Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rockabilly Pioneer Vernon Taylor Dies at 88
Rockabilly Pioneer Vernon Taylor Dies at 88
25 Jul
Summary
- Vernon Taylor, a pioneer of rockabilly music, has died at age 88.
- He rose to fame in the 1950s, signing with Sun Records.
- Taylor battled dementia before his passing.
Country and rockabilly artist Vernon Taylor, born Walton Alderton, passed away at the age of 88. He had reportedly been struggling with dementia for an extended period. Taylor began his musical journey at 15, forming The Nighthawks and securing early performance opportunities, including playing on a Washington D.C. radio show from 1957 to 1960.
Spotted on "American Bandstand," Taylor signed with Sun Records, becoming recognized as a key figure in the early rockabilly scene. He released four albums between 1957 and 1959, featuring singles like "I've Got The Blues" and "Mystery Train." His music career paused after 1959 when his final records did not chart.
Taylor returned to the stage in 1989 for a benefit concert, marking a resurgence in his performing and recording activities. His death occurred one day after his brother Luther, with the family citing lengthy illnesses for both. Tributes from fellow musicians remembered Taylor's contributions to music and his character.
