Montana Taylor

Montana Taylor ( * 1903 in Butte, Montana, † 1954; actually Arthur Taylor) was an American boogie and blues pianist and in the 40's one of the most important representatives of the barrelhouse style.

He was born in Butte, Montana, where his father owned a club. His family moved to Chicago and later to Indianapolis; there he began around 1919 with the piano. In 1929, he returned to Chicago, where he recorded for Vocalion Records plates. Then he disappeared from the public and was only rediscovered in 1946 by jazz fan Rudi Blesh. He was resumed on records, both solo and as a duo with Bertha Hill. In 1948 he took up his last plates. Montana Taylor died in 1954.

Bill Wyman, a member of the Rolling Stones, Montana Taylor called an important basis for his decision to become a musician.