TAYLOR

From page A3

He was also known as 'the Blues Wailer'.

Taylor was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.

Taylor was also a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

In 2015 Taylor was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

In 2022, Taylor was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

His induction citation stated 'Taylor liked to emphasize that he could sing more than blues, as indeed he amply proved when performing gospel and soul, but among African-American audiences, he reigned as the top headliner of his era at blues events.'

Next month, Taylor will receive another honor, with the installation of his Brass Note on the Beale Street Walk of Fame. The Brass Notes recognize some of the most important contributors to music, music history and culture.

His daughter, Fonda Bryant, recently shared some more information about her father.

'Johnnie Taylor made music history and black history by being the first-ever artist with a platinum record certified by the RIAA.,' she said proudly.

“Plus, when Disco Lady became the first-ever platinum record, there was no streaming or downloading music.

You had to get your butt off the couch and go to a record store.”

She also explained the delay with is Brass Note ceremony.

“He has an exhibit in the Stax Museum and 2022, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Now he is getting ready to receive a Brass Music Note on Beale Street that was supposed to be done in 2019, but between the dragging of feet and Covid, it has been delayed until now. It will finally be installed in April 2024. HBO is doing a four-part documentary on Stax Records later this year. I can't wait to see it. My father should be all in it.”

Photo courtesy of Fonda Bryant