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“I BELIEVE IN YOU”

Greg Hasty Interviewed by Norman Darwen

Throughout his long career, Johnnie Taylor sang gospel in the 50s, moving to blues and soul

in the early 60s and even had a disco hit (which was actually a funk number). In the 60s he
recorded both for Sam Cooke’s SAR
label and for Stax. There has not been
a biography about him - until now. “I
Believe In You” by Greg Hasty is
available on Amazon, with input from

Johnnie’s son T.J. Hooker Taylor.

Greg lived in Oak Cliff, a suburb of
Dallas - where Johnnie lived later in
his life - he died in 2001.

Here Greg gives Norman Darwen some
background:

ND: What was the impetus for the
book - does Oak Cliff still remember
Johnnie?

GH: The project was initially begun

after talking with T.J. and Fonda,
hearing how their dad was always
overlooked, ignored or passed over
when it came time to hand out

accolades and awards. After
researching his career, it was
puzzling why, first, no one had

written a biography on his career - as
famous as he was. Second, how

successful he was when compared to
his peers and again receiving very
little acclaim. My objective then
became to honour his
accomplishments in the hope of elevating his status among fans and those that weren’t
familiar with his work and to give him the recognition he so justly deserves. This is

especially true as it relates to his induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Memphis
Music Hall of Fame and the State of Arkansas where he was born. We're now making
headway with each of these efforts. The book, I think, will be integral in attaining these
goals.

Many people vividly recall the days of Johnnie Taylor in Dallas and in Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff

was its own city until Dallas annexed the area in 1903 - which now has around 500,000
people. His office was in Oak Cliff and he lived in the suburb and was a frequent visitor of

local clubs and churches. The Longhorn Ballroom is technically in Dallas and only a stone's