Running with the Architects of Rock ‘N Roll… Again and Again

In “Alvin Taylor- Drum Major 2 Major Drummer”, we have an entire chapter dedicated to Alvin’s experiences with Little Richard, and then another for Ike & Tina Turner. There is also more detailed about Little Richard in the special “Bonus” chapter- which is available to people that bought the book, upon request.

It is rare indeed to work with, on an ongoing basis spanning decades, these legends- Ike and Little Richard. Both of these musicians undoubtedly are key figures in the creation of rock music.

With Little Richard, Alvin was discovered by the self-proclaimed King of Rock ‘n Roll, performed with him back in 1969 and 1970, and then numerous times throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. Alvin regularly played Richard’s classic songs which truly put rock and roll on the map back in the mid and late 1950’s, songs like: Tutti Frutti, Good Golly Miss Molly, Long Tall Sally, and several others.

Alvin also had a long history working alongside Ike Turner, who was a key part (actually the bandleader and likely the writer) of the very first rock and roll record, “Rocket 88” – in 1951. This song was recorded by Sam Phillips in Memphis, and became a big hit almost immediately. That success allowed Phillips to create Sun Studios in 1952. Sun Studios would of course soon after record classics from Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Alvin worked alongside both Ike and Tina in the early and mid-1970’s, and then later on worked often with Ike in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Two of those concerts were a big part of the Ike’s comeback.

The first was in 1997, when Ike Turner, the Ikettes, and his band, headlined in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi at the Sunflower River Blues Festival. Clarksdale is often considered the home of the delta blues, and this annual festival is widely known. For example, Robert Plant performed there at the festival in 2012. He and Jimmy Page, years earlier, released an album titled, “Walking into Clarksdale”.

At this show, Alvin helped Ike make it happen by gathering the rest of the band and coordinating the driving out to Mississippi. At this show, Ike was nervous but did a great job, performing many songs- including the classic “Rocket 88”.

This was the first part of Ike’s musical comeback. The second part was in 2001, when Ike and his band (dubbed the Kings of Rhythm- including Alvin) were one of the main acts at the South by Southwest conference and festival in Austin, Texas. This was another occasion where Ike and his band, and the Ikettes, delivered the goods to a somewhat surprised crowd and media.

Legends like Little Richard and Ike Turner know about rhythm, and beat, and groove. And they both wanted Alvin Taylor to work with them. Even if Alvin didn’t work with the myriad of other music superstars that he did, that would be all you’d need to know about what Alvin brought to those bands and acts. If you haven’t yet read Alvin’s book- get your copy today.

Written by Ken Lambert