Put Larry Taylor on the main stage in Chicago Blues Festival
Put Larry Taylor on the main stage in Chicago Blues Festival
The Issue
I'm a 70-year-old who has endured and lived through a lot of blues—just like many in my community here on the West Side of Chicago. Blues music gives us a voice to transform that pain into joy we can share with others.
My parents, guitarist Eddie Taylor and singer Vera Taylor, were among the blues men and women bringing the music from Mississippi during the Great Migration in the 1950s. I'm sad that blues music has almost disappeared from the hood, since music hasn’t been taught in school for 30 years. Without artful ways to express themselves, it's easy for youth to get into trouble. Here's how I'm trying to help this situation: bring back the old school blues, soul and R&B music.
Since I began playing over 50 years ago as a drummer, singer and bandleader, I've watched the larger entertainment world also slide downhill into sleazy, deadly corruption. I refuse the Devil's cheap, quick tradeoffs. I aim to earn my own way and serve the community.
Neighborhood nonprofits serving seniors and youth appreciate not only my talent but my vision for the neighborhood, and occasionally the city of Chicago Dept. of Culture and Special Events has given me small grants. But never, ever, has the city featured me on the Main Stage at the Chicago Blues Fest--the largest free blues festival in the world and the perfect venue to showcase the talent and legacy of local blues artists such as myself.
Am I, Larry Taylor, qualified? Decide for yourself; watch my performance videos https://larrytaylorchicagoblues.com/
It's time for the festival organizers to recognize and feature local legends who have dedicated lives to preserving and enriching our musical tradition.
Do you agree? Then do two things to help ensure that blues music continues to inspire and heal future generations:
1) Sign our Change.org petition to get Larry Taylor and band the Soul Blues Healers on the Main Stage in 2026.
2) If you can, contribute to FOUR Blues and help me bring more blues programs to the West Side of Chicago for everyone's health and happiness
72
The Issue
I'm a 70-year-old who has endured and lived through a lot of blues—just like many in my community here on the West Side of Chicago. Blues music gives us a voice to transform that pain into joy we can share with others.
My parents, guitarist Eddie Taylor and singer Vera Taylor, were among the blues men and women bringing the music from Mississippi during the Great Migration in the 1950s. I'm sad that blues music has almost disappeared from the hood, since music hasn’t been taught in school for 30 years. Without artful ways to express themselves, it's easy for youth to get into trouble. Here's how I'm trying to help this situation: bring back the old school blues, soul and R&B music.
Since I began playing over 50 years ago as a drummer, singer and bandleader, I've watched the larger entertainment world also slide downhill into sleazy, deadly corruption. I refuse the Devil's cheap, quick tradeoffs. I aim to earn my own way and serve the community.
Neighborhood nonprofits serving seniors and youth appreciate not only my talent but my vision for the neighborhood, and occasionally the city of Chicago Dept. of Culture and Special Events has given me small grants. But never, ever, has the city featured me on the Main Stage at the Chicago Blues Fest--the largest free blues festival in the world and the perfect venue to showcase the talent and legacy of local blues artists such as myself.
Am I, Larry Taylor, qualified? Decide for yourself; watch my performance videos https://larrytaylorchicagoblues.com/
It's time for the festival organizers to recognize and feature local legends who have dedicated lives to preserving and enriching our musical tradition.
Do you agree? Then do two things to help ensure that blues music continues to inspire and heal future generations:
1) Sign our Change.org petition to get Larry Taylor and band the Soul Blues Healers on the Main Stage in 2026.
2) If you can, contribute to FOUR Blues and help me bring more blues programs to the West Side of Chicago for everyone's health and happiness
72
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on February 11, 2026