Bernie Taupin, Elton John's songwriting partner of 60 years, joined Vernon Kay to pick his Tracks Of My Years, starting with Marty Robbins' El Paso and Howlin' Wolf's Shake For Me. Taupin said El Paso was "the absolute catalyst" that made him want to write songs, revealing it's still the ringtone on his phone to this day. He also talked candidly about leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, working on a chicken farm before answering a music paper advert out of pure desperation, which led him to Elton John.
Listen: Bernie Taupin on El Paso
The show's Ten To The Top quiz threw up a genuinely entertaining pair of contestants. Dan from St Albans, who works animating video games and once came home from a dinner party with two tortoises, built an impressive run to 45 points before stumbling on the year question for The Knack's My Sharona. Alison from Worcestershire, whose first ever gig was Led Zeppelin in 1975, managed only 15 points but delighted Vernon with tales of foraging for quince and medlars, and seeing Prince and David Bowie live.
Listen: Dan's near-miss on the fridge magnet
Vernon and travel presenter Ellie Brennan also announced they'll be DJing together at a Children In Need party at the "Snooze Box" next to the ABBA Voyage arena on 8 November, following the 1pm Gala performance.
More from Vernon Kay
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