Who Was Bobby Taylor?

Robert Edward "Bobby" Taylor was a pivotal figure in soul music, recognized as a dynamic singer, an astute producer, and a legendary talent scout. Born in Washington, D.C., Taylor's journey led him through the vibrant doo-wop scene of New York City to the burgeoning music landscape of Canada, where he fronted the groundbreaking interracial band, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. This group achieved international success with their 1968 hit "Does Your Mama Know About Me," securing their place in the Motown Records roster.

Beyond his performing career, Taylor's most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his instrumental role in discovering and nurturing The Jackson 5. He personally brought the young, talented family group to the attention of Motown Records, produced their initial recordings, and helped lay the foundation for their meteoric rise to global superstardom. His keen ear for talent and dedication to music profoundly shaped the trajectory of one of the most iconic acts in music history.

Taylor's life was a testament to his diverse heritage, being of Black, Puerto Rican, and Native American descent, which was often reflected in the multicultural makeup of his bands. He navigated the complexities of the music industry, from chart-topping success to legal battles, always driven by his passion for soul and R&B. His story is one of perseverance, musical innovation, and an unparalleled impact on the sound of a generation.

Early Life and Background

Robert Edward Taylor was born on February 18, 1934, in Washington, D.C., where he also spent his formative years. Growing up in the nation's capital, Taylor was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences that would shape his future career. His early experiences in music began as a young man when he relocated to New York City, a bustling hub for emerging musical talent.

In New York, Taylor immersed himself in the vibrant world of doo-wop, singing in various local groups. This period was crucial for his development as a vocalist and performer, as he honed his skills alongside other aspiring musicians. Notably, some of his contemporaries from these early doo-wop groups went on to achieve significant fame, joining successful acts such as Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers and Little Anthony and the Imperials, underscoring the high caliber of talent he was surrounded by.

Taylor's professional music career officially began in 1958 when he became a member of The Four Pharaohs. This group released a few recordings that gained local traction in the Columbus, Ohio, area, providing Taylor with his first taste of recording and performing for a wider audience. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future successes, teaching him the intricacies of the music business and the art of captivating an audience.

Formative Musical Journey and the Vancouvers' Genesis

The early 1960s marked a significant turning point in Bobby Taylor's musical journey as he ventured westward. While in San Francisco, he encountered a band called Little Daddy and the Bachelors, which included vocalist Tommie Melton, guitarist Tommy Chong (who would later achieve fame as half of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong), bassist Wes Henderson, pianist Bernie Sneed, and drummer Floyd Sneed, who later found success with Three Dog Night. This meeting proved to be serendipitous, leading to a collaboration that would evolve into one of Canada's most notable soul acts.

The group soon moved to Calgary, Canada, where they rebranded themselves as The Calgary Shades. The name "Shades" was deliberately chosen to highlight the band's groundbreaking interracial composition, a bold statement in an era still grappling with racial segregation and prejudice. Taylor himself was of Black, Puerto Rican, and Native American heritage, while Chong was half Chinese, and other members were Black, white, and Aboriginal, making them a truly diverse ensemble that challenged conventional norms in music.

During this period, Little Daddy & the Bachelors recorded a single, "Too Much Monkey Business" / "Junior's Jerk," showcasing their raw talent and energetic sound. They built a local following, performing in various venues, including opening for established acts like Ike & Tina Turner at the Blues Palace in Vancouver in 1962. However, the band faced internal challenges, including a controversial early billing as "Four Niggers and a Chink" (or "Four N's and a C") before wisely adopting the more palatable and enduring name, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers.

Career and Major Works

Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers: Motown Success and Beyond

The pivotal moment for Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers arrived in 1965 when The Supremes members Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson heard them perform at the Elegant Parlour in Vancouver. Impressed by their soulful sound, which heavily featured Motown covers, they alerted Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records. Gordy quickly brought the band to Detroit, Michigan, and signed them to his Gordy Records imprint, marking a significant milestone for the Canadian group.

By this time, the band's lineup had evolved to include Taylor, Wes Henderson, Tommy Chong, guitarist Eddie Patterson, organist Robbie King, and drummer Duris Maxwell (also known as Ted Lewis). While there were claims that Jimi Hendrix played with them in their early days, Chong has clarified that such appearances were likely a product of Taylor's imagination, though Hendrix and Taylor did know each other and Hendrix later jammed with the Vancouvers in Europe. The group's debut album, an eponymous release, featured their breakthrough single, the Tommy Chong co-composition "Does Your Mama Know About Me," which soared to number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the US R&B chart in May 1968, solidifying their place in the soul music landscape.

Despite their initial success, internal tensions and external pressures began to mount. They released two more singles, "I Am Your Man," produced by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, and the Smokey Robinson-written and produced "Malinda," both of which charted. However, during an engagement, Motown producer Johnny Bristol fired Chong and Henderson for missing a gig to apply for green cards. The group ultimately disbanded shortly thereafter, partly due to Chong's attempt to restructure the band's contract, which would have reduced some members to sidemen. Following the Vancouvers' breakup, Taylor even auditioned for the vacant lead singer position in The Temptations after David Ruffin's departure, but he was ultimately not selected.

The Discovery and Production of The Jackson 5

Bobby Taylor's most profound and lasting contribution to music history came in July 1968, during a Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers engagement at the Regal Theater in Chicago. There, he witnessed a local family band, The Jackson 5, perform as their opening act. Taylor was immediately captivated by the raw talent, energy, and undeniable charisma of the young brothers, particularly the prodigious lead singer, Michael Jackson.

Deeply impressed, Taylor took it upon himself to personally bring the group to Detroit and the Motown offices. He arranged an audition for them with Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, who, along with Berry Gordy Jr., was equally astonished by the group's potential. Within a year, The Jackson 5 were signed to the label, a direct result of Taylor's advocacy and belief in their talent. This moment changed the course of music history, launching one of the most successful and influential groups of all time.

After The Jackson 5 signed in March 1969, Taylor became their first producer, supervising the bulk of their debut album, *Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5*. He recorded the Jacksons on a number of soul covers, including a memorable rendition of The Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You," which showcased Michael Jackson's incredible vocal prowess. Although Berry Gordy later moved the group to California and took personal control of their sound, Taylor briefly joined them there. However, he did not receive credit for working on their early smash hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC," which were largely handled by Gordy's in-house production team, The Corporation. Despite this, Taylor's foundational work in producing their initial recordings and covers of older R&B songs was crucial in shaping their early sound and preparing them for superstardom.

Solo Career and Later Ventures

Following his significant, though often uncredited, contributions to The Jackson 5's early success, Bobby Taylor transitioned to a solo career within the Motown family. He was shifted to Motown's V.I.P. Records subsidiary, where he continued to record as a solo artist. While his solo singles did not achieve the same commercial heights as his work with The Vancouvers or his productions for The Jackson 5, some, like "Oh, I've Been Bless'd," later garnered a cult following among soul music enthusiasts. Other solo releases included "My Girl Has Gone" and "Blackmail."

By 1971, Taylor's relationship with Motown soured, leading to his departure due to a financial dispute. He continued to record sporadically into the mid-1970s, releasing singles on various labels such as Mowest, Sunflower, Tommy Zs7, and Playboy Records, with "Why Play Games" even charting on the US R&B list. Notably, he also collaborated with legendary producer Thom Bell on "I Can't Quit Your Love" for Philadelphia International Records, credited as "BT & TB."

Later in his career, Taylor successfully sued Motown, a testament to his determination to protect his rights and contributions. He eventually moved to the United Kingdom, where he formed an offshoot group, Bobby Taylor & the New Vancouvers, and recorded an album titled *Find My Way Back* for Ian Levine's Motorcity Records in 1990. Although he largely stepped away from the music world by the early 1990s, Taylor made a brief return for a one-off performance and Q&A session in 1998, reminding fans of his enduring presence and influence in soul music.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Bobby Taylor's career was marked by several significant achievements that left an indelible impact on the landscape of soul and popular music. His multifaceted talents as a vocalist, bandleader, producer, and talent scout made him a unique and influential figure. One of his earliest and most notable contributions was leading Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, an interracial band that broke barriers and achieved mainstream success during a racially charged era. Their hit single, "Does Your Mama Know About Me," not only showcased Taylor's powerful vocals but also brought a distinct Canadian flavor to the Motown sound, earning them a Top 30 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

However, Taylor's most celebrated and historically significant achievement was his role in discovering and championing The Jackson 5. His keen ear for talent recognized the extraordinary potential in the young Jackson brothers, and his personal intervention was crucial in bringing them to the attention of Berry Gordy Jr. and Motown. Without Taylor's conviction and efforts, the trajectory of The Jackson 5, and consequently the careers of Michael Jackson and his siblings, might have been entirely different. This act of discovery alone cemented his place in music history as a true visionary.

Beyond discovery, Taylor also served as The Jackson 5's first producer, overseeing the initial recordings for their debut album. He helped shape their early sound, guiding them through covers that showcased their vocal harmonies and Michael's burgeoning talent. This foundational work was essential in preparing the group for the massive success that would follow, demonstrating Taylor's skill not just as a performer but also as a mentor and studio professional. His dedication to fostering young talent and his ability to identify future stars underscore his profound and lasting contribution to the music industry.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bobby Taylor's personal life, while less publicized than his musical endeavors, was marked by resilience and a deep connection to his heritage. In his later years, Taylor faced significant health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer. He sought various holistic treatments for his condition, reflecting a personal approach to health and well-being that diverged from conventional methods. Despite these struggles, his passion for music and his legacy remained a central part of his identity.

On July 22, 2017, Bobby Taylor passed away in Hong Kong at the age of 83. His death marked the end of an era for a man who had profoundly influenced soul music and popular culture. Taylor's legacy is multifaceted, but he is primarily remembered as the visionary who discovered The Jackson 5. This single act of recognizing and nurturing their talent reshaped the music industry and launched the careers of global icons, ensuring his name would forever be linked to one of the greatest musical phenomena of the 20th century.

Beyond the Jackson 5, Taylor's own musical contributions with Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers are significant. Their unique blend of Canadian soul, their interracial lineup, and their chart success with "Does Your Mama Know About Me" carved out a distinct niche in Motown's storied history. His story also highlights the often-unsung heroes behind the scenes of major musical breakthroughs, individuals whose keen judgment and dedication are crucial to bringing new talent to the forefront. Bobby Taylor's life stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and the enduring impact of a single individual's belief in artistic potential.