LAKE BALBOA, CA (CelebrityAccess) — Larry “The Mole” Taylor, a musician who was best known as the bassist for the blues-rock band Canned Heat, died at his home in Lake Balboa on August 19th. He was 77.
According to his manager Skip Taylor, Larry Taylor died after a twelve-year battle with cancer.
Taylor began his professional career as a teenager, touring with rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis and then transitioned into a session musician, performing with a list of artists that includes The Monkees, Albert King, Solomon Burke, Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, JJ Cale, Ry Cooder, and Harvey Mandel.
In 1967, he joined Alan Wilson, Bob Hite, Henry Vestine and “Fito” de la Parra, in the blues band Canned Heat, including during their appearances at iconic festivals such as Woodstock ’69 and the Monterey International Pop Festival.
However, he and Canned Heat guitarist Harvey left the group in 1970 to join John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers.
In 1979, Taylor rejoined Canned Heat in time for the King Biscuit Flower Hour concert and later joined the group for several reunion tours between 2007 and 2013.
Taylor was known for his use of both the electric and upright bass and served as a session musician on many recordings for the great Tom Waits.
“Larry told great stories, funny jokes, was a foodie, wine, record, and rock poster collector, computer whiz and a special human being who really “lived for music”… music was his religion!” He influenced many of us in different ways and he will be missed by many throughout the music industry,” Larry’s manager and longtime friend Skip Taylor said.
He is survived by his wife Andrea, his son Danny and his two daughters, Rebecca and Molly.
At his request, no service will be held.
