Globe Pequot / Backbeat
Pages: 240
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Trim: 6 x 9
978-1-4930-5184-7 • Hardback • December 2020 • $27.95 • (£21.95)
978-1-4930-5185-4 • eBook • October 2020 • $26.50 • (£19.95)
Fred Taylor was born in Boston and grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Newton High School and Boston University. While at BU, he led his own group as a drummer. Upon graduation, he entered the family business selling Serta mattresses, where he worked for nine years. However, at night Taylor was in the music world, going to all the jazz clubs in Boston. With his first tape recorder, in 1952, he recorded Dave Brubeck’s group at George Wein’s Storyville nightclub. This led to Dave Brubeck being signed with Columbia Records. Taylor’s been working for 55 years with the greatest talents in the world of jazz, pop, and comedy.
Coauthor Richard Vacca is the author of Boston Jazz Chronicles: Faces, Places and Nightlife, 1937–1962. He has worked with Fred Taylor as a coauthor and manager of Taylor’s extensive collection of art, photos, and artifacts.
Paul's Mall was a wonderful music room, as Scullers is today, and Fred Taylor has always been about the music. Some places, the music is the last thing they think about, but that’s not the way it is here. Fred always makes sure everything's good, makes it feel like home. People like to come. Above all else, with Fred Taylor, the music is king.— Ramsey Lewis, American jazz composer, pianist, and radio personality
Fred, the fact that we are together like this fifty years later—you're still a kid and all I can say is that I wish you the best. And keep doing it for fifty years more, because jazz needs you, and you’ve contributed as much as anybody I know. God bless you!— George Wein
I'm honored and proud to say that I'm a friend of Fred Taylor's. I met him about ten or twelve years ago, when he was nice enough to have me play at Scullers. He's a legend in the business. Fifty years! Fred, you're the best. We love you!— Chris Botti
Hey Fred, I'm in New York and I can't be with you tonight, but I wanted you to hear it right from me: thank you, thank you, thank you for doing all that you have done over the years for our music, jazz music. You've been incredible. As a matter of fact, I remember thirty years ago, you booked me as the opening act for the great Al Jarreau. I never thought I'd get an opportunity like that, and it was all because of you. And I even remember you driving me around from radio station to radio station at all hours of the day and night. You were an inspiration to me and an instrumental part in my career. I can't thank you enough, Fred. God bless you and I hope to see you soon.— Harry Connick Jr.
I first played for Fred at his early clubs, the Jazz Workshop and Paul's Mall, back in the 1960s. Fred Taylor is just as much a part of Boston jazz history as any musician who ever called Boston home. Fred Always seemed to know who the best players were, and who to bring into the clubs. And because of his extensive knowledge about the music, he easily made the visiting artists feel comfortable and welcome. All of us—musicians and fans alike—are grateful for what Fred has done for our community.— Gary Burton, grammy-winning jazz musician
Fred, are they familiar with your club reign? Paul's Mall, the Jazz Workshop—everybody worked there. I wish you the best success every day. We love you.— Ahmad Jamal
Thank you very much for all that you've done to keep our art form alive.— Monty Alexander
Fred . . . Wow! Wow! I'm so grateful to you. Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for keeping so much vibrant music flowing through Boston. Bless you! Thank you so much for all the generosity, support, and grooving over the years. You are such a gem, such a treasure, to our community. Hats off to you, maestro!— Esperanza Spaulding
Fred Taylor, fifty years! Yes!— Wynton Marsalis
Fred Taylor, one of the greatest guys in the whole world. He's such an unassuming person, a naturally sweet person. A great person to hang around, to listen to his stories, and get all his wisdom. You just hope to get some of that wisdom rubbed into your own soul. Fred, I love you and look forward to seeing you soon. God bless you. You're the best!— Christian McBride
Fred Taylor is truly one of the great supporters of this music, ever. Congratulations, and it is an honor to know you and to be your friend.— Bill Charlap
The three words that I think of when I think of Fred Taylor are generous, genuine, and taste. The man has impeccable taste. When I was thirteen years old, I sat in when one of my mentors, Anne Hampton Calloway, was performing at Scullers Jazz Club. I played the song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' with her. And after the set, Fred Taylor came up to me and said, 'Wow! That was something special. And I want to have you and your band come into Scullers.' My wish for Fred: For a new song to always come popping up, and a new joke as well, because you are the master of songs and jokes, and we all love you so much.— Grace Kelly
Fred, I want to thank you so much for everything you've done. I'm so excited that this scholarship is being set up for you.— Jane Bunnett
Fred is full of integrity. He's a straight shooter. He's honest, creative, jolly. A fine man! Every phone call I get from Fred makes me feel special. He's the only venue promoter I know who will actually call you. And not only will he go so far as to call you, he will also come to your show. At one point I was playing at another club in his town, not in his venue, and he came to that show to tell me that he wanted me back at his venue. That kind of personal interaction is so special, and I wish everybody in the business could be like Fred.— Kat Edmonson
Back in the late nineties, Fred used to bring in the great Abby Lincoln to Scullers to do a special concert for Valentines Day. So I went one year and after the concert, Fred was kind enough to introduce me to Abby Lincoln. That was my first time meeting her, and that was the beginning of a great friendship, full of inspiration for me. Fred, I want to thank you for making that connection. I'm forever grateful for that. It was really kind of you—thank you.— Jason Palmeri
Congratulations (on the new scholarship). Thank you for doing so much for the kids—and for all of us—over the years.— Sean Jones
To my dear friend Fred Taylor: congratulations on the establishment of this scholarship in your honor. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this concert at the esteemed Berklee College of Music than you.— Bo Winiker
Three adjectives to describe Fred Taylor: tall, dark, and handsome! If you ever need a joke for your act, just go to Boston, Fred's got about ten thousand of them—and he'll tell you all of them before the night is over. The think I'd like to wish for Fred Taylor is what he's given to me and so many artists along his journey: happiness. He's made us all happy. Without Fred Taylor, there would be so many people like myself that wouldn't know the job of Boston. God bless you Fred, I love you and you'll always be my friend.— Steve Tyrell
Fred Taylor is one of the great men of our music. We are so honored to be celebrating you and your scholarship. Bright moments, and thank you for all you've given this music, and all you continue to give.— Todd Barken
When I began my 30 year career as a journalist covering Arts & Entertainment for CBS Boston, it became immediately clear that Fred Taylor was as indispensable to the jazz scene as the artists he represents. Not only does he bring a deep love and understanding of music, but also a long and illustrious history of relationships with the artists themselves—legendary and young up-and-comers—and they trust him as much as I do. The consummate professional and a very easy man to work with, Freddie is a legacy unto himself.— Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy Award-winning arts and entertainment critic
Fred, you've given me some great things in your life, and I hope it continues another fifty years. Congratulations.— Dave Brubeck