Bobby Taylor Ailing with Throat Cancer

**Motown Eddie** · 07-18-2017, 04:56 PM

From Soul Tracks.com;

Bobby Taylor has been a legend in the annals of Motown for two reasons: He was the lead vocalist of the group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, which scored with the hit “Does Your Mama Know About Me” in 1968; but perhaps more importantly, Taylor has been credited by many for discovering The Jackson 5, one of the most important soul music groups of all time. Sadly, Bobby is reportedly suffering from throat cancer and is need of prayers as he prepares for more treatment.The 83 year old Taylor was a doo-wop staple in the 50s, quietly working with such acts as Little Anthony & The Imperials and Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, before teaming with guitarist Tommy Chong [[yes, the same Tommy Chong who would later be ½ of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong), Eddie Patterson, Wes Henderson, Robbie King and Ted Lewis to form The Vancouvers. Motown signed the sextet and they scored immediately with “Does Your Mama Know About Me,” a hit on both the pop and soul charts. The Vancouvers landed a few more hits, most notably “Malinda,” before splitting up.
In 1968, after seeing The Jackson 5 perform as a warm up act, Taylor brought the group to the Motown brass, leading to the signing of the quintet that would become Motown’s signature act of the 1970s, and the springboard for Michael Jackson’s historic solo career. And Taylor played a key role. In addition to discovering the group, Taylor mentored the Jackson 5 and helped produce the quintet’s smash debut album.
Taylor has continued to perform as a solo act over the years, and reunited briefly with The Vancouvers in the 1980s for a recording in the UK.
As a performer and as a producer, Bobby Taylor has played a key role in the development of soul music over the past half century. We’ll be sending out our prayers for strength and a full recovery.

**kenneth** · 07-19-2017, 02:27 AM

We should all think of him. Quite a talent, and never got the credit he deserved for discovering the J5. As much as I love Diana Ross, it bothers me that their first album was "DR Presents," and Taylor's role was so diminished. Let's keep him in our prayers.

**sansradio** · 07-19-2017, 02:57 AM

This really sucks. Prayers going up.

**McMotown** · 07-19-2017, 04:46 AM

MotownEddie - thanks for the post this is very sad news. I have to totally agree with your comments. Bobby Taylor is my absolute Motown HERO as much as I love the Temps.
I’ve started listening to his Anthology again and just hope he gets well soon.

**marv2** · 07-20-2017, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by McMotown

MotownEddie - thanks for the post this is very sad news. I have to totally agree with your comments. Bobby Taylor is my absolute Motown HERO as much as I love the Temps.
I’ve started listening to his Anthology again and just hope he gets well soon.

Bobby Taylor is an incredible person that has lived an incredible life. A very strong individual who I have admired for a long, long time. The things he was doing at his age were an inspiration to me. I do pray that he will be alright.

**Roberta75** · 07-22-2017, 06:15 PM

I just got a message from someone who used to work at Motown records that Bobby Taylor has transitioned to the Heavenly mansion. He passed in Hong Kong after a battle with cancer. Hes now with the Lord and free from pain.