A certified honking sax legend, Sam "The Man" Taylor's non-stop drive and power worked perfectly in swing, blues, and R&B sessions. He had a huge tone, perfect timing, and sense of drama, as well as relentless energy and spirit. Taylor began working with Scat Man Crothers and the Sunset Royal Orchestra in the late '30s. He played with Cootie Williams and Lucky Millinder in the early '40s, then worked six years with Cab Calloway. Taylor toured South America and the Caribbean during his tenure with Calloway. Then, Taylor became the saxophonist of choice for many R&B dates through the '50s, recording with Ray Charles, Buddy Johnson, Louis Jordan, and Big Joe Turner, among others. He also did sessions with Ella Fitzgerald and Sy Oliver. During the '60s, Taylor led his own bands and recorded in a quintet called the Blues Chasers. He currently has one session available on CD, recorded in the late '50s with Charlie Shavers and Urbie Green. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
It was Taylor's sax solo that appeared on Big Joe Turner's original version of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". He also played on "Money Honey" recorded by The Drifters.Taylor also played sax on "Sh-Boom (Life could be a Dream)" by The Chords. This song was featured in the Disney/Pixar movie "Cars"
During the 1960s, he led a five-piece band, the Blues Chasers.
