Bernie Taupin Explains Why He and Elton John Aren’t Cashing in on Their Music Catalog
Bernie Taupin says he and Elton John have no current plans to sell their music catalogue, preferring to keep the songs in the family. His comments stand out as many established artists have sold their catalogues for large sums in recent years.
Taupin and John have worked together since the late 1960s, writing hits including “Your Song”, “Tiny Dancer” and “Bennie and the Jets”. Taupin said there was nothing that would make him agree to a sale at present, and suggested their children could inherit the music; he has also compared selling it to “selling your children”. Reports estimate his net worth at more than $200 million.
In short
- Taupin and John are not looking to sell their music catalogue.
- Taupin says he would rather leave the songs to their children.
- Reports estimate Taupin’s net worth at more than $200 million.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping the catalogue could preserve the songs as a family legacy and allow their children to benefit from future royalties. Taupin and John may also value continued control over how the music is managed, and see no need to exchange a lasting asset for a large one-off payment.
The case against
Selling could turn uncertain future royalties into a substantial sum that the artists and their families can use, invest or donate as they choose. A sale may also pass the work to an organisation with the resources to promote and preserve it, while giving the creators financial certainty and simplifying what their heirs will manage.