ODFG Media

Before he became known around the world as the “Philosopher of Soul,” Johnny Taylor was building his legacy right here in Memphis.

Taylor arrived in Memphis during the golden age of soul music and became one of the biggest stars connected to Stax Records. His powerful voice helped shape the sound of Memphis in the 1960s and 1970s alongside legends like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Al Green.

Songs like “Who’s Making Love” turned Johnny Taylor into a national star, but Memphis never stopped claiming him as one of its own. From Beale Street energy to the deep Southern soul coming out of South Memphis studios, his music carried the sound of the city everywhere it went.

At one point, Memphis soul music was dominating radios across America and Johnny Taylor was right in the middle of it.

Real Memphis history. Real soul music.

ODFG Media

SoulMusic