Ted Taylor

Ted Taylor first found success as vocalist for the dual-named Los Angeles-based doo-wop group The Jacks/The Cadets, most notably on their hit single, “Stranded in the Jungle.” Starting in the early ‘60s Taylor went solo, releasing a long string of energetic R&B records on a variety of labels, all featuring his enigmatic, soulful falsetto wail. Taylor’s greatest solo chart success came with the loping, 6/8 time “Stay Away From My Baby” and his recording of “Ramblin’ Rose” is said to have inspired the MC5’s classic KICK OUT THE JAMS version, but he remained little known compared to many of his contemporaries. Unfortunately, Taylor’s career was cut short by a fatal 1987 automobile accident.