Calgary resident Doug Taylor is proof it’s never too late to live your dream.
His musical journey started when he was born into a very musical family – but he was never able to pursue his music on a professional level. Ten years ago he was able start performing publicly and now, at 50 years old, he has 600 gigs under his belt.
It has been a dream come true for Taylor, who started playing professionally two years ago.
“I’ve proved to myself I can do what I love and make a living out of it,” Taylor stated about his switch to a full-time musical career.
He has been playing at the Venue Bar & Grill every other Wednesday for the past six months – and being a one-man band, he believes it’s his acoustic uniqueness that keeps his audience coming back.
“It’s not just being on stage and singing … it’s about engaging with the audience,” Taylor stated. “It’s being able to connect the audience together.”
A complete cover artist, Taylor has memorized a wide range of more than 1,400 songs dating as far back as the 1950s.
“I’m almost like a jukebox,” Taylor laughed. “I’m true to the artist.”
Stringing in around 15 gigs a month, Taylor is extremely thankful to his friend Dan Spratt who helped him rediscover his passion.
It was back in 2006 when Spratt heard Taylor play and invited him to the small recording studio he had in his basement to record Taylor playing Neil Young.
“I didn’t realize how good of a guitar player he really was,” Spratt said. “When he played, I was blown away … he’s got quite the repertoire.”
From that experience Taylor’s band, LifzGood Acoustic, was born.
“He always had this positivity around him – whenever I would ask how he was doing … he would always say, ‘Life’s good’,” Spratt laughed. So, I thought, ‘We should call you that.’”
Taylor is incredibly thankful to be one of the lucky few who gets to live out their dream – and for all his family’s support and understanding.
Taylor said his two sons, Jake and Julian, who are also musical, are “happy I get to play my music.”
“I’m so grateful I have people who enjoy my music,” Taylor said with pride.
