Fred, I want to thank you so much for everything you've done. I'm so excited that this scholarship is being set up for you.
The three words that I think of when I think of Fred Taylor are generous, genuine, and taste. The man has impeccable taste. When I was thirteen years old, I sat in when one of my mentors, Anne Hampton Calloway, was performing at Scullers Jazz Club. I played the song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' with her. And after the set, Fred Taylor came up to me and said, 'Wow! That was something special. And I want to have you and your band come into Scullers.' My wish for Fred: For a new song to always come popping up, and a new joke as well, because you are the master of songs and jokes, and we all love you so much.
Paul's Mall was a wonderful music room, as Scullers is today, and Fred Taylor has always been about the music. Some places, the music is the last thing they think about, but that’s not the way it is here. Fred always makes sure everything's good, makes it feel like home. People like to come. Above all else, with Fred Taylor, the music is king.
Hey Fred, I'm in New York and I can't be with you tonight, but I wanted you to hear it right from me: thank you, thank you, thank you for doing all that you have done over the years for our music, jazz music. You've been incredible. As a matter of fact, I remember thirty years ago, you booked me as the opening act for the great Al Jarreau. I never thought I'd get an opportunity like that, and it was all because of you. And I even remember you driving me around from radio station to radio station at all hours of the day and night. You were an inspiration to me and an instrumental part in my career. I can't thank you enough, Fred. God bless you and I hope to see you soon.
Fred, are they familiar with your club reign? Paul's Mall, the Jazz Workshop—everybody worked there. I wish you the best success every day. We love you.
Fred, you've given me some great things in your life, and I hope it continues another fifty years. Congratulations.
I'm honored and proud to say that I'm a friend of Fred Taylor's. I met him about ten or twelve years ago, when he was nice enough to have me play at Scullers. He's a legend in the business. Fifty years! Fred, you're the best. We love you!
Fred, the fact that we are together like this fifty years later—you're still a kid and all I can say is that I wish you the best. And keep doing it for fifty years more, because jazz needs you, and you’ve contributed as much as anybody I know. God bless you!
Congratulations (on the new scholarship). Thank you for doing so much for the kids—and for all of us—over the years.
Thank you very much for all that you've done to keep our art form alive.
Fred Taylor, fifty years! Yes!
I first played for Fred at his early clubs, the Jazz Workshop and Paul's Mall, back in the 1960s. Fred Taylor is just as much a part of Boston jazz history as any musician who ever called Boston home. Fred Always seemed to know who the best players were, and who to bring into the clubs. And because of his extensive knowledge about the music, he easily made the visiting artists feel comfortable and welcome. All of us—musicians and fans alike—are grateful for what Fred has done for our community.
Fred is full of integrity. He's a straight shooter. He's honest, creative, jolly. A fine man! Every phone call I get from Fred makes me feel special. He's the only venue promoter I know who will actually call you. And not only will he go so far as to call you, he will also come to your show. At one point I was playing at another club in his town, not in his venue, and he came to that show to tell me that he wanted me back at his venue. That kind of personal interaction is so special, and I wish everybody in the business could be like Fred.
Fred Taylor is truly one of the great supporters of this music, ever. Congratulations, and it is an honor to know you and to be your friend.
To my dear friend Fred Taylor: congratulations on the establishment of this scholarship in your honor. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this concert at the esteemed Berklee College of Music than you.
Three adjectives to describe Fred Taylor: tall, dark, and handsome! If you ever need a joke for your act, just go to Boston, Fred's got about ten thousand of them—and he'll tell you all of them before the night is over. The think I'd like to wish for Fred Taylor is what he's given to me and so many artists along his journey: happiness. He's made us all happy. Without Fred Taylor, there would be so many people like myself that wouldn't know the job of Boston. God bless you Fred, I love you and you'll always be my friend.
Fred. .. Wow! Wow! I'm so grateful to you. Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for keeping so much vibrant music flowing through Boston. Bless you! Thank you so much for all the generosity, support, and grooving over the years. You are such a gem, such a treasure, to our community. Hats off to you, maestro!
Fred Taylor is one of the great men of our music. We are so honored to be celebrating you and your scholarship. Bright moments, and thank you for all you've given this music, and all you continue to give.
Fred Taylor, one of the greatest guys in the whole world. He's such an unassuming person, a naturally sweet person. A great person to hang around, to listen to his stories, and get all his wisdom. You just hope to get some of that wisdom rubbed into your own soul. Fred, I love you and look forward to seeing you soon. God bless you. You're the best!
Back in the late nineties, Fred used to bring in the great Abby Lincoln to Scullers to do a special concert for Valentines Day. So I went one year and after the concert, Fred was kind enough to introduce me to Abby Lincoln. That was my first time meeting her, and that was the beginning of a great friendship, full of inspiration for me. Fred, I want to thank you for making that connection. I'm forever grateful for that. It was really kind of you—thank you.
