Vince Taylor (born Brian Maurice Holden on 14 July 1939 – 28 August 1991) was an English-American rock and roll singer known for his electrifying performances and rebellious persona. As the frontman of Vince Taylor and His Playboys, he found immense success in France and other parts of Europe during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Despite his musical achievements, Taylor’s career was marred by personal struggles and drug abuse, leading to a decline in popularity. His legacy, however, remains intact, with his 1959 hit “Brand New Cadillac” becoming a rock classic and his stage presence influencing David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character.
Early Life and Background
- Vince Taylor was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, England.
- At the age of seven, his family emigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey before moving to California.
- He attended Hollywood High School and developed a passion for aviation, earning a pilot’s license.
- His sister, Sheila, married Joe Barbera of the famous Hanna-Barbera animation studio in 1966.
The Rise of a Rock and Roll Icon
Discovering Music and The 2i’s Coffee Bar
- Inspired by Gene Vincent and Elvis Presley, Taylor began singing at amateur gigs.
- During a trip to London in 1958, he visited The 2i’s Coffee Bar, where he met drummer Tony Meehan and bassist Tex Makins.
- The trio formed a band called The Playboys.
- He chose the stage name “Vince Taylor” after being inspired by the Latin phrase In hoc signo vinces from a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes.
First Recordings and Early Success
- Signed with Parlophone, he released “I Like Love” and “Right Behind You Baby” in 1958.
- His landmark song “Brand New Cadillac” was released in 1959, featuring guitarist Joe Moretti.
- Despite its eventual iconic status, Parlophone dropped Taylor due to lackluster initial sales.
- Signed with Palette Records, he released “I’ll Be Your Hero” and “Jet Black Machine” in 1960.
Breakthrough in Continental Europe
- “Brand New Cadillac” became a hit in Europe, covered by bands like The Renegades and The Hep Stars.
- On 23 April 1960, he appeared on ABC Weekend TV’s rock and roll show Wham! alongside Billy Fury, Jess Conrad, and Johnny Kidd & the Pirates.
- Despite his energetic performances, his unpredictable nature caused tensions within the band, leading to their separation in 1961.
Paris and the Playboys Revival
- In 1961, Taylor rejoined his former bandmates in Paris, performing at the Olympia.
- His dramatic stage presence, complete with black leather outfits and a Joan of Arc medallion, captivated audiences.
- As a result of his mesmerising performances, Eddie Barclay signed him to a six-year record deal with Barclay Records.
- Taylor and his Playboys toured extensively, recording songs like:
- “Sweet Little Sixteen”
- “C’mon Everybody”
- “Twenty Flight Rock”
- “Love Me”
- “Long Tall Sally”
- “Baby Let’s Play House”
- By 1962, Vince Taylor and the Playboys were headlining the Olympia in Paris, with Sylvie Vartan as the opening act.
- However, tensions within the band led to another breakup, and Taylor briefly performed with The Echoes.
Mid-1960s: Decline and Struggles
- In 1964, he released “Memphis Tennessee” backed with “A Shot of Rhythm and Blues.”
- The Playboys lineup featured Joey Greco, Claude Djaoui, Ralph Di Pietro, and Bobbie Clarke.
- Appeared in four Scopitone music videos:
- “Twenty Flight Rock”
- “Shakin’ All Over”
- “Peppermint Twist”
- “There’s a Whole Lot of Twistin’ Goin’ On”
- In 1965, Taylor co-headlined a Paris concert with The Rolling Stones.
- However, his career took a hit due to substance abuse and erratic behaviour, leading him to join a religious movement.
Late Career and Comebacks
- Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Taylor attempted several comebacks.
- In 1968, he toured France under the banner “Vince Taylor and Bobbie Clarke backed by Les Rockers.”
- His old record label, Barclay, gave him another opportunity, and he sporadically performed until his passing in 1991.
Legacy and Influence
- Vince Taylor’s Brand New Cadillac was covered by The Clash on their legendary album London Calling.
- His flamboyant style and troubled persona inspired David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character.
- Despite his turbulent career, Taylor is remembered as a pioneer of European rock and roll.
Vince Taylor’s journey from a budding rock and roll singer to an enigmatic and influential figure in music history is both fascinating and tragic. Despite personal struggles, his music and stage presence left an indelible mark on rock and roll, influencing generations of artists. His song Brand New Cadillac continues to be celebrated, and his legacy lives on through those he inspired, including the legendary David Bowie.
