Louis B. Taylor Jr., a celebrated Virgin Islands musician, educator, and group activist, died Friday, September 12, on his 76th birthday. His passing has drawn tributes from leaders throughout the territory, in addition to from the group he served for many years by way of music and mentorship.
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Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett known as Taylor “a legendary musician, devoted educator, and beloved son of St. Thomas,” including that his demise “represents not simply the lack of an distinctive artist, however the finish of an period.”
Born in Savan in 1949 and raised within the Upstreet neighborhood, Taylor grew up in a musical household. His grandfathers, Ernest Spooner of the Bamboula Fungi band and Bernard Taylor of the naval band underneath Alton Adams Sr., impressed his early ardour for music. He started piano classes at age 11, and by highschool he was already performing jazz professionally with the Charlotte Amalie Excessive College band and on the V.I. Hilton Lodge with the Cedric Swan Combo. He later earned a bachelor’s diploma in music training from Tennessee State College.
Taylor’s profession spanned greater than 60 years, mixing jazz with quelbe and Caribbean people traditions whereas sharing phases with music greats together with Cab Calloway, Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, and Chaka Khan. Past his artistry, he spent greater than three many years educating at Joseph Gomez Elementary, Bertha C. Boschulte Junior Excessive, Addelita Cancryn Junior Excessive, and the College of the Virgin Islands. Lots of his college students went on to develop into musicians themselves, carrying ahead the cultural heritage he labored to protect.
Simply weeks earlier than his demise, the group honored him with a tribute live performance on the Charlotte Amalie Excessive College Auditorium, the place fellow musicians from throughout the islands celebrated his lifetime of contributions. Regardless of bodily challenges, Taylor attended the occasion and witnessed the outpouring of affection from these he mentored.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. described him as “a gifted Virgin Islander whose skills and dedication left a long-lasting mark on our group,” whereas Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach praised his “many important and excellent contributions” as each a musician and instructor. Roach, who attended final month’s tribute live performance, mentioned Taylor’s affect “will undoubtedly be considered his legacy for years to return.”
Taylor was additionally remembered by the nonprofit We From Upstreet Inc., which he supported all through his life. “Our expensive brother, cousin, good friend, instructor, mentor, musician extraordinaire, sportsman and group activist, Louis B. Taylor Jr., handed away,” the group shared in an announcement. “He was decided to rejoice his birthday yesterday, then slipped quietly away final night.”
Along with his musical achievements, Taylor was often called a passionate advocate for tennis, nurturing younger athletes in a lot the identical method he guided aspiring musicians.
He’s survived by his spouse, Michelle, and daughter, Monet.
