LEGENDS OF THE LONGHORN

Johnnie Taylor

Johnnie Taylor was a significant figure in Texas R&B and soul music. Born in Arkansas, the man who replaced Sam Cooke as the lead singer for the Soul Stirrers called Dallas home for decades. “The Philosopher of Soul,” as he was known, signed with the legendary  R&B label, Stax Records, and led many of his label mates, including Al Green, Otis Redding, Albert King, Little Milton, and Isaac Hayes, to his favorite hometown venue, the Longhorn Ballroom. 

Known for his powerful presence in the Dallas community, Taylor served as a beacon of hope and a visionary leader. He performed countless nights at the iconic Longhorn, where he recorded “Live At the Longhorn Ballroom” in 1997—just three years before his final appearance at the venue. In fact, Johnnie played the Longhorn so often that it was often debated within Dewy Groom’s family whether he or Charlie Pride sold out the venue more. 

Tragically, Taylor passed away in 2000, shortly after his last performance, at the age of 66. He left an indelible mark on the music industry as the first artist to receive a certified platinum record from the RIAA. However, his influence on the Dallas community and the Longhorn Ballroom remains even more profound.

As recalled by The Dallas Morning News, the “soul man did what a soul man’s got to do”—he shared his extraordinary gift with the world.