Elton John and Bernie Taupin honored at all-star tribute concert… as they receive

Some of the biggest names in music, across the spectrum of genres, gathered in Washington, D.C. in honor of Elton John and his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.

The duo, who have been writing together since answering an NME advertisement in 1967,  were awarded the U.S. Library of Congress’ prestigious Gershwin Prize For Popular Song for their partnership, achievements and contributions to the craftwork of songwriting.

One day after holding the dinner portion of the event, John and Taupin were back together on Wednesday for an all-star tribute concert at DAR Constitution Hall in the Nation’s Capital.

With Billy Porter serving as host of the festivities, the Broadway star also led the bevy of musical stars to hit the stage and perform that also included 2023 Gershwin Prize honoree Joni Mitchell, 2020 Gershwin Prize honoree Garth Brooks, as well as Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Metallica, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth, and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels.

The evening’s honorees John and Taupin would also make appearances during their big night, according to the Library Of Congress newsroom website.

Never one to skimp when it comes to fashion, John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight), 76, sat in the audience in a classy pink suit that he wore with a white button-down with black trim along the collar and sleeves.

The iconic Rocket Man star opted to go with light red lenses with thin frames for the invitation only event.

Taupin, 73, sat to his work partner’s left in a black-patterned two-tone suit that he matched with a solid black dress shirt.

Taking a cue from his work partner, the legendary lyricist also wore glasses, only he went with silver frames with light blue lenses, while also sporting a closely cropped beard and mustache.

Call it fate or chance, but Taupin and John met after they both answered an advertisement for talent that was placed in the New Musical Express by then A&R manager for Liberty Records, Ray Williams.

It was Williams who gave John lyrics sent to him by Taupin, and then he proceeded to put music and melodies to his words, which would ultimately be the beginning of their very successful partnership that has lasted for more than 56 years and counting.

Typically, that’s been the winning formula for the duo: Taupin writes the lyrics and sends them to John, who then puts music and melody to then while sitting at the piano.

Among their many classic hits over the decades include, Your Song, Rocket Man, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie And The Jets, Crocodile Rock, Sad Songs, Tiny Dancer, Philadelphia Freedom, I’m Still Standing and Candle In The Wind, among so many others.

Their partnership landed them into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1992, among many other accolades.

John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1994, but he would call his collaborator on to the stage and handed him the award.

‘Without him, the journey would not have been possible,’ John said at the time, as reported by Rolling Stone. ‘I kind of feel like cheating standing here accepting this. Without Bernie Taupin, there wouldn’t have been any Elton John at all. And I would like him to come up and give this to him.’

It took three decades but Taupin would officially get inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 under the Musical Excellence Award category.

After an astounding 300 million-plus records sold worldwide, the Elton John and Bernie Taupin partnership has them among the best-selling musical artists of all time.

Singer and actor Billy Porter, 54, who’s best known for his success on Broadway, served as the host of the concert in a white suit with feathers all along both sleeves, lapel and bottom portion of the blazer. Before plugging and rocking out, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett (guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Robert Trujillo (bass), and James Hetfield (vocals, Guitar) stepped into the spotlight that is the red carpet.

Not only unified by their classic catalog of metal songs like Enter Sandman and One, the foursome all came dressed in black leather.

As for Joni Mitchell, 80, the multi-instrumentalist, and painter sat in the audience dressed in a golden ensemble and a red beret hat and glasses before she went up to perform.

Maren Morris, 33, looked lovely in a shoulder-less ensemble while she watched from the audience’s view, while Charlie Puth, 32, sat directly in front of her in a cool black suit.

The dynamic musical duo comprised of sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross, otherwise known as SistaStrings, went with matching green-patterned suits and their colorful long locks dreads.

Country music’s superstar couple Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood color coordinated in black, which they first showed off when they posed along the red carpet.

The Wrapped Up In You crooner, who’s the only musical artist in history to have released nine albums certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), was the picture of elegance in a classic black suit and matching dress shirt and boots.

Country music’s superstar couple Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood color coordinated in black, which they first showed off when they posed along the red carpet.

The Wrapped Up In You crooner, who’s the only musical artist in history to have released nine albums certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), was the picture of elegance in a classic black suit and matching dress shirt and boots.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma native, 62, also donned a cool black cowboy hat, while also going with a full beard and mustache.

Yearwood, 59, showed off her fashion sense in a plunging sequin dress that came down to the top of her calves and a pair of matching heels.

Rounding out her look, the Woman Before Me singer had her blonde tresses styled long and flowing with a healthy dose of volume, natural waves and curls, and a part in the middle.

Billionaire businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein, 74, was also on hand for the event in a black suit, white dress shirt and colorful tie.

Taupin and John were also hand for the dinner event held in their honor the previous night, which was also held in Washington, D.C.

‘I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us,’ the singer-songwriter said of the tribute. ‘It’s an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honored.’

Taupin added: ‘To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept.’

Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music. 

The honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and music specialists. 

Along with Brooks and Mitchell , previous recipients are Paul Simon; Stevie Wonder; Sir Paul McCartney; songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Carole King; Billy Joel; Willie Nelson; Smokey Robinson; Tony Bennett; Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Lionel Richie. 

The concert special Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song will premiere on PBS stations nationwide on Monday, April 8 at 8 p.m. ET.