20 Facts About Vince Taylor

Vince Taylor, born Brian Maurice Holden, was an English-American rock and roll singer.

Vince Taylor is best remembered for his 1959 song "Brand New Cadillac", which the Clash covered on their album London Calling.

Vince Taylor was the inspiration for David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust character, according to Bowie.

The family moved to California, where Taylor attended Hollywood High School.

At age 18, impressed by the music of Gene Vincent and Elvis Presley, Taylor began to sing, mostly at amateur gigs.

Vince Taylor decided on the new stage name of Vince Taylor.

Vince Taylor moved to Palette Records and recorded "I'll Be Your Hero", backed with "Jet Black Machine", which was released on 19 August 1960.

Vince Taylor had remained in contact with the band, and he asked if he could rejoin them in Paris.

Vince Taylor dressed up for the sound check in his trademark black leather stage gear, and added a chain around his neck with a Joan of Arc medallion, which he had bought on arrival at Calais.

One version of the story says Vince Taylor gave such an extraordinary performance at the sound check that the organizers decided to put him at the top of the bill for both shows.

The band then disbanded and Vince Taylor, having problems with alcohol and other drugs, joined a religious movement.

Vince Taylor played with Vince Flaherty and his band the Invincibles, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and the first incarnation of Deep Purple before forming a group, Bodast, with Steve Howe and Dave Curtis.

Eddie Barclay gave a new chance to Vince Taylor who recorded again and performed intermittently throughout the 1970s and 1980s, until his death.

Vince Taylor lived in Switzerland late in his life, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic.

Vince Taylor said it was the happiest time of his life.

Vince Taylor died from lung cancer in August 1991, at age 52.

Vince Taylor had lived in Switzerland since 1983 with his wife, Nathalie, and his step-daughter, Magaly.

David Bowie said Vince Taylor was the main inspiration for his character Ziggy Stardust.

The band Golden Earring referred to Taylor in their 1973 album Moontan, with the song "Just Like Vince Taylor", which was the US B-side for their hit "Radar Love".

Taylor had a son, Ty Holden, who stated on BBC Radio 4 that Vince Taylor was an absent father.