African American artists have long used art to preserve history, educate and empower others. Learning about African American art, culture and contributions to society helps not only to impart historical knowledge, but also strengthens community ties by showcasing the talent and contributions of a rich cultural heritage, fostering expansion and appreciation for the wide range of talents in a race often vulnerable to marginalization.
It is amazing to identify and highlight the many talented people in today’s society. Often unsung and wellknown in their individual circles, there is always the opportunity to be amazed by the talents and accomplishments of community members. Guitarist, Scott Taylor, is one such subject. A native Rockdalian, Scott attended the Rockdale Junior High in his younger years. After middle school, Scott attended the Rockdale Christian Academy and Cameron Christian Academy through his junior year before completing his high school education through home study in 1991. After high school, Scott went on to complete a successful career in the U.S. Army from 19942014.
Scott began his love of music at the age of 8. He started with playing the piano off and on until junior high, played the tenor saxophone in the Rockdale Junior High Band, and then picked up the drum and guitar during his freshman year of high school. Once Scott found the guitar, it became his primary instrument.
When asked what made him choose the guitar, Scott says that the guitar and piano are the only two instruments where you can play chords. I would also add the organ. To further his education in music, Scott took basic lessons and afterwards was selftaught. His talent was honed through reading, listening to other musicians, watching performances and practicing. According to Scott, he has no favorite genre of music. He loves everything from reggae to country, blues to hip hop, African and world music. He loves the cultural aspects of music. One of his favorite bands includes the Wagakki Band, a Japanese band that combines rock music with traditional Japanese instruments (wagakki) and Shigin, performances reciting a Japanese poem or Chinese poem by chanting. The Wagakki Band is known for fusing Vocaloid songs with Japanese instruments and western rock music.
When asked about his inspiration for playing, Scott said it could be anything from internal feelings and experiences to external stimuli. As a musician, Scott feels that he can recognize or witness things that people go through and be inspired to write a song. It may just be a phrase or sentence that someone speaks to generate inspiration. He enjoys the experience of writing and creating. Scott said that he loves all types of music; but he is “in touch with his roots as it pertains to music.” Primarily known for being a blues guitar player when playing solo, Scott frequently collaborates with bands from diverse musical genres. He also contributes to studio work for other musicians. Some of the bands that you may catch Scott playing with include KCD Band (Casey Stanislaw) and The Acadian Band (different musicians from all over). Scott also played lead guitar for Billy Latham and the Bad Habits and is currently playing lead guitar for Jenn Ford.
Scott retired from the military in 2014 after serving in many various locations including two tours in South Korea, three tours in Iraq, 3-1/2 years in Germany, and stints at Fort Bliss, Ft. Carson, Ft. Bragg, Ft. Knox, and Ft. Hope among others. I asked Scott what advice he would give to young people to inspire them. He said “What you put into it is what you will get out of it. You absolutely do not have to limit or listen to what people speak on you. As Black people, we are marginalized; but we don’t have to have a marginalized mindset.”
Scott says he left Rockdale at age 20 with his birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, $13, and a duffel bag with a handful of clothes. He has had the opportunity to travel the world. Scott says he has played in Berlin, traveled in Korea and done many incredible things in his lifetime. He has driven through Kuwait City, which he says is absolutely beautiful, and traveled the border between North and South Korea, as well as the Persian Gulf. Scott says he has been able to do these things because he put himself there. He made the decisions to change his life. “You can make opportunities for yourself based on decisions. People must be proactive. They must be approachable. You have to know how to talk to people and if a door closes, keep talking to people until you get to the right person. You just can’t stop because someone says No.” Scott’s motto is just keep going.
Today, Scott Taylor is a full-time musician. He lives in Killeen and frequents Rockdale to see his parents Bennie and Kay Taylor. Scott is the father of a 22-year-old son, Elijah Scott Taylor, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army.
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