Vincent Taylor
Birth nameChristopher Hempstead Donald
Born(1948-07-31)July 31, 1948
San Salvador, Bahamas
DiedApril 19, 1974(1974-04-19) (aged 25)
Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.
GenresRock, pop
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar

Vincent "Vinnie" Taylor (July 31, 1948 – April 19, 1974) was an American lead guitar player best known from the group, Sha Na Na. His birth name was Christopher Hempstead Donald, and he was born in San Salvador, Bahamas.[1] He graduated from Kent School in 1965 and Columbia College in 1971.

In February 1971 he replaced guitarist Larry "Israel" Packer. He played with the band until he died from an accidental heroin overdose[2] after a concert at University Hall at the University of Virginia on April 17, 1974.

Escaped convict Elmer Edward Solly assumed the name Vinnie Taylor while a fugitive and performed under this stage name.[3]

References

  1. ^ The New York Times. "Vinnie Taylor, 25, Guitarist For Sha-Na-Na, Found Dead", 21 April 1974.
  2. ^ "Sha Na Na". Billboard. February 18, 2009. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  3. ^ Leung, Rebecca (February 18, 2009). "The Great Pretender". CBS News. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
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