April
10th 1950 - March 7th 2006
I first met Jesse Taylor
in 1977 during a photo session with Joe
Ely, at Chip Young's Nashville studio, whilst they were recording 'Honky
Tonk Masquerade'.
I would see the Ely band perform at London's Dingwall's several times before I moved to Nashville in 1978.
In 1991 my brother, Michael, recorded an album, 'Rhythm Oil, the sessions' with two other musicians, Terry Clarke and Jesse "Guitar" Taylor. I photographed and designed the album/CD cover.
The Rhythm Oil band toured
the UK in 1993, with the addition of me on percussion and video camera! (I
documented the whole tour).
Jesse and I became good friends during this tour, consequently, he invited
me to stay with him in Austin, where Jesse
introduced me to his dear friend, Stubbs
and to Texas,
for which I shall be ever grateful.
Jesse Taylor was one of
the kindest, well read, wisest gentle giants, packaged into one powerhouse
West Texas, guitar-slinger, shit kicker, one could ever have the pleasure
to meet.
I prefer to celebrate
Jesse's life and not mourn his death. He played the game the way he wanted
it. I was sad when we discussed his illness about three years before as we
drove around Austin in my car and to buy six packs. Jesse would listen to
advice with his right ear! He bought a ticket and knew his destination.
Jesse had a wild side,
a keen eye for the ladies, art, music and the written word. He loved his family
and his friends passionately and embraced life in a way that some may never
experience in four score and ten (and then some). Whenever, I think of my
friend, Jesse, it is with a smile.
We live in a time of war and mass tragedies, both political and natural. Jesse
"Guitar" Taylor played it his way, loud and proud.
Jesse was a big man with a heart the size of Texas, a multitude of friends
and so many great stories that would have me crying with laughter.
His guitar volume knob was a gamblers dice and was always turned
up high.
Jesse, LOUD and PROUD, playing with the Joe Ely Band
at Austin City Limits Festival, Texas, 1994
Jesse
"Guitar" Taylor was one of a kind.
An
American original.
Jesse playing his guitar
LOUD with his friends, for his friends.
JESSE FEST Austin, Texas, April 24th 2005
Jesse, Kathy Taylor (sister)
and Billy Joe Shaver
JESSE FEST Austin, Texas, April 24th 2005
on stage with Joe Ely Band at Antones, Austin, Texas
'Texas Tattoo' CD photo
session, Austin 1998
|
Michael
Messer and Jesse at Terry Clarke's house,
|
Rhythm Oil review in Sunday Express (UK) 1993
|
Volume control from Jesse's black Newman
MORE PICTURES
TO BE ADDED
JESSE
TAYLOR
April
10th 1950 - March 7th 2006
R.I.P.
www.virtualubbock.com
is a wonderful memorial page for Jesse Taylor
Condolences
and photographs are still being posted. Please share your memories.
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site content and photographs copyright © Alan Messer 2009 (unless otherwise
stated)
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Don't even think about it, because I will know then Guido will know and then
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