Johnnie Taylor
Johnnie Harrison Taylor was an influential American singer-songwriter known for his contributions to gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues music, celebrated throughout his long career for his versatile style and emotive vocal delivery.
Born on May 5, 1934, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, Taylor was raised in West Memphis where he began his musical journey singing in church at the age of si.x His early experiences in gospel music significantly shaped his career, as he drew inspiration from notable gospel artists like R.H. Harris .
Taylor's professional career spanned over four decades, during which he garnered the nickname "The Philosopher of Soul." His musical style was a seamless blend of gospel's heartfelt quality and the raw emotion of blues, which contributed to his wide appeal. He released numerous hits that showcased his vocal talent and ability to connect with audiences.
Throughout his career, Taylor released several memorable songs, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Some of his notable tracks include "Who's Making Love, "I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)" and "Disco Lady," which became a major hit and was one of the first songs to be certified as a disco single by the RIAA. Taylor's ability to transition between genres allowed him to resonate with diverse audiences.
Johnnie Taylor's impact on American music remains significant, and he is remembered for his contributions to the soul genre and beyond. He passed away on May 31, 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence artists today. His unique sound and innovative style have earned him a place as a respected figure in music history.
Reflections
Written-By – Davis 3:31
A2 Stop Half Lovin' These Women
Written-By – Lewis 3:50
A3 I Worry About You
Written-By – Mapp 4:55
A4 Wanting What You Can't Have (Having What You Don't Want)
Written-By – Williams, Johnson 3:11
B1 Heaven Bless This Home
Written-By – Wilson 4:02
B2 If You Really Love Your Girl (Show It)
Written-By – D. Bridges, F. Bridges, Benson, Thomas 6:35
B3 Never My Love
Written-By – Dick Addrisi, Don Addrisi 4:01
B4 Forgive And Forget
Written-By – Davis, Ross, Mack 4:21
Label: RCA Victor – APL1-2527
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Johnnie Taylor's 1977 album Reflections is considered a strong, yet somewhat overlooked, chapter in his career, blending soulful roots with polished production by the legendary Don Davis, offering rich vocals on rootsier tracks than his later hits, and is noted for its quality despite not charting as high as some other releases like Eargasm or Rated Extraordinaire, with fans praising his timeless voice.
Don Davis's production provides a polished feel, bridging his Stax bluesier era and his Columbia smoother hits, making it a rootsier but still slick soul record.
Taylor's signature smooth, expressive voice shines, adding depth and sparkle to the material. It sits in an interesting spot in his discography, between major chart-toppers, making it a deeper cut for fans.
While not a huge chart success (peaking at #45 on R&B charts), it's highly regarded by those who discover it, often recommended for its quality.
In essence, Reflections is a solid, high-quality soul album showcasing Johnnie Taylor's enduring vocal talent with tasteful production from Don Davis, making it a rewarding listen for soul enthusiasts.
The Johnnie Taylor Philosophy Continues
Written-By – Daron Taylor, George Clinton
4:04
A2 Separation Line
Written-By – We Three
3:40
A3 Love Bones
Written-By – Al Bell, Don Davis
3:58
A4 Love Is A Hurting Thing
Written-By – Ben Raleigh, David Linden
2:27
A5 I Had A Fight With Love
Written-By – We Three
3:00
B1 I Could Never Be President
Written-By – We Three
2:30
B2 It's Amazing
Written-By – Don Davis (2), Gene Current, Kent Barker
2:55
B3 Who Can I Turn To
Written-By – Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse
4:30
B4 Games People Play
Written-By – Joe South
3:46
B5 It's Your Thing
Written-By – O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley
2:25
Label: Stax – STS 2023
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Southern Soul
The Johnnie Taylor Philosophy Continues is a 1969 studio album released on the Stax label that showcases Johnnie Taylor's versatility in the soul and R&B genres. The album is known for its blend of sweet northern soul and gritty southern funk, with production by Don Davis.
The album is Johnnie Taylor's fifth studio album and solidifies his reputation as the "Philosopher of Soul". It features a mix of original songs and covers of contemporary hits, all delivered with Taylor's distinctive smooth vocals and backed by the iconic Stax sound, likely featuring members of Booker T. & the M.G.'s as the backing band. Reviewers on Rate Your Music praise the album as one that "starts strong and keeps getting better," highlighting the grit and funkiness of the tracks.
It spans different soul styles, from blues-drenched ballads to funky workouts and pop covers. Standout songs include the chart-climbing rendition of Parliament's "I Wanna Testify," the "smoking, bouncing, stomping" mid-tempo southern soul track "Love Bones," and the "slightly socio-political funky workout" "I Could Never Be President". The album features strong interpretations of popular songs like Joe South's "Games People Play" and The Isley Brothers' classic "It's Your Thing".
In summary, the album demonstrates Taylor's ability to move from sweet, melodic soul to harder-edged funk. It's a quintessential release from his time at Stax Records, cementing his legacy as "The Philosopher of Soul."