Manager, promoter, booking agent. Anthony Elias Taylor born November 16 [some sources say 22], 1927 in Washington, D.C.; died March 1, 1981 in Washington, D.C.
Attended Armstrong High School and then Dunbar High School. Served in U.S. Army. Studied at Corcoran School of Art and George Washington University.
Founded the Washington Jazz Society and booked jazz for several Washington clubs: Marina, Spotlite Room, Village Note, and at the Statler Hilton Hotel before starting at Bohemian Caverns, which he booked and managed from 1959 to 1968. He and Caverns partner Angelo Alvino were also involved in Coffee ‘n’ Confusion in 1962-1963. Taylor was influential in the early career of Roberta Flack and traveled with her as consultant and road manager.
Founded Compared to What in 1970 and Lettumplay in 1976, both organizations to promote and encourage jazz artists. With Vic Rykken he founded Chang-a-Dang record label to record local musicians.
Taylor was employed by the Navy Hydrographic Office as an artist from 1953 to 1963. He served as assistant chairman of D.C, Commission on the Arts and Humanities from 1975 to 1980. April 12, 1979 was designated “Tony Taylor Day” in Washington.
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