Eric Taylor (September 25, 1949 – March 9, 2020) was an American folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor became a respected figure in the Texas and Austin music communities for his spare, narrative songs and plainspoken delivery. Over the course of his career he issued nine solo recordings and developed a reputation for songs that combine humor, dark detail and quiet compassion.

Style and themes

Taylor's songs are often described as literary and character-driven: they favor stories about ordinary lives, moral ambiguity and small, specific images rather than broad abstractions. His guitar work was typically uncluttered, supporting the words rather than showcasing virtuosity. Reviewers and fellow musicians noted his knack for surprising turns of phrase and an economy of language that made his songs compelling for other interpreters.

Career and influence

Although Taylor's own records reached a modest audience, his songwriting attracted attention from prominent performers. Several of his compositions were covered by other artists, helping extend his influence beyond his own performances. In 2009, Lyle Lovett recorded Taylor's song "Whooping Crane" on the album Natural Forces, bringing renewed attention to Taylor's catalog. Nanci Griffith, Peter Cooper and others also recorded his work, cementing his reputation among peers.

Selected recordings and covers

  • Taylor released nine solo albums during his lifetime; his 1995 self-titled release contains the song "Whooping Crane," later recorded by Lovett.
  • Artists who have recorded Taylor's songs include Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett and Peter Cooper, among others.

Taylor was an active presence in regional music communities, especially in and around Austin, Texas. Peers remembered him for craft, dry humor and mentorship of younger writers; his songs continue to be rediscovered by performers who favor strong storytelling.

Eric Taylor died in Austin on March 9, 2020, at age 70 from complications of liver disease. His work remains valued by songwriters and listeners who prize concise, character-rich lyrics and the living tradition of American folk songwriting.