Their chemistry is so pure and on such great wavelengths that they've been able to give us some of the best songs we could ever listen to

[@lemurianchick]

@@nicholasjames8086 I sometimes forget that Elton didn't call himself Rocket Man. "Bennie and the Jets" is a perfect name for an Elton John song. Think about "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Because Elton's singing it we forget that Bernie is creating the atmosphere.

[@deborahkizer4664]

I did miss it but am stil in love with your music. . ❤❤❤🎉 congratulations 👏🎉

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

This is FANTASTIC MUSIC... BRAVO

[@richperez2168]

Yep, that is Metallica in the audience. 🤘

[@blutomindpretzel1735]

they covered Funeral for a Friend.

[@billboggs6641]

Great performances, but I could have done without the numerous shots of the rich politicians " rocking out " in the audience. Total cringe. Should have put some real fans in the seats

[@richperez2168]

@@billboggs6641 I agree.

[@roxanne5766]

It's lovely that EJ and BT showed appreciation and love for America and American musical influence on their career. ❤ 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

[@rogersmith9672]

Thank you Elton for your kind remarks about American music!!

[@robertglancy4474]

First heard Elton John (and Bernie) when I was around 12 or 13 yrs old and I'm now 65 and have been a fan of these two guys almost my entire life now.

[@christopherwall444]

Beautiful natural straight from the heart! 2 geniuses!!

[@KOSMICKEN09]

The First album I've loved as a kid was elton's greatest hits album - I've been a fan as long as i can remember

[@mearndt1]

So so awesome. Just love this, so deserving for those 2.

[@terrorzilla]

It's always been so interesting to watch their dynamic. Elton was the shy child who blossomed on stage and Bernie is the amazing poet who shuns the spotlight.

[@paulofreire7520]

Awesome! Well deserved. Thank you Bernie, Elton 🙏🏻

[@IsaacS2010]

Incredibly grounded guys. The real deal(s). True musical icons for the record books.

[@marythomson9610]

We love how happy and well you are!

[@JD-cf3mv]

What a lovely heart felt speech!

[@chapmaned24]

I've always wanted to say... Thank you, Elton John, for being in our lives in my boomer generation. When I was a young boy, I remember Bennie and the Jets, and since then, you've never disappointed. I've been a fan! My mom took is to your concert in Seattle back in the early 80's, and I remember your piano and the huge thousand gallon hat you wore! You are a great man, and I thank you for the entertainment you gave us from your heart and soul. I've always wanted to say that!

[@lauriemeegan2237]

So great!! Fabulous show!! Loved every entertainer!! ❤

[@TheAnthonyjames]

Well deserved for a wonderful soundtrack to life.

[@scorpiolady73]

My first taste of Elton John was in the movie Tommy. I was so intrigued. More. I just needed more. Thank you, Elton John.

[@TintarellaDiLuna64]

Goodbye yellow brick road, my first whole album to listen. Been a huge fan since! Elton&Bernie, true WonderBoys without capes ❤❤❤

[@skyavalanche]

“It’s a little bit funny…” ❤

[@lauragroce3816]

And suddenly. You’re first album was in my bedroom. I’m 73. Bless you and Bernie firever 🥰

[@icegypsy99]

Elton, Bernie, you have written an amazing score to our lives. It's been incredible journey, and will continue on being part of who we are. Thank you both, thank you to one of the best bands in the world. We love you so much.

[@petergedd9330]

Elton and Bernie are amongst the artists that create moments with their songs, which punctuate our lives into chapters.

[@Dengee]

I hope America lives up to Bernie's praise. I have been so disappointed lately. But never disappointed with the music of Bernie and Elton, thank you!

[@famosisimo]

Love is why we are here for....have your eyes really seen....

[@kimmiller6509]

🎉👏 Congrats to Two Legends: Sir Elton John 🎹 & Mr. Bernie Taupin✍️ 💖 I also say thank you to PBS- for a great presentation! 👍

[@lolodee3528]

One of America’s finest treasuries is our music. I’m grateful Elton & Bernie said it. It means the world.

[@andypuckett8721]

What I love about Elton is he is so real

[@travelinben1966]

What a team!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Ugh, I missed it last night! After mentioning it to many others ahead of broadcast, I missed it, dang it! Congratulations on a wonderful honor, to the stellar team of Elton and Bernie. I think Madman Across the Water was the first Elton album I had -- on 8-track, nonetheless -- but it was certainly not the last. Thank you for so many decades of amazing music!

[@jdenino6022]

It was taped in March and you can see it on pbs website i believe.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@jdenino6022 Oh, thanks for reminding me. It might be on their website, at least for a few weeks.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@jdenino6022 Actually, it will be rebroadcast Sunday evening on one of my PBS stations here in the NY area.👍

[@mrsplanetmaster9]

This is GREAT....BRAVO guys 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼......I think Steely Dan should get the award too...my parents said "you guys grew up with The Dan Bros, Dad & I grew up with The Gershwin Bros"

[@patricialavallee8286]

Thankyou Elton and Bernie for your praise of America! You appreciate America 🇺🇸 way more than alot of Americans do today. Who have no clue regarding the greatness of this country, in all aspects, not just musically. The greatest country in the world thanks to its people. And all those who fought for freedom. And, thank you both for decades of the best in music ever! Rock on!

[@contragica8609]

Sir Elton John unul din cei mai celebri artisti ai acestui secol. Multumim maestre pentru toate bijuteriile muzicale pe care ni le-ai daruit. ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I love you guys!

[@valedahwalton6915]

I love me some Elton John

[@ericbrenner690]

PBS, please put everyone's performance on here so we can enjoy Elton John's covers.

[@Darci3333]

Love them❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

Very well said. Yet, it would've been great to hear the lead-up Elton John songs to this presentation.

[@majeedtaouk3038]

I wasn’t a big fan of Elton until I went backtracking through his earlier albums. It was like discovering gold again.

[@TintarellaDiLuna64]

In my opinion he did his best work with Bernie in the "early" days..Legends ❤

[@satyabratamishra4670]

his later stuff isnt bad too. made in england, songs from the west coast, captain and the kid, the union all these albums kinda match the 70s albums in terms of brilliance

[@majeedtaouk3038]

@@satyabratamishra4670 Very true. My backtracking was during the mid 1990s

[@jedfo64]

Fan since the Yellow Brick Road Album and Blue Moves and beyond Sir Elton is one reason why I’m Still Standing

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

I was ten years old and living in the country poor and all I had was nature and music. The only poster I had on my wall was Elton John. Now many years later my faith & music saved my life and Sir Elton John you have always been on top of my playlist. You are amazing. Thank you. Congratulations. ✌️♥️♥️♥️☀️

[@ghattier]

I was about 13 years old when, out of nowhere one night, Rocket Man flowed out of my tiny clock radio. The DNA of my musical appreciation was instantly reordered, and my new musical journey began. Thank you Elton and Bernie.

[@djsteve6687]

Eric and Ernie, Elton and Bernie... Madmen & Loonies, leave me alone!

[@wishingonthemoon1]

Much deserved ❤

[@brigittepritz7038]

I never knew a music star who has more empathy for other people than Elton John!!! He had such a bad childhood and gives soooooo much love to the world!!! You will always be in my heart, dear Elton❤

[@andremailander1209]

Se há duas que merecem todo o tipo de homenagem e reverência são os dois Sir Elton John e Bernin Taupin🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@goldsgolds2010]

The best ❤🇬🇧💯❤️🙏👍

[@PiazzaGurl]

Yeahhhhh!!!!! Woooooooh. Metallica! If people only knew that Metallica is not just Metal music. They are a band that plays incredible music. The sounds they lay out, beautiful melodies, lyrics. ❤❤❤❤. So glad they were there. The odds ones out who rocked the crowd.

[@AnyluckProduction]

Well deserved 🔥 Two geniuses of our time

[@danielraymadden]

I have the original Elton John album from 1970 first hearing it on the radio.....Yellow Brick Road is an all time greatest albums....Elton has no limits shaping melodies...

[@82ndairborne53]

The songs they created are right up there with Gershwin or anyone else, at least for the generation since the 1970 that they meant so much to!

[@Dinobaburas.]

We hear Lennon and McCartney and I get that, But these's two music empresarios have stood the test of time.Bernie so on it with his lyrical expertise you have to have lived a life to put those words down and Elton running parallel with him encountering each hurdle and still to be with us to tell us about their life experiences.

[@user-nh8dk6yr9g]

I can sing some of his songs. Iwood love too sing my lord jesus Amen.❤❤❤🎉❤😊

[@makelifematter1896]

Very nice ❤

[@steveperelli3602]

Nice I love you Elton John wonderful speech I love Benny the Jets

[@steveperelli3602]

Hey I love, Benny and the jets I love your song, but what does it mean? We recognize the music, the song, the words the lyrics and in the singing the song, so what’s behind Benny and the jets you can’t play a song write a song unless you know what you’re singing about here? The song just doesn’t come up like that out of nowhere so what’s the meaning? What does it mean? Please tell me.

[@smokeylovesfire1589]

We;l deserved!

[@user-vx7vi3vq1c]

Bernie, yes you are a true American. You represent we this country is all about.

[@johnsaltzohuigin6660]

I love how Elton honors his lyricst in front of Metallica knowing they didnt write 72 Season or Hardwired to Self Destruct.

[@I7435IC]

Well deserved !! Bernie is such an ''Epic'' writer ! For example,, - ''Indian sunset''. 😉

[@codzy3532]

you deserve it elton you have come a long way sweetie

[@bradwest4821]

I give a definite thumbs up on this :)

[@Proyectos3d.]

Es grandioso lo que hace el poder de la musica ♫

[@EricK-rj8lu]

Legend

[@markhunter954]

What a pair❤

[@BizkitLipz]

. . . of complete fluffers they are? Yes, true that!

[@lawdymama8478]

I grew up 50 yards from my grandpa's slaughter house. We ate tenderloin 3 times a week and bbq'd on the weekends. There was an apple orchard in our backyard also. It was like Norman Rockwell meets Wes Craven. Oh, I listened to yellow brick road a couple of times.

[@user-nh8dk6yr9g]

I wish that wood be me thats my dream my lord jésus Amen❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@walterstephens5737]

Two Extreme Guineous Talents. The World will NEVER see this Happen Again. I am SOOOO Blessed to have lived through this Incredible Ride . Thank You Elton& Bernie 🙏

[@edking1088]

Thanks to Metallica make best Elton John Cover