These three iconic musicians owe a lot to those who had their backs. Each of these talents had frequent collaborators who were integral to their sound. The artists themselves have all given their props to these figures, but revisit these golden partnerships as fans below.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
There’s always going to be an argument over which part of a song is more important: the melody or the words. That answer really depends on who you’re talking to. But if there is one duo that is equally matched in both those areas, it’s Elton John and Bernie Taupin. For how wowing John’s melodies and instrumentation are, they only shine more thanks to Taupin’s stunning lyricism.
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The opening piano trill to “Tiny Dancer” draws us in, but we stay for the anthemic chorus that we can’t help but sing along to. The melody of “Your Song” is touching, but it’s the words that make it relatable. John has long given props to Taupin for completing the picture of his artistry. The world would’ve sorely missed their collaborative efforts if they had somehow never met.
Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon
The harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel defined a generation. No one can deny that fact. And Garfunkel carried his weight in this duo, but there’s also little debate to be had that Paul Simon didn’t do the lion’s share. Without Simon’s golden pen, this duo might never have enjoyed the legacy they now share, whether they want to be linked or not.
Simon’s expert songwriting paved the way for his solo career, proving his talents even further. Garfunkel helped bring Simon’s vision to life, adding stunning vocals and intricate harmonies. But even so, we have to give the majority of the credit where it’s due.
Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons
Though Bruce Springsteen has proven his merit when he’s completely on his own (as evidenced by his more stripped-down numbers, he has also given credit to his frequent collaborators, The E Street Band, for helping to tell his story. Specifically, he credits Clarence Clemons with helping him broaden the scope of his sound until Clemons died in 2011.
Sure, Springsteen likely would’ve written successful songs without Clemons, but the latter added something integral to The Boss’ life. He once said missing him was “like losing the rain,” summing up how important Clemons was to Springsteen’s sound.
(Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
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Photo of Diana Ross Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
Merle Haggard, who had a major hit with a Cindy Walker song -
Rock group Alice in Chains. Left to right Jerry Cantrell, guitar; Layne Staley, vocals, Michael Starr, bass and Sean Kinney in Hollywood for rehearsal July 1991. -
The Beach Boys had multiple hit songs in 1966 -
Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty Images -
From left to right, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott (1949 – 1986) and Brian Downey of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy in London, 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
LONDON – MAY 19: (L-R) English musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001), English musician, singer and drummer Ringo Starr, English singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon (1940-1980), and English singer, songwriter and bassist Paul McCartney of the Beatles attend a press party at the home of manager Brian Epstein supporting the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, May 19, 1967 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images)
