Vince Taylor The Big Beat Years

Vince Taylor

Vince Taylor's legend largely rests on his 1950 recording of 'Brand New Cadillac'-often cited as the greatest British rockabilly record ever Moth'. 'Brand New Cadillac' retains its thrill and in 1979 was covered by The Clash on their 'London Calling' album. The Clash gave 'Brand Now Cadillac' a hip kudos. Yet Vince, while still alive, was unable to capitalize on the resurgent interest from a new generation of fans. He was simply too far gone.

Vince Taylor Pepin was born Brian Holden in Middlesex, England. in July 1930. In 1946 his family immigrated to the US, settling in New Jersey. His older sister Sheila married Joe Barbera of Hanna-Barbera animation fame in 1955 and the Holden family followed her to Los Angeles. Brian enrolled at Hollywood High School and quickly became enamored with rockabilly. He attempted to launch a singing career with Joe Barbera as manager. In loss Barbera invited the teenager to accompany hint on a business trip to London to check out the local music scone. Brian was directed to the '2 I's' Coffee Bar on Old Compton St. in Soho.

The '2 I's was the launch pad many of the British rockabilly singers and local musicians were impressed by this tall, handsome American. Brian formed a band, quickly won a Parlophone recording contract and changed his name to Vince Taylor, christening his band The Playboys.

Vince Taylor & The Playboy's initial 1958 singles 'I Like Love', Right Behind You Baby' and 'Pledging My Love' failed to trouble the British pop charts and Parlophone ended his recording contract. The B-side of 'Pledging My Love' was 'Brand Now Cadillac' an original song written by Taylor that rocked as hard as the best US rockabilly records and featured a sizzling guitar solo from Joe Moretti (who would also play the solo on Johnny Kidd & The Pirates's phenomenal 'Shakin' All Over'). Taylor - dressed in black leather and extremely confident, proved to be a talented live performer and draw loyal audiences across the UK.