Eddie Taylor facts for kids

Eddie Taylor (born January 29, 1923 – died December 25, 1985) was an American electric blues guitarist and singer. He was a very important musician in the Chicago blues scene, especially known for playing with the famous blues artist Jimmy Reed.

Biography

Early Life and Music

Edward Taylor was born in Benoit, Mississippi. When he was a boy, he taught himself how to play the guitar. He spent his early years playing music in places around Leland, Mississippi. He even taught his friend, Jimmy Reed, how to play the guitar! Eddie's guitar style was deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of the Mississippi Delta.

In 1948, Eddie Taylor moved to Chicago, Illinois. Chicago was a big center for blues music, and many talented musicians moved there.

Playing the Blues in Chicago

Even though Eddie Taylor didn't become as famous as some other blues stars, he was a key part of the Chicago blues music scene. He was especially known for being the main guitarist for Jimmy Reed. He also played with other well-known musicians like John Lee Hooker and Big Walter Horton.

In the 1970s, Eddie Taylor went on a special tour in Europe called the American Blues Legends '74. He played on an album from this tour and also released his own album called Ready For Eddie.

Later in his career, Eddie Taylor was the main guitarist for Peter Dames and the Chicago River Blues Band. This band was later known as Peter Dames and the Rhythm Flames. He also played guitar on some songs for Sunnyland Slim's album Be Careful How You Vote. He even performed live with Sunnyland Slim in the 1980s.

Musical Family

Eddie Taylor's family was also very musical! His wife, Vera, was a singer and songwriter. She was also related to other blues musicians, Eddie "Guitar" Burns and Jimmy Burns. Eddie's son, Eddie Taylor Jr., became a blues guitarist in Chicago. His stepson, Larry Taylor, is a blues drummer and singer. And his daughter, Demetria, is a blues singer in Chicago. It was truly a family of musicians!

Eddie Taylor passed away on Christmas Day in 1985 in Chicago. He was 62 years old. He was laid to rest in Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. In 1987, he was honored by being added to the Blues Hall of Fame.

Discography

Eddie Taylor recorded several albums as a leader, where he was the main artist. He also played guitar on many albums for other famous blues musicians.

Albums as a Leader

• I Feel So Bad (1972)
• Ready for Eddie (1975)
• My Heart Is Bleeding (1980)
• Still Not Ready for Eddie (1987)
• Bad Boy a Long Way from Chicago (1978) - This was a live album recorded in Japan.

Albums with Other Artists

Eddie Taylor played on many albums with other blues legends. Here are some of them:

• Masters of Modern Blues Volume 3 (1966)
• Goin' to Chicago (196?)
• American Blues Legends '74 (1974)
• Original Chicago Blues (1982) - This album featured recordings by Joe Carter and Kansas City Red.
• 1958: I'm Jimmy Reed – Jimmy Reed
• 1959: I'm John Lee Hooker – John Lee Hooker
• 1967: Soulin' – Jimmy Reed
• 1968: Big Boss Man – Jimmy Reed
• 1969: Carey Bell's Blues Harp – Carey Bell
• 1969: Down in Virginia – Jimmy Reed
• 1972: Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell − Big Walter Horton and Carey Bell
• 1973: Last Night – Carey Bell
• 1975: Street Talkin' – This album was a collection of recordings, including some by Eddie Taylor and Elmore James.