Larry Taylor

About

Larry Taylor, also known by his nickname “The Mole” (born June 26, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York City, USA – died August 19, 2019 in Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, California) was an American surf and blues rock bassist and occasional lead guitarist. He is perhaps best known for his work as a long-time member of Canned Heat. He first joined the group in 1967 and after repeatedly leaving and returning he eventually stayed with them from 2009 until his death. He left Canned Heat for the first time in May 1970 to join John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. Before joining Canned Heat he had been a session bassist for The Monkees and Jerry Lee Lewis. Taylor became a leading exponent and practitioner of the acoustic upright bass in the contemporary blues scene. He is the younger brother of Mel Taylor, long-time drummer for The Ventures.