SCATTERSHOT: Life, Music, Elton and Me

A multi-decade whirlwind tour through musical life with the genius lyricist Bernie Taupin who wrote the lyrics for Elton John, conceived the ideas that spawned countless hits, and sold millions of records. Together they were a legendary creative relationship which is the stuff of legend, but Bernie Taupin, a famously private person, has kept his own account of their adventures close to his chest, until now. Here we discover his extraordinary life, early 1970s New York with Elton John on the cusp of global fame, and spending late night hours with John Lennon, Bob Marley and hanging with Frank Sinatra in LA. We witness memorable encounters with Graham Greene, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol and scores of notable misfits, miscreants, eccentrics and geniuses, some of whom inspired the indelible lyrics to songs such as Tiny Dancer, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and The Jets and so many more. From his East Midlands childhood and early London days with Elton, to the star-studded fishbowl of 1970s and 80s Beverly Hills, this is an epic, picaresque journey from Taupin's singular perspective. There is always an infectious energy that only a songwriter's vivid prose could offer, his imagination sparked by country music and cowboy culture. He was an extraordinary witness to some extraordinary events, and we are taken back in time on this rather unconventional autobiography. Remember, he is liable to make things up! Touching, charming and humble, witty and exquisitely written, hilarious and emotionally true. 400 pages, 16 pages of photos.