Robert Arthur “Tut” Taylor was born November 20, 1923 in Milledgeville, in Baldwin County, near the banks of the Oconee River in Georgia. He was born in a musical family. His father played banjo, his mother was a fiddler fiddle, Tut’s older brother was a guitarist and his other brother played mandolin.
Tut learned to play mandolin at 12, influenced by a favorite uncle. During the first part of World War II, Tut Taylor acquired his first steel guitar. It was a six string National Dobro made by Supro. “I played it for many years, using a flat pick,” said Tut on his website.
Taylor was a member of The Folkswingers in the 1960s, who released three LPs; he recorded his debut solo effort in 1964. Later in the 1960s, he played with the Dixie Gentlemen and in Aero-Plain band.
“GRAMMY-winning Dobro master Tut Taylor was an undisputed legend in the bluegrass scene. A remarkable multi-instrumentalist, he dazzled on the Dobro as well as the guitar, mandolin and banjo. From his first professional recording gig playing the Dobro on Porter Wagoner’s 1964 album Bluegrass Story, to performing in the Folkswingers alongside Glen Campbell, to releasing several solo albums of his own, he always proved to be both progressive and influential,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “In addition to his groundbreaking musicianship, he also became a much-sought-after producer, having worked on recordings with Norman Blake, Jerry Douglas, Mark O’Connor, Brother Oswald and many more. Beloved by many and a longtime Nashville staple, he co-founded the popular Nashville hotspots GTR, a noted instrument shop; The Old Time Pickin’ Parlor, a popular nightclub and music store; and Tut Taylor’s General Store. Throughout his career, his love for music and commitment to evolving the bluegrass scene never wavered. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, his many collaborators, as well as to all who have been entertained by his exceptional talent.”
Tut Taylor collected dobros and ended up with 67. His favorite was the Model 27 SN, used in many of his recordings.
At the Grammy Awards of 1995, he was given the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album for his work on The Great Dobro Sessions with Jerry Douglas.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
