According to reports, Taylor had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2007, but he continued to perform and write music up until very recently.
As a local connection, Taylor invited members of the Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum Band to perform at several of his area Christmas shows each fall. He is pictured below with members of the steel band backstage prior one of their performances last fall at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.
Photo by Alan Freed Photography / Ambridge Connection