Larry Joe Taylor

At the core of Taylor’s talent is songwriting. In 1988 he was a finalist in the famous Kerrville New Folk competition. With the exception of two songs Taylor has written or co-written all the material on his recordings. A slew of other artists have cut his tunes as well, including Jerry Jeff Walker, and the Lost Gonzo Band, Gary P. Nunn (15 cuts on 3 CDs), KKeith Sykes, Michael Hearne & South by Southwest, Joe Pat Hennen, Mike Graham, Doc Wesson, Tommy Alverson, Brian Burns, and several others.

His style is upbeat, down-home and magnetic. His ability to engage spirited audience participation in sing-a-longs, limbo contests and untamed conga lines one moment and in their seats spellbound the next is what makes Taylor stand out among entertainers. For every two or three of his good time, country, rocking tunes, Taylor delivers a poignant ballad about life and the passion and resilience required to get through it.

A new role Taylor has taken on it that of Record Producer. In the last 5 years he has produced 3 compilation CDs, Live From Meridian, 2 albums for up and coming young artist, Mike Graham and Brand New Day for longtime songwriter friend, Joe Pat Hennen and most recently Abby Abernathy’s Short Stories.

Another thick layer to LJT is that of Music Promoter and Festival Producer. Taylor has hosted a Texas Music Festival in April for 16 years in a row with crowds over 15,000 in attendance for this four-day event. Taylor’s 11th Annual festival was featured as one of the top 5 music events in the state in the December 1998 Performing Songwriter magazine. In 1998 he initiated an annual “Island Time Festival” in Port Aransas, TX with the same musical format. Individual artists as well on radio stations seek Taylor’s help when promoting their own events. As long as it’s for the promotion of singer/songwriters, Taylor enthusiastically shares his expertise.

Add to the list his establishment of his own record company, “Boat Folk Records” and publishing company, “Texribbean Publishing” and it’s apparent that Taylor’s musical interests and talents are numerous as well as diverse.

Whether it’s through a song, in a recording session or right in the middle of a major festival, what Larry Joe Taylor does best is relate to all kinds of people in all kinds of places. He has performed in a wide range of venues, including the world famous Billy Bob’s Texas, the elegant Scott Theater in Fort Worth, historic Gruene Hall and a number of outdoor festivals, yacht clubs, country clubs and regular roadhouse honky tonks.

Taylor performs with his band and acoustically with other songwriters. Most notable songwriting circles include shows with Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rusty Wier, Terri Hendrix, Pat Green, Chris Wall, Keith Sykes, Richard Leigh, Kevin Welch, and Brian Burns. He has opened for Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keene, Guy Clark, and Radney Foster.

Although, Texas has been good to him and his roots will always be in the Lone Star state, recently Taylor has begun to tour outside of Texas traveling across the US and possibly a European tour in the works.

Quotes about LJT:

The measure of a good songwriter is: when you listen to their lyrics, there’s no doubt that the words came from their heart and soul. You can feel a bit of what the writer feels. You get a sense that they lived the song, either in real life or in the “escape mode” of their imagination. Larry Joe Taylor’s songs fit all of the above. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Larry Joe on three studio albums. Anyone who has ever done business with Larry Joe knows him for his honesty and his fairness. This also shows through in his music. Hey, I’ll help Larry Joe Taylor record his music for as long as he needs me to help. Something about that “soul and honesty” thing that keeps me coming back. Larry Joe’s music is as real as it gets. Enjoy life.

Lloyd Maines

Larry Joe Taylor’s music sounds something like Jerry Jeff Walker meeting Jimmy Buffett at a party in Terlingua.

Jim Beal, Jr. (San Antonio Express News)

Taylor is Coastal Bend’s answer to Buffet…he combines bright, up-tempo country songwriting with easy, calypso-driven rhythms and an occasional dash of country swing to create a relaxed music that reflects his fascination with life in the salt air of the Texas Coast.

Paige Ross (Corpus Christi Caller Times)

Texas own version of Jimmy Buffett.

Shirley Jenkins (Fort Worth Star Telegram)