Gary Taylor

Gary Taylor stands as one of the most revered and fiercely autonomous architects of sophisticated modern soul music, a premier singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose jazz-glazed urban contemporary compositions redefined the boundaries of independent R&B. Born and raised in Los Angeles and the cousin of the legendary songwriter Skip Scarborough, Taylor carved out a highly influential niche as an elite studio craftsman who prioritized pure artistic integrity over major-label commercial formulas. By founding his own Morning Crew Music label, he created a definitive template for the independent soul movement decades before the streaming era. His signature sound—defined by a rich, deeply comforting vocal texture, complex melodic arrangements, and an innate sense of late-night atmosphere—made him a foundational icon for discerning connoisseurs of upscale, adult-contemporary rhythm and blues.

While his solo catalog is deeply cherished by purists, Taylor’s genius as a prolific songwriter and producer permanently shaped the broader landscape of late-80s and 90s R&B. He struck definitive mainstream and underground gold in 1988, unleashing his brilliant Compassion album featuring the timeless quiet storm masterpiece “Tease Me,” while simultaneously penning generational hits for iconic artists like Anita Baker (“Good Love”) and The Whispers (“Just Gets Better With Time”). His flawless production touch extended directly into your archive through his work with The Mac Band on their sleek 1990 groove “Love U 2 the Limit,” as well as crafting Lalah Hathaway’s legendary signature ballad “I’m Coming Back.” Through essential 1990s solo offerings like Take Control and Square One, Gary Taylor represents the absolute pinnacle of uncompromised, premium soul music architecture.