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Read an
original
essay by Chris Oglesby Thank you to
Alan Messer for sharing his beautiful photo with us. - c.o. From: Henry Wallace Stopher Can't talk with Jesse or our other loved ones who've gone from here, but we've still got our memories until we meet at the Endless Table; and with Jesse we've got some paintings, CDs, and videos, too. Henry Wallace Stopher From: Rick Hulett I’m kind of late posting this, but still had to write something. I remember the time Jesse got some boxing gloves from somewhere. He and Dave Billingsley built a boxing ring in the vacant lot next to my house in Lubbock. They used to show up every Saturday afternoon with a case of beer and proceed to beat the crap out of each other for an hour or so. Then we’d all drink the beer into the wee hours. When that movie “Fight Club” came out I always wondered if they got the idea from Jesse. Then there was the time that Jesse and I were both playing with Joe at the Cotton Club for 4th of July. There were some drunk bikers there and they kept throwing firecrackers on the stage. After a couple of times, Jesse grabbed a mic and very politely asked them to stop. On the the next song one of them came up and threw another one on the stage. At the end of this song, Jesse again took the mic and explained that if they did it again he would kick their ass. As the next song started, sure enough, here came another firecracker. Jesse didn’t say a word. We finished the song and as soon as it was over, Jesse calmly put his guitar down and walked off the stage to the corner of the Cotton Club where the bikers had now started a small fire. He walked right up to the guy that had been throwing firecrackers and proceed to beat the living crap out of him leaving him in a broken pile on the floor. That’s the way I remember him: the kindlest, gentlest, toughest, most hardcore guy I ever knew. Rick Hulett From: Jim Burnham I was looking at the Stubbs BBQ web site, saw Jesse's name and was suddenly Jim Burnham From: alan jay campbell hi, From: Terry Winchell Hi, my name is Terry Winchell. I'm a
singer songwriter. When I was living in Nashville in the 90's
I met Jesse Taylor through an old friend of his and mine. We
had the most wonderful conversation that lasted a few hours.
After I saw him on stage with J.
Ely, I had a very strong feeling I
knew him or something was familiar about him, and I told him
that after he played that night. I half jokingly said, you look
like a relative of mine; hey, you're not Czech are you? He laughed
and said yes, I'm half Czech. Well so am I. We laughed and talked
about family, music, lots of stuff and I sang a few Czech songs
to him. From: Vincent
Barbonne From: Pepi from Italy Subject: JESSE Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 2:30 PM I HAD
KNOWN JESSE APPROXIMATELY 10 YEARS AGO, HE WAS IN EUROPEAN TOUR
WITH JOE ELY. PEPI FROM ITALY From: Tony
Moule Subject: Jesse Taylor Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 8:19 PM We was sitting that night in Max Cheshire's car (he was the only one of us had one then) at the Hi-D-Ho, Gilmore and Max and Jesse, and me for some reason. And Jesse woulda been 18 or 20 then and going on in the dark and the neon lights and the hamburger smells about Dostoievsky. Subject: 1985 Jesse Taylor photo Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:26 AM From: Niles J. Fuller  Jesse Taylor, "Lubbock
or Leave It" at the Continental Club on South Congress Ave.,
Austin, Texas around 1985 with friends and band members. Photo
by Niles J. FullerRIP Jesse. Niles If you ever need more photos of Lubbock musicians who migrated
to Austin I have a ton of them. Here's a few.
Subject: Sweet Jesse Taylor Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 11:43 AM From: Joe Specht We all know Taylor’s seminal work with Joe Ely in the late 70s, but he’s slung his guitar for lots of other folks including Tommy Hancock’s Supernatural Family Band, Terry Clarke, and BJS. I have two Taylor solo CDs, Last Night and Texas Tattoo, plus a joint effort with John X. Reed, SouthSideGuitar. Certainly one of my fondest memories of Jesse dates back to the evening in the early 90s when he provided axe support for Marcia Ball when she played Abilene's Paramount Theater. Those who were there experienced some smoldering musical exchanges between Mr. Taylor and Ms Ball. You might remember, too, this was the concert some of us were able to move down to the front row after the regular ticket holders abandoned their seats during intermission. And your humble reporter got to request “Find Another Fool.” Memorable. For some reason the Oak Ridge Boys “The Baptism of Jesse
Taylor” is running through my head. Joe Specht
By: Naishtat H.R. No. 206 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, With the passing of Jesse "Guitar" Taylor on March 7, 2006, at the age of 55, Texas has lost a larger-than-life musician whose colossal talent was rivaled only by his great generosity of spirit; and WHEREAS, A native of Lubbock, Mr. Taylor was an apt heir to that city's rich musical heritage; he met C. B. "Stubb" Stubblefield when he was offered a ride by him while hitchhiking, an event that would signal the start of a long friendship and lead to storied jam sessions on Sunday afternoons at Stubb's; and WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor first gained widespread fame as the lead guitarist for the Joe Ely Band, and his fiery, inspired playing earned him the heartfelt admiration of such accomplished musicians as Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, and Stevie Ray Vaughan; and WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor's imposing physical presence and past as a Golden Gloves boxer were offset by his sweetness of disposition, and although he could bring a quick halt to physical altercations when necessary, friends affectionately recall him as the gentlest of giants; and WHEREAS, A free spirit throughout his life, Mr. Taylor was an inveterate rail rider well into his 30s, once hopping a freight on the spur of the moment during a break between his band's sets and riding from Austin all the way to San Antonio before disembarking; and WHEREAS, Toward the end of his life, he took up the visual arts with the same verve and intensity that characterized his musicianship, and his vivid, multicolored pencil drawings were yet another expression of his enormous appetite for all that life had to offer him; and WHEREAS, Jesse "Guitar" Taylor was a vital figure in the Texas music scene, and he will long be remembered for the colorful, remarkable artist that he was; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Jesse "Guitar" Taylor and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his sister, Kathy Taylor; to his brother, Timothy Fain; to his daughters, Nicole Taylor, Chelsea Taylor, and Carrie Young; to his niece, Cara Fain; to his grandsons, Taylor Peterkin and Lucas Butler; to his loving partner, Kim Elaine Stewart; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jesse "Guitar" Taylor.
PEACE OUT I'M GROOVY -Bridgit Anyway.....I really want to see about the possibility of raising some money and commissioning a statue of Jesse to stand with Stubbs there on Broadway. I know there are so many, many things that would have to happen to get that accomplished but I think it would be really cool. I think Jesse and Stubbs would approve. Somebody else may already be in the process, and if so, please put me in touch because I would very much like to provide any help I can. I was at the concert last Friday night with Terry and Lloyd..... Simply legendary! Thanks in advance........ Amy B. Headley
Hi Chris- Here's a pic of Jesse and his daughters and girlfriend...I want to thank you for the website, my whole family loves it and we visit it alot. The photo I sent you was taken last Fall at one of his art shows in Austin...Thanks,Nicole  (clockwise from left: Carrie
Young, Jesse, Nicole Taylor, Chelsea Taylor, and Kim Stewart) Fast forward one year to the Summer of Love. Colors, my soul band (replete with a Dunbar High School horn section) needed a lead guitar. Who ya gonna call? Well, that lasted a coupla gigs until Jake was beckoned west by that freight train whistle. Fast forward again seven years and the
stewardship of Lubbock's legendary Cotton Club is dumped in my
lap. (Thanks a lot, D.K.!) Fortunately, the scene was attached
to the Supernatural Band and an incredibly deep pool of talent
anchored by Jesse, and out of which the Joe Ely Band would evolve.
By Over the last two decades in Austin, Jesse kept in touch sporadically ... he would call me for a roofing job, a trash haul for Martha, and even a few pick-up gigs ... the last of which he fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine by allowing me to flail away on guitar behind him. In '96, Jesse played (gratis, of course) on a shoestring session that I produced for keyboard pal James (Gernandt) Austin. I hope to have the unreleased tapes digitized and available for download somewhere soon. Oh yeah, he could play funk, second-line, and reggae, too. On my own erratic, invisible journey, I had the privilege of gigging with Ely, Martin Banks, W.C. Clark, Jubal Clark, and Jeff Haney, and jamming with Stevie Ray, Eric Johnson (the Second Great Humbling!) and Lowell George. Heroes, all. However, on my deathbed, I will best remember a 1979 living room jam ... James Austin, John Scott (my Gemini twin), and Hercules unbound ... playing out-of-our-skins, bending time and space ... lining up the planets with fire-breathing fusion. Simply the best music I ever got to play. Nothing will ever take that away from me. Thanks and good-bye ol' podnah ... hit
that long mean note and let it float... K.L.C. Note from
the editor: Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 7:26 PM CST From: C.K. Bucy Just went to the funeral. Many old memories of being around Jesse, years ago. Always brought a smile to my face. Subject: good trip jesse Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 11:08 AM CST From: Johnny Ray McCown Look down Jesse, it's me Johnny Ray McCown. Thanks for always treating me like a friend and an equal over the years. You always had a kind word to say and a good story to tell. The last time I saw you was at the Lubbock Music Festival, you didn't play with Joe that night. I introduced you to my wife Claudia and we went to the South Beach Club to get out of the rain. It was a good night traiding "war stories with you". Peace to you. J.R. Subject: A last farewell from Texas Radio in the Netherlands Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 6:17 AM CST From: Eddy Veldkamp Although I didn't know Jesse 'Guitar' Taylor personally, I do know his music and his unique style of pickin'. And I heard of his humbleness and kindness. In the Netherlands my wife Ria and I host a radio show, called: "Texas Radio" and we know we have this Texas kinda feelin' when it comes to people and music. Jesse' death is a great loss for both Texans and music lovers all over the world. There'll never be a Jesse 'Guitar' Taylor agian, but his spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of all who are connected with him through his music. We'll meet again friend. Eddy Veldkamp "Texas Radio" The Netherlands Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 4:46 AM CST From: Tony Walker I met Jesse a few times through Michael Messer when he was touring the UK promoting the Rythm Oil CD and later when he toured Scotland with Butch Hancock. Later I met Jesse again through Michael's photographer brother Alan in Austin. My lady, Magghi, and I were taking a month visiting friends there and saw that Billy Joe Shaver was playing in Austin so we headed along to see him. Jesse was playing in the band. We talked to Jesse before he went on stage and although I had met him only a few times before, he remembered me, treated me as a long lost friend and invited Magghi and I along to the house for a party the next weekend. The party was for Nicole moving into the house with Cody and was really for family and close friends but Jesse just said, "hell, you have just arrived from Scotland so you have to be there". At the party we saw the fantastic garage/music/pool room out back and heard some great music out there from Jesse and friends. He and the family showed us great kindness and made us feel part of them. Jesse told us about the old car he had renovated and that when he drove it back first time, all complete and shining brighter than the sun, he left it outside the house without putting the parking brake on. Next thing was he was chasing it down the hill to see it cross the intersection, missing all the passing traffic and coming to rest the other side without a mark on it. I guess he has now crossed the big intersection to come to rest, still shining brighter than the sun. I will miss him and know there are many others in Scotland and the UK who feel the same. Tony Walker, Banchory, Scotland Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 3:01: AM CST From: Andy Young This is such sad news . Jesse was awesome, his playing was otherworldly, his blistering attacks on the fretboard were exciting and the notes just seemed to tumble over themselvesin an effort to be heard. I've never heard an acoustic guitar played with such precise force as Jesse. I was fortunate to meet him once on his Last Night tour and we discussed the recent return of his beloved Newman guitar [which had been stolen] and he also signed my lp and played a great set. Before that I had seen him at the Weavers arms in Stoke Newington and the half moon putney with Butch and Jimmy etc. The last time I saw him was with Kinky and he was ALWAYS AWESOME. Andy Young Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 3:41 PM CST From: Carlo Carlini VICTORY (by charles bukowski )  wath bargains we have made we have kept and as the dogs of the hours close in nothing can be taken from us but our lives --ciao Jesse...see you soon Sent by Carlo Carlini at only a hobo music promotion www.onlyahobo.it Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 11:08 AM EST From: Walter Morgan On April 1st at 3:00 PM KUT Radio's LiveSet: From the Archives program will feature Jesse playing with Butch Hancock & the Sunspots and Tornado Alley. I am honored to have known and worked with someone with so much talent and so much heart. Enjoy your new wings Jesse!! Walter Morgan Producer KUT Radio NPR's Latino USA 512-471-6178 Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 8:47 AM CST From: Terry Clarke <mrlucky@lineone.net> In my opinion Jesse Taylor was a king among men. I loved him deeply and the heartbreak of his passing is almost too much to bear. My heart goes out to his lovely family; sister Kathy, brother Tim and his daughters, Nicole, Chelsea and Kerry. The only solace is that now he's free of pain and can be with his mother Martha again who I also had the honour of knowing. Like most of us on the other side of the ocean, I first discovered Jesse when he arrived in London with Joe Ely's band back in the 1970's. I was a grown up then ... I was born the same year as Joe ...I had already been; writing, recording, performing for a number of years but - seeing that band and hearing those awesome songs shifted the axis of my world. To go on to become friends with all of them, to be accepted as a peer by Butch, Joe, Jimmie, Ponty Bone etc has enriched my world so much. And Jesse - my friend Michael Messer has mentioned our 'Rhythm
Oil' album here on this guestbook already. I personally went
on to record two of my albums with Jesse; 'Lucky' in 1998 and
'Green Voodoo' in 2001. I also sang and played with him in and
around Austin and over here in the U.K. so many times that I've
lost count. I was always aware that I was in the presence of
a very special person. I never saw him in a bad mood, never saw
him lose his temper, never heard him make a single disparaging
remark or be disrespectful about anybody. Terry Clarke, Swansea, Wales. I've also attached a song I've written for Jesse - if you wish to display it too, please do - I'd be honoured. Please feel free to put my website url and email if you wish, I would welcome communication with the larger community. Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 8:29 AM CST From: Clive Pain I first met Jesse at the Electric Ballroom in London in 1980, when he was playing with Joe Ely, supporting the Clash. I was blown away by the band and particularly with Jesse’s playing and stage-charisma. It took a lot to win over a Clash audience in 1980, but they did it with style! A year later they came back and played the Venue in Victoria. Various star guitar players jammed with the band – Rory Gallagher, Brian Setzer, etc (Pete Townsend was going to, but didn’t make it to the stage). Jesse gave them their space, and then showed them how to do it. Years later, when I first went to Austin, Jesse took me under his wing, and introduced me to loads of people, and let me sit in with his band, including a memorable trip down to Houston. Jesse then came over to England with Butch and Jimmie, during which we set up his first solo date in the UK, at the Cricketers. We assembled a whole orchestra of top London players, keen to play with Jesse, for an amazing night. Later we toured the UK and Europe as the Jesse Taylor band. My favourite tour though was one with just Jesse and Butch, right down the full length of Italy, then Zurich and Berlin. I couldn’t have hoped for two better companions, and it was great fun. On later visits to Austin I stayed at Jesse’s place, out at the lake, and at his mum, Martha’s, house, and they were always so hospitable, and looked after me. Always a gentleman, always cool, and always a great friend to have. There is a photo of Jesse, myself, and Butch when we met up with Ramblin' Jack Elliott in Sesto Calende in Italy at http://www.cyder.demon.co.uk/butch.jpg . Thanks, Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 7:28 AM CST From: Ron Riley Jesse was always ready. When Bruce and I were doing Boondoggle Festivals south of Alpine, it was so far away that it was hard to convince pickers to come play but Jesse was always ready. Always musically strong and smiling. Always a kind word. And his bands always stole the show. He always acted as if I were a long lost friend and that always made me feel as if I were. He will always be remembered. Always Ron Riley Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 4:03: PM CST From: Mike I met Jesse on one occasion. This was back in fall of ’67 or ‘68, Jesse would have been about 17 or 18. A new friend I had met that day at the Selective Service Induction Center in Amarillo (we both flunked) provided the introduction. We sat in Jesse’s room at his mom’s house in east Lubbock, got loaded and listened to him pick. Even back then he was really damn good picker, especially for a kid. He played the blues and we smoked and drank. I got an e-mail today notifying me of his demise from a fellow Jesse inspired to become a musician. Back then Lubbock had a very small community of “players”. I remember The Third Story and DOA, basic garage hippie bands and Joey Ely doing a folk thing. I read the info on Jesse and his career on virtualubbock. When I first heard him play I knew he would be an influence. Shame he passed so young. Subject: Brother Jesse Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 11:08 AM CST From: Steve Power  Jesse Taylor was
my friend, but then Jesse was a friend to most everybody. I only
knew him for the past couple of years. I was lucky enough to
have him record two of my songs with me and later to play in
my band, Texas Radio, until he got too sick. When he came back
from his last European tour with Billy Joe Shaver he told me,
"I'm going to stop playing with anyone else. I'd rather
play with you." I think I had the last band he played with
on any kind of regular basis. I knew the drink and the disease
had made him unable to play like in his prime, but then he'd
just crack off some of that Jesse "Guitar" Taylor!!
and my jaw would just drop. He could pull out that undescribable
something that only the immortals have. When he'd come down too
sick to make a gig he'd get John X. Reed or Charlie Pritchard
to sit in for him. He tried not to leave me hanging. Sometimes
that just wasn't possible.....smile. Then there was that bottle
of Tanqueray.....we both played lying on our backs (uh.. it was
in front of an audience).Folks sometimes overlook his acoustic playing. His feel for a song and adding just the right flavor were second to none. I wish I could play y'all "Somewhere in Texas". It's a traditional country waltz to which Jesse adds the most brilliant Tex-Mex. We made plans to do an acoustic blues album at my home studio. We figured he could come around when he was up to it and if he had to bail that was okay because we weren't paying anybody. You always think you will have enough time but you don't. I had the privilage of seeing him play with The Flatlanders at the Jessefest last year at Threadgill's. It was magical seeing living Texas music history and Jesse rose to the occasion. He played a blinder. He sat in with everybody who came to play in support of him that day and was as happy as I've ever seen him. I have the true honor of calling Jesse "Guitar" Taylor a friend. I don't make friends easily and Jesse was a very true friend. I do so love the guy. The planet is very much a lesser place without him. Hey Jesse, I'm getting your drawing framed. They got this stuff for the frame looks sort of like diamond plate. Should be well cool with the hot rods and guitars. Courage, Steve Power Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 11:04 AM CST From: Michael Messer I am very sad to hear the news about Jesse. He was a wonderful musician and a dear friend. 
I first saw Jesse play in London in 1978 with the Joe Ely Band, then through the 80s with Butch & Jimmie at various London venues. In 1991 I met Jesse via my friend Terry Clarke and we decided to record an album together. The album ‘Rhythm Oil’ was finally released in 1993 and with the CD booklet notes written by the legendary Johnny Cash, we embarked on a tour of the UK. We drove to every corner of the country and played some fantastic shows. The whole tour was documented on VHS video tape by my brother, Alan Messer. Touring & playing music with Jesse Taylor was an experience I will never forget. We were also lucky enough in 1993 to win ‘Import Album of the Year’ for Rhythm Oil in ‘Austin City Limits’. Jesse collected the award on our behalf. Through the 90s I only saw and played music with Jesse a few times, but via my brother Alan, Terry Clarke and other mutual friends, I kept in contact with him. It is hard to believe we will never see him again. Our album, Rhythm Oil, is no longer available. Terry Clarke & I have been discussing the possibilities of getting it re-released, along with live & radio recordings from the tour in 93, it would make a wonderful tribute. Jesse played some of the best blues guitar I have heard him play on that album. There is a page in the ‘Archive’ section of my website about the Rhythm Oil project which includes the Johnny Cash booklet notes. http://www.michaelmesser.co.uk RIP Jesse, Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 11:06 AM CST From: Mona Russell I read this morning in the Lubbock AJ that Jessie Taylor has died. I grew up with Jessie's little sister Kathy. They lived one block from my house. As Kathy had no dad, she called my dad "Daddy". I remember there was always a lot of traffic at their house. Martha, Jessie's Mom was one cool lady. When you walked in their house, you might see Jessie eating creamed spinach or playing the guitar. As his sister's friend, I met lots of people before they became welll known: Crazy Charlie, Mad Dog, Jimmy Gilmore, Joe Ely, Ponte and Sarah Bone and the list goes on. I have no idea what happened to Jessie, but the world is losing one hell-uv-a player. Subject: Memories Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 10:29 AM CST From: Elizabeth Marston His acoustic version of Last Date Hermann Hesse novels His big hand squishing mine at the scary parts in Jaws VFW Piles of traffic tickets Sweaty hugs I shall miss him --Elizabeth Marston Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 8:25 AM CST From: Andrew Hawkey So very sad to hear of the passing of this fine man. He played a few gigs here in Wales, UK, back around 1991, and we duly made the pilgrimage to a cosy upstairs club in Swansea ... I was wearing a Townes Van Zandt teeshirt, and as soon as we walked in, the giant figure of Jesse rose from his seat and strode across the room, vigorously shook my hand, and declared 'Just wait till I tell Townes I met a fan of his here in Swansea!' He was ably supported on the night by Swansea's finest, The Blues Bunch, who clearly loved working with Jesse. The man was nothing short of incendiary - Jesse was on top form, he played like a man possessed all night, and regaled us with the tale of the theft and recovery of his beloved dice-strewn Newman guitar. It was a truly memorable gig, and a privilege to be there, not only for the sheer power and emotion of the man's playing, but also for his gentle gracious manner and kindness ... he was just delighted to talk music afterwards over a beer or two, he signed our copies of his 'Last Night' album, and generously inscribed my copy of Joe Ely's 'Down on the Drag' with the words: 'Hope you dig this Texas music!' Don't worry, Jesse. Always have, always will. Thank you. RIP. Andrew Hawkey Subject: http://www.alanmesser.com/JesseTaylor/JesseTaylor.pix1.html Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 10:34:19 PM EST From: Alan Messer Jesse was one of the kindest most loved men, one could ever have the pleasure to meet. He was a well read, wise gentle giant, packaged into one powerhouse West Texas, guitar-slinger, shit kicker. His guitar volume knob was a gamblers dice and was always turned up high. Jesse was one of a kind.   To view more
photos of Jesse Taylor, go to: http://www.alanmesser.com/JesseTaylor/JesseTaylor.pix1.html Subject: Jesse Memorials Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 9:52 PM CST There will be a viewing with no service here in Austin tomorrow, 9th, at Cook Walden - 6200 N Lamar - from 7 - 9:00 PM. There will be a service and burial at Resthaven: 5740 -19th [on W. Loop 289] (806) 791-6200 in Lubbock on Saturday, March 11th, at 1:00 PM.
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 9:06 PM CST From: Mike Pritchard This is Mike Pritchard from Lubbock.I have never known a person just like Jesse . He was such a driving force but never seemed to care about being the " Big Deal" It was like he didn't have to say anything he just let that guitar do his talking. We , we being Jesse, Richard Barnett, and Chris Wilkerson, and I, were playing at Soap Creek Saloon in Austin on South Congress and it was Saturday night. We had an opening band so we didn't take the stage until around 11:30 or 12:00. Well about 12:15 the owner came up to me and asked me where was Jesse and when were we gonna start. Now mind you in every other band I've been in it would be the right question, but this was Jesse's band. I Said we would just have wait a while longer.The next thing you know here comes THE MAN. He had one guy under each arm helping him along and he was feeling no pain!! After a few amenities we got him on stage and strapped up it his black Newman with the inlaid dice and I looked at him and said you OK. He said yeah man and walked up to the Mic and said " Today I have smoked 50 joints and drank 100 beers and were gonna tear the fuckin roof off of this joint" and I saw him play like a man possessed. He was pouring sweat and laughing and dazzling the room. Now I wouldn't suggest you try this at home or anywhere else but then there was only one Jesse Taylor. He was my friend , my hero, and my Guru. I almost never have a problem that I don't think what would Jesse do here. I bet Jesse and Stubbs and yuckin it up right now. He will live forever in our hearts. I love you Jake. Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 8:39 PM CST From: Daniel Worsham i didn't know Jesse, but did have the chance to visit with him a couple of times backstage at Ely gigs. first time i saw him was when he had, was it - The Texas Tornados? small club, sat right up front. i was astounded! Jesse will be missed. Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 8:29 PM CST From: Wayne Hatchel Subject: Jake I was the orginal touring sound engineer for the Ely band. I also took care of the cash for the members of the band after the gigs. Jesse always had me keep his money and only give him 20 to 40 per night. If this sound strange it was because Jesse just didn't care that much how much he had. When he had a large amount of money in his pocket he would spend all of it buying every one in the place where we had played drinks. Just as long as it would keep people happy he would give away his money. He was one of the most giving guys in the world and would damn near do anything for a friend. Keith Richards has said of him that Jesse "guitar" Taylor was one of the best rock & roll, blues men alive. The Clash loved it when he would jam with them while we toured with them here in the States and in Britian. The World has lost one of the greastest. Here's hoping 2 of the best Tx guitarist get together again and Jam away eternity. Jesse say hi to Stevie Ray for me. HATCH. Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 5:42:09 PM CST From: Jon Deichmann Jesse played guitar like he was jumpin' off a cliff...now he's off on the next great adventure...I drink a beer and listen to Live Shots on 10...here's to ya Jesse, thanks for all those hot sweaty honky tonk nights... Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 5:35 PM CST From: Dee Purkeypile I just heard that Jesse passed away this morning. ...God bless him! I had a dream last night that he came to me and gave me a big hug, a kiss on the cheek with tears in his eyes. I was left with a profound sense of loss but most importantly a deep love that he felt for all his family and friends. I will surely miss his gentle soul on this plane. I am so happy for his transition into a world of light and love! Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 12:28 PM CST From: Joe Nick Patoski Of all the Lubbock mob who've spread their music throughout the world, no one could hold a candle to Jesse as a gentle soul, never mind that he "looked" like he could swat away anyone he didn't like with a swat of his wrist. Underneath that tough guy exterior was a sweet nice guy who didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was a man of few words sometimes, but what he said tended to reasonate, as was the case of the film documentary Lubbock Lights, in which Jesse stole the show. He was a helluva guitar man too, as skilled in playing country as he was RnB and the anchor of the original Joe Ely Band who still strike me as the hottest wind to ever blow outta West Texas. Whether he knew it or not, he gave us all a lot of love. Godspeed to you, my brother. Joe Nick Patoski Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 19:39 AM CST From: G J I had seen Jesse with Ely so many times, but never met him till later on. I was at the premier of "Lubbock Lights" @ at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. He was interviewed in the film and in the lobby afterwards I saw him and said to my friend, "Hey man, that's Jesse 'Guitar' Taylor." Jesse must have heard me, he walked straight up to me and shook my hand with the biggest paws I had ever shook. That made my day. This is sad news. Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 6:31 AM CST From: Jay Boy Adams Jesse Taylor passed away last evening. I know no details but will pass them on when I get them. He was a sweet man. Chris, there is a story of my first meeting in our interview I believe. Read Jay Boys Adams story about the first time he met Jesse. about Jesse Taylor's funeral Read a recent article about Jesse Taylor in the Austin American Statesman. From the virtualubbock interview with Cary Swinney: Cary: [Robin Griffin] told me one time, "Of all the people that are in this business, Jesse Taylor is one of my favorites." That’s true…because every time I’ve been around Jesse he’s just been a prince of a guy. You know how some guys, when they start to make it a little bit, they pull the "cool" bullshit on you? And they start playing this game in their own head...that they are somehow in a different place. Jesse’s not like that. Jesse does not seem to be affected by his notoriety in the least! That’s what makes him a beautiful person, I think. Now, I don’t know him intimately. I’m not a "close personal friend" of Jesse Taylor’s. But I do know this: He knows how to behave. He doesn’t seem to be affected by any of this [show biz hype]. And I think that’s great. I think that’s what makes him special. Some people are kinda’ aloof. They get in this business, and I guess it makes ‘em that way. From the virtualubbock interview with Kent Mings: Mings: When I was a kid,
I’d stand there by the stage and I’d watch that sombitch…Jesse
 from the cover of Jesse's album Texas Tattoo ('98, Appaloosa Records IRD; cat.#135) Photo, artwork & design by Alan Messer [note: photo at top of page, with jukebox, also (c) Alan Messer]
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6/1/09
JESSE TAYLOR 
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had the tattoos and he’d
have a sleeveless shirt and the biceps, and he’d be sweatin’.
Jesse just sweats like a pig. I mean the first song...He’s
drenched.