Demetria Taylor
has been performing at BLUE CHICAGO
since 2010. She is the seventh
child of eight from the family of the late blues legend Eddie Taylor Sr. and is
helping keep the legacy of her father alive.
Eddie is best known as the rhythm
guitarist in the band of Jimmy Reed but he also had his own solo career and
recorded some wonderful sides for the VJ label including the classic "Bad
Boy". Her mother Vera Taylor was also a blues singer. Demetria has fond
memories of blues greats and friends of the family coming by the house--
including Floyd Jones, Carey Bell, Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Littlejohn, Sam Lay,
Willie Kent, Tail Dragger, Eddie Shaw, Johnny B. Moore and Magic Slim.
Born in Chicago,
Demetria grew up surrounded by Blues music listening on records to her biggest
influences including Etta James, Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton and most
importantly, "The Queen of The Blues" Koko Taylor (no relation to the
Eddie Taylor family).
Demetria started
playing drums at age 14, coached by her older brothers Larry and Tim, both
professional blues drummers. She played in family shows across Chicago which
also featured brother Eddie Taylor Jr. on guitar. She also sang in the gospel
choir at Trinity All Nations Church on Chicago's south side.
"I put God
first and everything else will work out", says Demetria. "I feel that singing is something I was born to do.
Sometimes on the stage my eyes tear up as I feel the music I'm singing. I love
to listen to all types of music, but the blues caught my ear. I'll never give
up my dream."
Demetria has
toured nationally and internationally and performs in many clubs and festivals
including the Chicago Blues Festival. Her first album, Bad Girl, is on Delmark
Records. Demetria was nominated in
2012 Blues Music Awards for
"Best New Debut Artist".
