Bernie Taupin certainly led an interesting life and met some incredible people. As Elton John's lyricist, he worked with and rubbed elbows with all kinds of famous musicians and artists (and drops many of their names in this book). As you can imagine, he's collected a wealth of entertaining anecdotes over the course of his career. However, I would have enjoyed this memoir a bit more if he'd edited them down a bit and left out some of the more mundane parts.

The tone of the memoir is comfortable and casual, like a friend telling stories over a pint at the local pub. John Lee does a beautiful job narrating, speaking in a clear voice in a timbre that's pleasant and enjoyable to listen to.

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks produced by Hachette Audio, and every one of them, including this one, has been top quality. Whenever I see Hachette Audio on a product, I know it will be first rate.

This is a well-written, entertaining, informative memoir, which is tastefully written and has wit, humor, and several laugh out loud moments. It vividly describes Bernie Taupin's life and career, and is filled with fascinating facts, numerous celebrity encounters and interactions, and Mr. Taupin's perceptions of these individuals. I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Mr. John Lee, has a captivating voice and is truly talented. The author's note, in Mr. Taupin's own voice, is enlightening and is truly appreciated.
Note: I received an advance listener copy of this audiobook from Hachette Audio and NetGalley. I also borrowed a copy from the library while awaiting approval. I am grateful to now own a copy of this amazing audiobook.

Book 105 of 200 ~ 2023

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He is an amazing lyricist and extremely talented, but somehow, this audiobook (read by someone else) didn't excite me to the point that I had to listen to it in one seating.

He did amazing stuff and I am so jealous and envious that he was awesome mates with Leonard Nimoy who signed him a poster that said to my fellow rocketman... i mean.. damn..

An interesting life though... I cannot deny that. Nobody can.

This was a wonderfully written/read memoir that felt much more like a well told story. Narrated by John Lee with a wonderful timbre and accent it conveyed a well lived life, full of experiences and influences of many facets of the arts. Having been a fan of Elton John since the 70's and familiar with who his lyricist was, my misconception of Bernie Taupin was that he was somewhat of a recluse who shied away from attention and devoted his time to his writing. I never thought of Bernie as the unique and colorful, full of life and eager to experience it all individual that I learned about in his memoir. From his varied taste and appreciation for all kinds of music and musicians and his own musicality to his cowboy lifestyle and his treasure of cultivated friendships to the incredible Love appreciation he has for his relationships with his family and closest friend Elton.

Bernie Taupin's life unfolds beautifully, even excitingly, as you realize how humble he his about his good fortune in making the choices and taking the chances he has with the talents with which he's been blessed.
Thank you to Net Galley and Hachette Audio for an Advance listen to this remarkable unfolding of Bernie Taupin's Life so far!