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1-8 of 8
- Actor
- Composer
- Sound Department
JT's vocal talents were discovered at the age of seven while singing in his church choir, rapidly inspiring praise for him throughout his neighborhood. At the age of thirteen, JT formed his first band, gaining New York state recognition with an appearance at the world famous Apollo Theater. During his time as a high school track star, he advanced in his artistry and newfound capacity for songwriting to the point that he began to receive considerable attention from record companies. Although enthused by their offers, the virtue of knowledge instilled by his treasured mother led him to pursue school as the primary priority. His decisions would lead him to accept a scholarship from Norfolk State University. After two years, JT's heart impelled him to pursue his dream. He began to sing full-time in a variety of bands, which helped him widen his appreciation for Jazz, R&B, Rock, Gospel, Country and Classical music.This cemented a team that also included Grammy Award-winning producer Eumir Deodato, who brought the unique sound and style to the group that led to their worldwide acclaim. JT's additions of both a unique vocal style and an ever-growing sophistication as a songwriter made an instant impact that would continue for his entire time with the band. His first LP with Kool and the Gang, Ladies Night, spawned two number 1 R&B and Pop hits, Ladies Night and Too Hot. This LP was the beginning of resurgence for the band, resulting in an unprecedented decade of musical creativity and innovation and hit-making success. James JT Taylor's Greatest Hits, 18 Top Ten R&B and Pop Hits, Ten number 1 Hits, 7 Platinum LPs, 1 Double Platinum LP, 4 Gold Singles, 1 Platinum Single, Celebration, 5 American Music Awards & Grammy Nominations - Worldwide sales of 40 Million Plus After a decade of hits, JT departed Kool & the Gang in 1989 to pursue a solo career and didn't miss a step. His first release, All I Want Is Forever, a duet with Regina Belle, was a number 1 hit. It was written by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren and produced by Narada Michael Walden. All I Want Is Forever was also the title track for the movie Tap starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines. After signing with MCAUniversal for his 1st solo album, Master of the Game, JT rekindled a key element that made him the visionary artist he had become, working and collaborating with artists. Out of the box he connected with Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton and recorded with Jeff Lorber and Paul Jackson Jr. JT's reputation and record as a pioneering artist, songwriter lead him to collaborate with many top artists, musicians, producers, and organizations, such as Whitney Houston, Patti Austin, George Benson, Stephanie Mill, Paulino Decasta, Tata Vega, Rose Stone, Phil Perry, Richard Rudolph, Bobby Caldwell, Coolio, the late-Jeff Porcaro of Toto, The Brecker Bros., and Bob Geldof for Do They Know It's Christmas." He also performed with various artists including Jodie Watley, Sting, Bono, Phil Collins, George Michael, and Boy George. Performances at the Grammy Awards and American Music Awards, Presidential Inaugurations, and Super Bowls are some of the ultimate experiences he remains humbled to be apart of. After the release of his first album, JT's solo career was set in motion and sparked the hit Promise Land, which appeared on the platinum soundtrack for "Ghostbusters II". While touring and working on music for his second LP, JT took his talents to London, England to work with producer Simon Law. What resulted was the Feel the Need album, garnering a top ten single, Long Hot Summer Night. JT continued to stay true to his European and Far East fans, having built up worldwide success, which causing the album to become a popular club hit. After releasing his third album, Baby I'm Back, JT turned his attention to acting in film and theater. He quickly landed his first role in the hit movie, Arne Glimcher's Mambo Kings, starring Armand Assante, Antonio Banderas, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Roscoe Lee Brown, Cathy Moriarty, and Desi Arnaz Jr. Soon afterwards, he landed his first theatre role as Walter Lee, the main character in Lorraine Hansberry's Raisin in the Sun, co-starring with Peabo Bryson, Philip Bailey, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborne, and Leanette Hawkins. JT's loyalty to his colleagues, reliability as a businessman, and continued faith in music are just a few of the tools used as the driving force for greater achievements. He is well respected by business associates in every realm of the music industry. Though a proven competitive and dedicated artist throughout his career and busy schedule, he finds time for his fans, supporting various charities, schools, colleges, and most of all his family & friends. JT continues to work with and encourage writers, musicians, performers, and, especially, young artists to be innovative, original, and to express one's own talent. JT's global success continues to stay current and relevant with his outstanding live concerts and world tours. Similarly, because of mega hits like "Celebration," his voice remains one of the most recognized and heard voices at sporting games and events for the NFL, NBA, MLB, the Olympics, and more. Further events where JT's presence can be felt are weddings, family gatherings, parties, and essentially any place people are gathered to have a good time. Where the studio gives birth to a song, the performance lives on stage, which is where JT excels. His respect for the music and his fans charges him to be a fierce, dedicated bandleader motivated to produce a dynamic live concert incorporating great vocals, musicianship, choreography, costume changes, and a touch of theater. One of many sentiments from JT's fans is that his concert is entertaining, fun, and fulfilling." As a tireless, prolific songwriter, he constantly presents new music to his fans online, also incorporating it into his concerts.- Producer
- Production Manager
- Visual Effects
Ed Blakely, born Edgar but often called Eddie worked in film and music most of his life. He helped form a Alternative magazine, booked bands for night clubs (Faith No More, REM). He worked on rock tours for Rolling Stones and U2 in between running a video assist company located at Screen Gems NC. His passing was a major loss to the area film community.- Pinkney "Pink" Anderson was a singer and blues musician--mainly guitar--who was born in Laurens, SC, in 1900. He spent much of his career performing in traveling medicine shows, doing old minstrel, folk and ragtime tunes and even performing early blues numbers. As a child he made money by dancing and singing in the streets of Spartanburg, not far from where he was born. Around 1915 he formed a team with Simmie Dooley and hooked up with the "Dr. W.R. Kerr Indian Remedy Company Medicine Show" and traveled throughout the South for several years, entertaining crowds with their singing and dancing while the good doctor hawked his "miracle" cure-all. The pair are known to have cut two records for Columbia Records in 1928, but as far as is known, those are the only recordings they ever made.
In the late 1920s or early 1930s the pair broke up the act. Dooley left the "entertainment" business, but Anderson kept right on with traveling medicine shows up until the mid-'50s, when his declining health finally forced him to retire. In the 1960s, however, young fans of folk music "discovered" his music. He recorded a new album for Prestige Records, "Carolina Blues Man, Vol. 1", in the early 1960s and made an appearance in a documentary about blues music and musicians, The Blues (1962). British rock band Pink Floyd held him in high enough regard to use his first name as their own (their last name was in honor of bluesman Floyd Council). - Soundtrack
Gary Davis was born on 30 April 1896 in Laurens, South Carolina, USA. He died on 5 May 1972 in Hammonton, New Jersey, USA.- Bob Hazle was born on 9 December 1930 in Laurens, South Carolina, USA. He died on 25 April 1992 in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
- Bennie Cunningham was born on 23 December 1954 in Laurens, South Carolina, USA. He is an actor, known for Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), The NFL on CBS (1956) and NFL Monday Night Football (1970).
- Trenny Thomas was born on 16 January 1949 in Laurens County, Georgia, USA. He died on 8 February 2005 in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
- John Bolt was born on 19 May 1921 in Laurens, South Carolina, USA. He was married to Dorothy Elwood "Dottie" Wiggins. He died on 8 September 2004 in Tampa, Florida, USA.