Ep 4. Johnnie Taylor

UnSung is a documentary series that explores the lives and careers of legendary artists who, despite their talent, have not received the recognition they deserve. The fourth episode of season 11 is titled "Johnnie Taylor".

Johnnie Taylor was an American singer-songwriter who had a successful career in soul, blues, and gospel music. He was born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas in 1934 and started singing in church at a young age. In the 1950s, he joined a gospel group called The Highway QCs and later joined The Five Echoes, a doo-wop group.

Taylor's breakthrough came in 1963 when he signed a record deal with Stax Records and released his first single, "Rome (Wasn't Built in a Day)". He continued to release successful singles throughout the 60s, including "Who's Making Love" and "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone", which both reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart.

Despite his success, Taylor struggled with drug addiction and had a reputation for being difficult to work with. He left Stax Records in the early 70s and signed with Columbia Records, where he had a string of hits including "Disco Lady", which became his first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the UnSung episode, the show explores Taylor's life and career, including his troubled childhood and the challenges he faced throughout his career. The documentary features interviews with Taylor's family, friends, and colleagues, who provide insight into the man behind the music.

The episode also delves into Taylor's music, including his signature style of blending gospel, blues, and soul. Viewers get a glimpse into Taylor's creative process and the inspiration behind some of his most beloved songs.

Throughout the episode, viewers also see how Taylor's music influenced later generations of artists, including R&B and soul singer John Legend, who pays tribute to Taylor's legacy.

Overall, the "Johnnie Taylor" episode of UnSung is a fascinating look into the life and career of an artist who made a significant impact on the music industry but has not always received the recognition he deserves. The documentary sheds light on the challenges Taylor faced both professionally and personally and celebrates his contributions to the world of soul and R&B music.