Vernon Taylor, a foundational figure in 1950s rockabilly whose brief but influential tenure at Sun Records earned him a lasting status as a cult favorite, has died at age 88. According to an obituary provided by the Osborne Funeral Home in Williamsport, Maryland, Taylor passed away on July 12 following a lengthy battle with dementia.
From Early Stardom to the Printing Press
Born Vernon Walton Alderton on a farm in Layhill, Maryland, Taylor’s musical journey began early. At age 15, he formed his first band, The Nighthawks, with high school classmates. The group gained local traction by performing as an opening act for musician Curley Smith and later hosting their own Saturday night television show on Washington D.C.’s WTTG station from 1957 to 1960.
Taylor initially signed with Dot Records, releasing singles such as “Losing Game” and “Why Must You Leave Me.” While those early tracks did not achieve commercial success, a performance on “American Bandstand” caught the attention of Sam Phillips, the legendary founder of Sun Records. This led to a recording contract that produced “Today Is A Blue Day,” a track written by Elvis Presley’s songwriter Jack Clement. Despite limited commercial impact at the time, these recordings became cornerstones of Taylor’s legacy among rockabilly enthusiasts.
Career Resurgence and Enduring Legacy
As the rockabilly craze faded, Taylor transitioned into a career in the printing industry, though he never fully abandoned his musical roots. He maintained a low profile for decades until a 1989 benefit concert for Charlie Feathers triggered a late-career revival. This resurgence led to international tours, particularly in the United Kingdom, and the reissue of his classic 1950s material. In 1999, he released “Daddy’s Rockin’,” a collection of new recordings on Run Wild Records.
In his later years, Taylor was celebrated as one of the final remaining artists from the golden era of Sun Records. In 2005, he was inducted into the Southern Legends Entertainment and Performing Arts Hall of Fame. His influence extended to his peers and younger generations of musicians; as tribute poured in, colleagues like Kevin Booth remembered him as a “great performer” and a “very nice man.” Taylor is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Brenda Alderton, three children, and five grandchildren.