A founding member of the Rolling Stones, playing guitar and providing songwriting skills, later forming the Pretty Things, a key figure in the British R&B and rock scene of the 1960s.
Dick Taylor, born Richard Clifford Taylor on January 28, 1943, is an English musician best known as the guitarist and founding member of the iconic rock band, The Pretty Things. With a career spanning over five decades, Taylor has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing generations of rock musicians with his unique style and vision.
Taylor was born in Livingstone Hospital, Dartford, and attended Dartford Grammar School. His early interest in music led him to form the three-piece group Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1962. This group would eventually merge with Brian Jones and Ian Stewart's Rollin' Stones, forming the Rolling Stones.
Taylor played lead guitar in the Rolling Stones, but switched to bass to accommodate Jones. However, he left the band in November 1962 to return to art college, never recording with the Rolling Stones. This decision would prove pivotal, as Taylor went on to form The Pretty Things in September 1963 with vocalist Phil May, finally playing his preferred guitar position.
In addition to his work with The Pretty Things, Taylor has collaborated with various artists, including coproducing Hawkwind's debut album and playing guitar on it. He also worked with Cochise, Skin Alley, and Auntie Pus, contributing to the punk rock movement. In the 1980s, Taylor played guitar with the English post-punk band, the Mekons.
Taylor's influence on rock music is undeniable, with his work with The Pretty Things paving the way for punk and garage rock. His innovative guitar playing and songwriting have inspired countless musicians, including David Bowie, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols. The Pretty Things' concept album, S.F. Sorrow, is often cited as a precursor to punk and new wave.
Taylor has been recognized for his contributions to music, including his induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame with The Pretty Things in 2005. His work has also been celebrated through various reissues and compilations, cementing his status as a rock legend.
As of 2017, Taylor resided on the Isle of Wight, England. He continued to perform and record music, playing lead guitar with the band, The Hillmans, alongside lead singer Tony Minx. Taylor's dedication to his craft and his passion for music have remained unwavering throughout his life.
Dick Taylor's remarkable career serves as a testament to his innovative spirit, creative vision, and dedication to music. As a founding member of The Pretty Things, Taylor has left an indelible mark on rock history, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
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Lead vocalist and co-founder of The Rolling Stones, a legendary rock band that has been a major force in popular music for over five decades, known for iconic hits like "Satisfaction" and "Paint it Black".
