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The Clarion-Ledger has a nice article on former Coral Reefer Greg “Fingers” Taylor: “Fingers comes home: Storied musician returns to Miss.”
Greg “Fingers” Taylor has spent a large portion of his adult life with a harmonica between his lips, making it weep, howl, plead and bleed.
Still, the instrument mystifies him.
“It’s a mighty, mighty machine with a tiny, tiny body,” he says. “I guess that’s always intrigued me about it. How can such a big sound come from something so small?”
Taylor had taken piano lessons in Kansas, but the blues turned him on to the harmonica. He played both in different bands while at USM, but it soon became clear he had a special relationship with the harmonica. He always kept one stashed in a blue jean pocket.
It came in handy one night in 1973 when Buffett, then a struggling musician who had also attended USM for a while, came to Hattiesburg to play The Hub, a popular bar.
“I’d never seen him before,” Taylor recalls. “I remember he was wearing a 10-gallon hat and had long, long blonde hair. It was just him and his acoustic guitar.”
Buffett had heard about the local dude who could make a harmonica talk. Midway through the show, he invited Taylor to join him for a few tunes.
March 14th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
What’s this guy’s name? Pull My Finger Taylor?? HA HA. Just kidding. Nothing but respect for the man. He is a cornerstone in the Margaritaville world.
March 14th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I saw this earlier today with my Fingers Taylor google alert. I have been trying to find out if he was doing anything now. Sounds like we need to drive to Mississippi for some pizza and music. SO GLAD YOU’RE (SORTA) BACK MAN! WE HAVE MISSED YOU!
March 15th, 2010 at 9:52 am
To all of you bloggers/parrotheads…What do you all think about J.B. paying so much attention to the Zac Brown Band? I just don’t quite know, or get it, yet. I’ve heard a few songs, and heard the national anthem sung, and their definitely GOOD, but not great. I’m very open to opinions, criticism, or whatever. I’m just not sure if these guys are the ones to carry on J.B.’s legacy Oh yes, I know that this article is about someone else!.
March 16th, 2010 at 6:37 am
Not sure he is looking for someone to carry on the legacy nor is ZBB looking to carry it. Buy The Foundation and listen to all of it, there is some pretty good stuff on there. Toes reminds me of early JB writing and Highway 20 Ride is one of the better written songs I have heard in a while. Seems to me Jimmy is just having fun, no different than associating with Will Kimbrough or Sonny Landreth, Zac is just getting more airplay.
If you get a chance to see them live it is worth every penny.
Finz Up!!
March 16th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Wish Fingers would rejoin the Coral Reefer Band!!!!!!!
March 16th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Zac Brown takes it in the backside. I know from experience, DUDES.
March 17th, 2010 at 12:22 am
From Experience Toes McGee Hmmmmmmmmm.You Know Toes Why not give it a rest and admit Jimmy Buffett is a pretty awesome guy.
March 17th, 2010 at 12:51 am
dana I do too.It`s a long story but Fingers kinda was his own worse enemy.The other guys here will explain it to you better than me.Still I think we all deserve another chance no matter how many times we mess up.Just ask Jesus.Jimmy I hope you have it in your heart to help Fingers
March 17th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Rusty B. I absolutely will check out that music. Thanks for the input.
March 19th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Thank you Lindsey–I could not have said it better myself. Sounds like Toes likes to hear himself talk.
Zac Brown has an awesome sound. He is also a solid family man. It’s great to see him succeed. I think Jimmy is having fun & also helping a fellow musician not much different from himself get more recognition.
Fingers Taylor is a fantastic entertainer. He played at one of our fundraisers last year. I’d love to see him rejoin JB–but I doubt it will happen. I think he was given his share of chances. Maybe someday JB will find forgiveness & give him one more chance. I really hope Fingers got rid of that monkey on his back!
March 29th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Having read the latest March 2010 responses from all of you that left your comments.. I am asking for any info about Greg,What he has been doing and the whereabouts of him now. Last time I talked to him was when Ken and Greg were doing shows together, few years ago now,
Any “fingers “fans ,get back to me …………… Thanks
Mikey S.
March 29th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Having read the latest March 2010 responses from all of you that left your comments.. I am asking for any info about Greg,What he has been doing and the whereabouts of him now. Last time I talked to him was when Ken and Greg were doing shows together, few years ago now,
Any “fingers “fans ,get back to me …………… Thanks
Mikey S.
email me motmo@sbcglobal.net