On April 8th, fans got to go back in time and listen to the stories and songs of the duo that is Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Fans tuned in to a ceremony aired by PBS, honoring Elton and Bernie with the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award is given by the Library of Congress and honors contributions to popular music.
The ceremony consisted of performances of songs made popular by Elton and Bernie, as well as a number of stories from throughout their career, and congratulatory messages from other artists.
Performances consisted of renditions by artists of songs from Elton and Bernie’s catalogue. Joni Mitchell, Maren Morris, Garth Brooks, and Brandi Carlile were just some of the names included in the lineup. Renditions were performed of “I’m Still Standing,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” and “Madman Across the Water,” to name just a few out of many songs performed during the evening.
In addition to his music, Elton’s humanitarian work was honored, in a touching segment of the ceremony. The segment discussed the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and honored Ryan White, who fought against AIDS as a teenager, would become close friends with, and have an impact on Elton, himself.
Out of everyone who took a seat at a piano, none could compare quite like Elton, himself. To close out the ceremony, Elton took to the stage. Elton played “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” before being joined on stage by Bernie. Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, presented the duo with the 2024 Gershwin Prize, with a few words from Elton and Bernie. The two remained on stage together as Elton performed “Your Song” as the final song of the ceremony.
57 years on, Elton and Bernie are clearly still having quite an impact on the world of music…
To learn more about the Gershwin Prize, information can be found at https://www.pbs.org/show/gershwin-prize/
Elton and Bernie without their knowledge generated the soundtrack of my teenage years and beyond. I was in love with them both. When I think back playing those albums over and over knowing every word even the gibberish in Solar prestige a gammon
Kool kar kyrie kay salmon
Hair ring molassis abounding
Common lap kitch sardin a poor floundin floods me with a happy feeling of innocence yet ready to step into the realm of testing the waters driven by curiosity,experimentation and a bit of rebellion. Thank you guys for sharing your gifts with us all. I hope you know we aren’t just fans .., somehow it seemed like we were all in it together. You both will always be apart of me. God Bless and Congratulations on your achievement.