594 MFC: 3 Questions w/ Andre Taylor

This is part of our new short video series for 594 Miles From Chicago, called "3 Questions with". Each artist we interview will have 3 questions to answer at the end of their interview! In this video we have Andre "Cat Daddy" Taylor who joins us at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago, IL. ______________________________ About Andre Taylor: Andre Taylor has been nominated for the Chicago Music Awards Best Blues Entertainer along with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Tyrone Davis and the Kinsey Report in 2000 and 2001. Andre and his band, the Blues Alley Cats received the first standing ovation ever at a corporate event on the main stage at the House of Blues. Andre and the Blues Alley Cats have performed locally at the Chicago Cultural Center, Kingston Mines, B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, the House of Blues, the Harlem Avenue lounge, and many, many, other blues clubs and has performed with nearly every Chicago Blues artists from Pinetop Perkins to Mike Wheeler. Andre, is a living piece of Chicago Blues history Andre, born as Ondra Astad Taylor in Chicago on the lower southeast side in an area known as Bronzeville; his neighborhood housed the original Checkerboard Lounge and the late, great, Muddy Waters, and his drummer the late Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith. As a youth, Andre frequented the old Regal Theatre where he saw entertainers like James Brown; Jackie Wilson; the Temptations; Stevie Wonder and comedians like Moms Mabley, Pigmeat Markham. On weekends, Andre’s father would take the family to the old Maxwell Street market—a melting pot of Blues musicians—where his Dad would jam with Blues musicians of the time including; Carey Bell and gospel singer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe— listening to a variety of music genres including Mariachi, Polkas, Rock and Soul bands Andre’s appreciation for music developed. At fourteen, Andre enrolled in guitar lessons at the renowned Jack Cecchini Studios with maestro guitarist, Jack Cecchini. After one year of instruction, Andre attended the Checkerboard Lounge Monday Morning Blues Jam hosted by the legendary Buddy Guy. After watching a guitar duel between Buddy Guy and the late, Lefty Dizz, Andre knew Buddy was part of Blues history, and would cut class every Monday to attend the jam. Buddy Guy enjoyed mentoring the neighborhood kids and significantly influenced Andre—personally demonstrating riffs and methods to advance his playing. Andre remembers Buddy Guy’s praise and big smile when you played well; boosting your self-confidence. Frequently, Buddy had kids playing on stage with the pros like Hound Dog Taylor, Lefty Dizz, everyone on the scene at that time. Buddy’s showmanship and genuineness impressed Andre; he met the Blues when he encountered Buddy Guy. During the course of his adolescence, Andre worked hard mastering his guitar techniques and style. He assembled various bands with kids he met at the jam, including a young multi-instrumentalist named Judas Hicks from the old Ida B. Wells Housing Project, a block away from the Taylor home. Andre also led the Shades of Blue Nu Juice Krew with band members Sharon Lewis, Pat Smiley, the James twins and the late, Little Scotty, who performed at the Old Ritz Hotel/Lounge/Strip Club. After the band split up, Andre was hired as a guitarist/vocalist for the second opening act of the Koko Taylor’s House Band with Lurrie Bell and the Love makers, and as a guitarist for Nellie “Tiger” Travis performing at a subsequent Koko Taylor club. After 15 years of service at the US Postal Office inspection unit Andre resigned to pursue his music career. The same day Andre picked up his resignation papers at the Postal Office he met Muddy Water’s drummer, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith; who was picking up a tour package and wearing a House of Blues jacket. Andre introduced himself and asked Willie to take him on tour for no pay. Willie declined, stating he could not work him for free but asked Andre for his contact information. Soon after, Andre was invited to audition with Muddy’s bassist, Jimmie Lee Morris, Pinetop Perkins, and Winnetka Jim. Andre toured with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s band for six years throughout the U.S. and Canada; additionally touring with Byther Smith, Lovie Lee, Hubert Sumlin, Lynwood Slim, and Eddie Butler. https://www.facebook.com/andre.taylor.169067 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC89dsiH9Aw9PLb308Bcf-g Song Used: Don't Wear Yo Wig by Andre Taylor Listen/Buy His Music Here: https://soundcloud.com/andre-taylor-852921363 **I DO NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC** ---------------------------------- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/594MilesFromChicago Website: https://www.594milesfromchicago.com Follow us on Instagram: @594milesfromchicago Film MERCH: http://www.tinyurl.com/14nug9yj Donate to the FILM: Paypal - Connor@bluesbirdtalentagency.com http://www.Bluesbirdtalent.com ©BLUESBIRD TALENT AGENCY LLC.

Added 13 May 2026