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Title: Don Taylor (music manager)

Don Taylor (August 18, 1943 – March 23, 1999) was a Jamaican music manager best known for his role as the manager of the iconic reggae artist Bob Marley during the height of Marley's career.

Early Life and Career: Don Taylor was born on Feburay 10, 1943, in Kingston, Jamaica. Taylor, often likened to figures such as Don King and Colonel Tom Parker, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in the music industry. He managed various American rhythm and blues acts in the 1960s (Little Anthony and the Imperials and Martha Reeves) before crossing paths with Bob Marley.

Management of Bob Marley: Taylor is most prominently remembered for his pivotal role as the manager of Bob Marley and the Wailers during their rise to international fame in the 1970s. Taylor's management played a crucial role in shaping Marley's career and expanding his global reach.

Under Taylor's guidance, Bob Marley and the Wailers achieved unprecedented success, releasing groundbreaking albums such as "Catch a Fire" (1973), "Burnin'" (1973), and "Exodus" (1977). These albums not only established Marley as a global music icon but also propelled reggae music onto the international stage.

Taylor's management style was characterized by his shrewd negotiation skills, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication to promoting Marley's music and message of peace and unity. He played a key role in securing lucrative record deals, booking major concert tours, and managing the band's affairs on a global scale.

Despite the immense success Taylor helped Marley achieve, their professional relationship was not without its challenges. Taylor's management of the band's finances and disputes over royalty payments led to tensions between him and Marley, ultimately resulting in their acrimonious split in 1981.

Later Career and Legacy: Following his departure from Bob Marley's management team, Don Taylor continued to work in the music industry, managing other artists and pursuing various business ventures. Taylors' work included artists like Miki Howard, Soul 2 Soul, Jimmy Cliff, and Gregory Issacs.

Don Taylor passed away on March 23, 1999, at the age of 55. Despite the controversies and challenges he faced throughout his career, Taylor's contributions to the success of Bob Marley and the global popularization of reggae music remain an integral part of his legacy.

References:

1. "Don Taylor, 55, Marley Manager." The New York Times. Retrieved from [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/30/arts/don-taylor-55-marley-manager.html]
2. Steffens, Roger. "Don Taylor: A Fallen Legend." The Beat Magazine. Retrieved from [https://www.beat.com.au/don-taylor-a-fallen-legend/]
3. Don Taylor Obituary [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-don-taylor-1126414.html]