Mick Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mick Taylor
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Taylor performing in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Little Mick |
| Born | 17 January 1949 Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England |
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| Years active | 1964–present |
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Michael Kevin Taylor (born 17 January 1949) is an English guitarist. He is famous for being a member of two well-known bands: John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers (from 1967 to 1969) and The Rolling Stones (from 1969 to 1974). While with the Rolling Stones, he played on several hit albums like Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), and Exile on Main St. (1972).
After leaving the Rolling Stones in 1974, Taylor worked with many other musicians and released his own albums. He even joined the Stones again for some special 50th-anniversary concerts and tours between 2012 and 2014. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him as one of the top 100 greatest guitarists ever in 2011. The famous guitarist Slash from Guns N' Roses has said that Mick Taylor was his biggest influence.
Contents
Mick Taylor's Musical Journey
Early Life and First Bands
Mick Taylor was born in Welwyn Garden City, England, in 1949. He grew up in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. His father worked as a mechanic for an aircraft company. Mick started playing guitar when he was nine years old, learning from his uncle.
As a teenager, he formed bands with his school friends. They performed concerts and even appeared on television. One of his early bands was called The Gods, which opened for the famous band Cream in 1966.
Joining John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
When Mick was 16, he went to see a band called John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The band's guitarist, Eric Clapton, didn't show up for the second part of the concert. Mick, who knew their songs, bravely asked John Mayall if he could play. Mayall agreed, and Mick played the second set.
This moment was very important for Mick. The next year, when the Bluesbreakers needed a new guitarist, Mayall remembered Mick. He invited Mick to join the band, and Mick made his first performance with them at age 17. He toured and recorded several albums with the Bluesbreakers, developing his unique blues-based guitar style.
Becoming a Rolling Stone
In 1969, the Rolling Stones needed a new guitarist. John Mayall suggested Mick Taylor to Mick Jagger. Taylor thought he was just going to play for a recording session. But Jagger and Keith Richards were so impressed that they invited him to join the band permanently.
Mick's first big show with the Rolling Stones was a free concert in Hyde Park on 5 July 1969. About 250,000 people were there! He quickly became a key part of the band's sound.
During his time with the Stones, Mick played on many of their most famous albums. These include Sticky Fingers (1971), which has songs like "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses," and Exile on Main St. (1972), a double album recorded in France. He also played on Goats Head Soup (1973) and It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974).
Leaving the Rolling Stones
In December 1974, Mick Taylor decided to leave the Rolling Stones. This decision surprised many people, as the band was very popular. Mick later explained that he felt it was time to try something new. He also mentioned that he didn't always get credit for helping to write some of the songs.
Even after he left, Mick Taylor remained friends with the band members. He played with them again on special occasions. For example, he joined them for their 50th-anniversary tour between 2012 and 2014, playing on songs like "Midnight Rambler."
Mick Taylor's Solo Career and Collaborations
After the Rolling Stones
After leaving the Rolling Stones, Mick Taylor worked on many different music projects. In 1975, he formed a new band with bassist Jack Bruce (from the band Cream). They toured Europe, playing a style of music that mixed jazz and blues.
Mick also released his first solo album, Mick Taylor, in 1979. He continued to tour and record with other artists. In the early 1980s, he toured with Alvin Lee and reunited with John Mayall for a "Reunion Tour."
Working with Bob Dylan
In 1983, Mick Taylor joined the famous singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. He played guitar on Dylan's album Infidels and later toured with him in Europe. This was a big opportunity for Mick to play with another music legend.
Later Years and Continued Music
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mick Taylor continued to make music. He played lead guitar on Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' hit song "I Hate Myself for Loving You" in 1988. He also released his own album, Stranger in This Town, in 1990.
He often collaborated with singer Carla Olson, releasing several albums together. In the mid-1990s, he moved back to England and released another solo album, A Stone's Throw, in 1998.
Mick Taylor has continued to perform live and appear at music festivals, connecting with his fans. In 2003, he reunited with John Mayall and Eric Clapton for Mayall's 70th Birthday Concert.
As mentioned earlier, he joined the Rolling Stones for their 50th-anniversary tour in 2012-2014. This allowed a new generation of fans to see him play with the band.
Mick Taylor's Guitars
Mick Taylor has used many different guitars during his career. He is most known for playing the Gibson Les Paul. He bought his first Les Paul when he was 16. He also used other guitars like the Gibson ES-355 and the Gibson SG. Sometimes, he played Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster guitars.
While he is famous as an electric guitarist, Mick has also played acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and even keyboards on some of his recordings.
Personal Life
Mick Taylor has been married twice and has two daughters, Chloe and Emma. He currently lives in the Netherlands with his partner, Marlies Damming.
Awards and Recognition
- Mick Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as a member of the Rolling Stones.
- His handprints are on Hollywood's RockWalk, a special place that honors music legends.
- In 2012, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 37th on their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
Discography
With John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
- Crusade (1967)
- The Diary of A Band, Volumes 1 & 2 (1968)
- Bare Wires (1968)
- Blues from Laurel Canyon (1968)
With The Rolling Stones
- Through the Past, Darkly (1969) – Taylor plays on "Honky Tonk Women"
- Let It Bleed (1969) – Taylor plays on "Country Honk" and "Live With Me"
- Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! (1970) – Live album
- Sticky Fingers (1971)
- Hot Rocks 1964–1971 (1972) – Compilation
- Exile on Main St. (1972)
- Goats Head Soup (1973)
- It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974)
- Made in the Shade (1975) – Compilation
- Tattoo You (1981) – Taylor plays on "Tops" and "Waiting on a Friend" (recorded in 1972)
- Brussels Affair (2011) – Live performance from 1973
- Hyde Park Live (2013) – Live performance from 2013
Solo Albums
- Mick Taylor (1979)
- Stranger in This Town (1990) – Live album
- A Stone's Throw (1998)
Music DVDs
- The Stones in the Park (1969) – Concert video
- Gimme Shelter (1970) – Music documentary film
- 70th Birthday Concert (2004) – John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers with special guests Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor.
- Ladies & Gentlemen The Rolling Stones (2010) – Concert film
See also
In Spanish: Mick Taylor para niños
