Bobby Taylor

Bobby Taylor was an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with the group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers. Here are some facts about him:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Bobby Taylor was born Robert Edward Taylor on February 18, 1934, in Washington, D.C. He began his music career in the 1950s, performing as a solo artist and collaborating with various groups. Taylor's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, paving the way for his future success in the music industry.

2. Formation of Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers: In the mid-1960s, Bobby Taylor formed the group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The group consisted of Taylor as the lead vocalist, as well as Tommy Chong, Wes Henderson, Ted Lewis, and others. Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers gained popularity on the local music scene and eventually caught the attention of Motown Records.

3. Signing with Motown Records: In 1967, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers signed a recording contract with Motown Records, becoming one of the few non-African American acts on the label at the time. Under Motown, the group released several singles, including their most successful song, "Does Your Mama Know About Me". The song reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of their most enduring hits.

4. Discovery of The Jackson 5: Bobby Taylor is credited with discovering and mentoring the legendary Motown group The Jackson 5. In 1968, Taylor encountered the Jackson brothers performing at the Regal Theater in Chicago and was impressed by their talent. He arranged for them to audition for Motown executives, which ultimately led to the signing of The Jackson 5 to the label. Taylor played a significant role in shaping the early career of the iconic group.

5. Later Career and Legacy: After his time with Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, Bobby Taylor continued to work as a solo artist and producer. He remained active in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and contributing his talents to numerous projects. Taylor's influence as a singer, songwriter, and mentor continues to be felt in the music world, particularly through his role in the discovery of The Jackson 5 and his contributions to the Motown legacy. He passed away on July 22, 2017, but his impact on the music industry lives on.