My Dad, R&B singer Johnnie Taylor, had a successful 40-plus recording career that afforded him the opportunity to befriend many African-American luminaries. I created this collage art from a 70's era photo of him and the great Muhammed Ali that was displayed in my home all of my life. My father was fierce proponent of empowering Black people. When he moved us to a predominately White neighborhood as children in Dallas, Tx, he stayed strongly connected to the African-American community. He always reminded me that Black people were responsible for his success and it's something he never forgot. His office building was in Oak Cliff, a division of predominately Black South Dallas, and he frequented the shops and areas there, spending his money in Black owned businesses. He regularly made food drives part of his live shows and recently had a scholarship created in his name with his old label, Concord Stax Records, to provide full tuition to at least 20 students for the next five years. Oh, and you know about Muhammed Ali, The Greatest of All Time, right? No relation:)
