Tommy Taylor (drummer)
Tommy Taylor (born May 8, 1957) is an American drummer, vocalist and songwriter, who is best known for being a touring and recording member with Christopher Cross and Eric Johnson. Early years. Developing an infatuation with many types of music at a very early age, he quickly expanded his interests, exploring the playing of various musical instruments and singing. He acquired his first guitar at the age of eight in December 1965, discovering by chance, that he was also potentially quite adept at playing the drums, drumming became his primary objective. By age eleven he was working  professionally as a drummer, and by age thirteen, he was headlining the most prominent night spots in Austin, TX. Christopher Cross. In 1977, Taylor landed the drummer/vocalist slot with the burgeoning original music group, Christopher Cross. His performances on Cross's classic debut LP, "Christopher Cross," helped garner 5 Grammy Awards in 1981, Including Album of The Year, along with a 5× Platinum Certification. Taylor also featured on two tracks on Cross' second album, "Another Page". When touring the world, Christopher Cross opened for Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Foreigner, Cheap Trick, and America, as well as headlining  their own concert dates. Eric Johnson. In 1984, Taylor began what would become a lifetime partnership with fellow Austin musician Eric Johnson. In 1988, Taylor played with Eric Johnson on the TV show, "Austin City Limits", it has since become the most requested episode in 40-year history of the show, and subsequently became a CD/DVD release, along with Gold Certification. Taylor has been featured on almost every single album of Johnson's as either a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, writer, or arranger. Taylor is featured on the Grammy Award-winning smash hit, "Cliffs of Dover" from the Platinum album  Ah Via Musicom among many of the studio performances over the years. Present Day and Solo Album. In 2018–2019, Taylor played a sold-out tour with Eric Johnson and Kyle Brock, re-playing the "Ah Via Musicom" album from cover to cover, along with new cuts from Johnson's record "Collage". The tour featured a headline spot at 2019's Crossroads Guitar Festival, returning to the festival after 15 years. In 2020, Taylor was due to release a solo LP titled, "What To Say of The Gold." It is co-produced by Mark Hallman, and features Michael Omartian, Roscoe Beck , David Lee Holt, and Mark Andes among others.