Johnnie Taylor

Johnnie Taylor was a renowned R&B and gospel singer, born on May 5, 1934, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. He began his musical journey singing in church choirs and later performed with gospel groups like the Melody Kings and the Highway Q.C.’s. Taylor's career took a significant turn when he replaced Sam Cooke in the Soul Stirrers in 1957. After Cooke's departure, Taylor pursued a solo career, initially signing with Cooke's SAR Records in 1961. Following Cooke's death, Taylor joined Stax Records in 1965, where he earned the nickname "The Philosopher of Soul." His time at Stax was marked by hits like "Who's Making Love," which became his first #1 R&B hit in 1968.

Taylor's success continued beyond Stax, as he moved to CBS/Columbia Records and released the platinum-selling single "Disco Lady" in 1976. He later signed with Malaco Records in 1984, where he recorded several albums that blended soul and blues. Throughout his career, Taylor released dozens of albums and received three Grammy nominations. He was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1999. Johnnie Taylor passed away on May 31, 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most versatile and charismatic voices in soul music.

Genres

Blues

Soul Blues

Soul

R&b

Urban Contemporary

Funk

Gospel

Disco

Southern Soul

Doo-wop

Related Artists

Otis Redding

Al Green

Sam Cooke

Marvin Gaye

The Temptations

Wilson Pickett

Latimore

R. Kelly

Barry White

Little Milton

Bobby Womack

Jackie Wilson

Latest Release

One Step From The Blues

Johnnie Taylor

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 25, 2024