Mick Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mick Taylor
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Taylor performing in 2012
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| 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 "Mick" Taylor (born 17 January 1949) is a famous English guitarist. He is best known for being a member of two major bands: John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers from 1967 to 1969 and the Rolling Stones from 1969 to 1974.
With the Rolling Stones, Taylor played on some of their most famous albums. These include Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.. After leaving the band, he started a solo career and worked with many other artists. In 2012 and 2013, he rejoined the Stones for their 50th-anniversary shows and tour.
Many people think Taylor is one of the best guitarists ever. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 37th on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists. The famous guitarist Slash from Guns N' Roses has said that Taylor was his biggest influence.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and First Bands
Mick Taylor was born in Welwyn Garden City, England. He grew up in a nearby town called Hatfield. His uncle taught him how to play guitar when he was nine years old. As a teenager, he started his own bands with friends from school.
One of his early bands was called The Gods. This group once opened a show for the famous band Cream.
When Taylor was 17, he went to see a concert by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The band's main guitarist, Eric Clapton, didn't show up. Taylor bravely asked if he could play instead. John Mayall was so impressed that he later asked Taylor to join the band full-time.
Taylor played with the Bluesbreakers from 1967 to 1969. During this time, he developed his unique guitar style. His playing mixed blues music with ideas from Latin and jazz music. He recorded several albums with them, including Crusade and Blues from Laurel Canyon.
The Rolling Stones (1969–1974)
In 1969, guitarist Brian Jones left the Rolling Stones. John Mayall recommended Taylor to Mick Jagger as a replacement. At first, Taylor thought he was just being hired to play on a few songs as a session musician. But the band liked his playing so much that they asked him to join.
Taylor's first big show with the Rolling Stones was a free concert in London's Hyde Park on July 5, 1969. About 250,000 people came to watch. The show became a tribute to Brian Jones, who had passed away just two days earlier.
For the next five years, Taylor was a key part of the Rolling Stones' sound. He played on classic albums like:
- Let It Bleed (1969)
- Sticky Fingers (1971)
- Exile on Main St. (1972)
- Goats Head Soup (1973)
- It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974)
His smooth and melodic guitar playing was a perfect match for Mick Jagger's singing. Many fans and critics believe this was one of the best periods in the band's history.
Why Did Mick Taylor Leave the Band?
In December 1974, Taylor surprised everyone by announcing he was leaving the Rolling Stones. There were several reasons for his decision. He felt he wasn't getting credit for some of the songs he helped write. He also found the band's lifestyle to be chaotic and wanted a change.
Taylor later said he wanted to protect his family from the difficult environment around the band. He felt he needed to leave to stay healthy and try new things.
The other members of the Rolling Stones were shocked by his decision. They were about to start recording a new album. However, they respected his choice. Keith Richards reportedly sent him a message saying, "Really enjoyed playing with you for the last five years."
After the Rolling Stones
After leaving the Stones, Taylor formed a new band with bassist Jack Bruce from the band Cream. They toured Europe but broke up after about a year.
In 1979, Taylor released his first solo album, which was simply called Mick Taylor. He also worked as a guest musician for many famous artists. He played guitar on albums by Bob Dylan, including Infidels and Real Live. He also toured with Dylan in 1984.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Taylor continued to tour and record. He worked with his former bandmate Bill Wyman and played on albums by artists like Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Carla Olson.
Reuniting with the Stones and Later Work
Even after leaving, Taylor sometimes worked with his old bandmates. He played with the Rolling Stones at a concert in 1981. In 1989, he was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the band.
His guitar playing can also be heard on the 1981 Rolling Stones album Tattoo You. The songs "Tops" and "Waiting on a Friend" were recorded in 1972 when he was still in the band.
In 2012, the Rolling Stones invited Taylor to be a special guest on their 50 & Counting tour. He played with them at every show, performing songs like "Midnight Rambler". He toured with them again in 2013 and 2014. Fans were thrilled to see him on stage with the band again.
Guitars and Equipment
Throughout his career, Taylor has used many different guitars. He is most famous for playing the Gibson Les Paul. He bought his first one in 1965. He has also used other guitars like the Gibson SG and the Fender Stratocaster.
While he is known for his electric guitar skills, Taylor also plays acoustic guitar and bass. He has also contributed keyboards and backing vocals on some recordings.
Personal Life
Taylor has been married twice and has two daughters, Chloe and Emma. He currently lives in the Netherlands with his partner, Marlies Damming.
Awards
- Inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame (with the Rolling Stones, 1989)
- Taylor's handprints have been on Hollywood's RockWalk since 6 September 1998.
- Ranked 37th on Rolling Stone magazine's 2012 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
Selected Discography
With John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
- Crusade (1967)
- Bare Wires (1968)
- Blues from Laurel Canyon (1968)
With The Rolling Stones
- Let It Bleed (1969)
- Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! (1970)
- Sticky Fingers (1971)
- Exile on Main St. (1972)
- Goats Head Soup (1973)
- It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974)
- Tattoo You (1981) (Plays on "Tops" and "Waiting on a Friend")
- Brussels Affair (2011) (Live album from 1973)
- Hyde Park Live (2013) (Live album)
Solo Albums
- Mick Taylor (1979)
- Stranger in This Town (1990)
- A Stone's Throw (1998)
Images for kids
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Taylor performing in 2012
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Taylor performing with John Mayall in the early 1980s
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Taylor performing in New York, 1989
See also
In Spanish: Mick Taylor para niños
