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Mick Taylor

Mick Taylor is an English rock and blues guitarist best known for playing lead guitar with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mick Taylor is an English rock and blues guitarist best known for playing lead guitar with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones. He joined The Rolling Stones in 1969 and left in 1974, later pursuing solo work and collaborations with other artists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Rolling Stones in 1989.

Early life and background

Mick Taylor was born Michael Kevin Taylor in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and was raised near London. He began playing guitar at a young age and performed in local bands before entering professional music.

Career with John Mayall and The Rolling Stones

Taylor joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1967 and played on the album Blues from Laurel Canyon. He became a member of The Rolling Stones in 1969, replacing Brian Jones. He remained with the band until late 1974, contributing to major live and studio recordings during his tenure.

Solo work and collaborations

After leaving The Rolling Stones, Taylor recorded solo material and collaborated with a range of musicians. His later work included both studio recordings and live performances outside the band.

Recognition and legacy

Taylor is widely recognized for his melodic lead guitar style and blues influence. His work with The Rolling Stones led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Key facts

  • Taylor joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1967 and played on the album Blues from Laurel Canyon.
  • He became a member of The Rolling Stones in 1969, replacing Brian Jones.
  • He remained with The Rolling Stones until late 1974.
  • After leaving the band, he worked with other artists and released solo albums.
  • He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Rolling Stones in 1989.
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Canadian context

Mick Taylor has toured and recorded internationally, including work that would have been of interest to Canadian rock audiences through The Rolling Stones and related blues-rock acts.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mick Taylor?
Mick Taylor is a British guitarist best known for his work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones.
When was Mick Taylor born?
He was born on 17 January 1949.
What band did Mick Taylor join after Brian Jones?
He joined The Rolling Stones in 1969 as Brian Jones's replacement.
When did Mick Taylor leave The Rolling Stones?
He left the band at the end of 1974.
Was Mick Taylor inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted in 1989 as a member of The Rolling Stones.

References

  1. Who2https://www.who2.com/bio/mick-taylor/
    Supports: Joining John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, joining The Rolling Stones, leaving in 1974, solo albums, Hall of Fame induction
  2. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Taylor
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, nationality, role as guitarist
  3. Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/mick-taylor/274398
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, raised in Hatfield, early guitar background
  4. uDiscover Musichttps://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/mick-taylor-in-20-songs/
    Supports: Career collaborations, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame