Ebo Taylor, the Ghanaian guitarist, composer and band leader, whose work helped define the highlife genre and influenced generations of African musicians, has died at the age of 90, his family has announced. Born Deroy Taylor in the city of Cape Coast in 1936, he rose to prominence during the late 1950s and early 1960s as highlife became Ghana's dominant music genre. Taylor played with leading bands, including the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band, gaining a reputation for his distinctive guitar style and detailed arrangements. Over a six-decade career, he fused Ghanaian rhythms with jazz, funk, soul, and early Afrobeat, inspiring musicians beyond the continent. In the last 25 years of his life, his music was rediscovered globally, with notable tracks like 'Love & Death' gaining significant attention. His work with other musicians, including Fela Kuti, contributed to the evolution of Afrobeat, and his recordings have been sampled by various artists in hip-hop and R&B, ensuring his influence endures.
Ghanaian Music Legend Ebo Taylor Passes Away at 90
Ghanaian Music Legend Ebo Taylor Passes Away at 90
Ebo Taylor, the revered Ghanaian guitarist and composer who played a pivotal role in the development of highlife music, has died at the age of 90. His legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
Ebo Taylor, known as a foundational figure in highlife music, passed away at the age of 90. His influential career, spanning over six decades, saw him blend traditional Ghanaian rhythms with various genres and inspire a new generation of musicians globally. Taylor's work resonates through contemporary music, continuing to shape Africa’s cultural landscape.
