Troy Taylor

Who is Troy Taylor?

Troy Taylor was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, into a family of musicians. He got his start by singing in talent shows at an early age then moved on to playing keyboards. Before reaching the age of 21, Taylor was signed as an artist to Motown Records and later helped produce several tracks for Boyz II Men. It was here that Taylor found his true passion as a producer.

Taylor graduated from Hartford Conservatory School in 1989, with a degree in jazz theory and record production. Shortly after, in 1989, he was blessed with the opportunity to meet Motown Record music executive, Timmy Regisford. Regisford was instrumental in Taylor’s landing a solo artist deal at Motown and continued to offer him guidance along the way. In the midst of working on his album, Taylor had a revelation and decided to change career paths. He took a more behind-the-scenes position; one that he felt would offer greater longevity along with more creative control. Proving himself to be correct, two of Taylor’s debut songs, “Little Things” and “Your Love,” were placed on Boyz II Men’s debut album, “Cooley High Harmony,” which sold over 12 million copies. Taylor earned a Grammy award for each.

At 17, while attending a church convention in Florida he met and began a friendship with a young man named Carl Thomas, an aspiring singer. Taylor began teaching him the fundamentals of recording which later would result in 2 million copies sold of his debut album with Bad Boy Records. Taylor continues to mentor and collaborate with the best in the industry to include Elijah Blake, Claude Kelly and Johnta, "The Tunesmith" Austin, who has worked with artists such as Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Toni Braxton and many more. In 2000, Taylor won ASCAP'S R&B and Pop Music Award and a Grammy nomination for the production of Tyrese's hit single, "Sweet Lady" where he also sang all the background vocals. In 2012 and 2013 Taylor was awarded BMI's Producer of the Year Award.