American session drummer Dallas Taylor has passed away at the age of 66, the cause of his death is unknown.
The drummer’s wife, Patti McGovern-Taylor, broke the tragic news on her Facebook page, at this time she is not disclosing the cause.
Patti posted the following message: “This morning at 2:30 a.m., I lost the love of my life, Dallas W. Taylor. He came into my life almost 18 years ago and saved me as much as I may have saved him. To me he was just a good man, a good friend, a good father, a good grandfather or Pop Pop, a great drummer and much beloved by many.”
“I cannot even find the words to put down to say how grateful I am for the many friends and family who have been there for both of us these many days he has spent in the hospital, especially last night. I know he is a peace. He will be missed beyond words, it is so very hard to imagine my life without him by my side, but i feel his love even as i write these words. Much Love to you all …Patti.”
Taylor started his career with the sixties psychedelic rock band Clear Light. However, he is best known as the drummer for Crosby, Stills and Nash’s debut album Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Taylor played the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969 with the group and worked on the band’s follow-up record in 1970 titled Deja Vu with Neil Young.
As well as playing with CSNY, Dallas performed at the 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival with Van Morrison and drummed for blues singer Paul Butterfield.
Outside of music, Taylor worked as an addiction counsellor, “providing alcohol and drug interventions and recovery help to individuals and their loved ones throughout the United States and abroad.”
Artists have been posting their respects for Dallas, former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum tweeted his condolences and Brian Jonestown Massacre’s frontman Anton Newcome, who had a serious heroin addiction, said he owes his life to the drummer.
I’m really sad to report my friend Dallas Taylor passed away.i owe him my life as he helped me kick dope. RIP DALLAS pic.twitter.com/XaEXp7p4rF
— antonnewcombe (@antonnewcombe) January 18, 2015
