Jack Taylor

Jack A. Taylor, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on May 6th at the age of 83. Jack was born in Cheyenne, WY on January 28, 1935. He received his Master of Arts in Music and his Doctorate of Music from the University of Washington. Professor Taylor gave 31 years of service at the College of Music at Florida State University as a professor of music and as the Director of the Center for Music Research. He published several books and received countless awards and accolades from music societies and universities across the nation for his tireless work in music research. He retired in May of 2001 but continued to publish and assist in research.

Florida State University awarded him the status of Emeritus Professor in 2012. Jack Taylor’s goal, always, was to teach and help create highly qualified teachers of music; he achieved this and more, leaving an indelible mark on music for future generations to come.

Professor Taylor is survived by his wife, Florence Taylor (83), retired nurse, his sister, Patty Schlenker (85), artist, her two daughters, Peggy Schlenker and Laurie Alexander, and his son, Kevin Bruce Taylor (55), professional landscape photographer and guitarist.

Throughout his life, Jack had a passion for music, art, travel, and history. He remained very current with technology and enjoyed annual trips with his son to photograph in the Smokey Mountains. To all that knew him, Jack was a highly intelligent and kind man, who was easy to talk to and loved life until his passing. He requested that his transition be quiet and did not want any services to be held.