Story: Ralph Greco, Jr.
Even the most casual music fan has probably read a rock and roll memoir a time or two. They are pretty much unavoidable and quite frankly, usually juice enough to keep one entertained. And while almost everyone on the planet knows who Elton John is, and might have read a book or two about him (maybe eve his own bio Me) this is the first time we get a biography from Elton’s lyricist and partner in their rock royalty ride, Bernie Taupin.
And Taupin’s Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me is indeed a juicy read.
But not juicy in rock and roll story excess. Sure, there is some of that here. One doesn’t partner with Elton John and rise to superstar throughout the 70s without some wild stories of overindulging. No, the ‘juice’ here comes from the literary prowess of a man we all already knew wrote so well…just not this well!
We get the full story, from village boyhood in England, to meeting Elton, to scribbling lyrics until the duo found their stride, to their first foray to America, then conquering it and the world, to Taupin’s life in LA, his travels, work, play and lots of indulgences, famous friendships and his quieter life now.
This is a wonderful rich read, full of fantastic writing only a man of Taupin’s ability could pull off. I doubt you will read any other autobiographies as well written and as engaging as Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me.
Get it now here.
Ralph Greco, Jr. is the devilishly clever nom de plume of professional writer/musician Ralph Greco who lives in the wilds of suburban New Jersey. He is also a podcast co-host, but as everyone has a podcast these days, this fact is of very little consequence.
Ralph can be reached by writing ralphiedawriter@gmail.com
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