Greg “Fingers” Taylor passed away on November 23, 2023 at the age of 71. He played harmonica for Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers from 1974 until 2000.
From Mac McAnally:
Greg “Fingers” Taylor was an American harmonica and blues artist best known for his work with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band. In addition to appearing on tour for over 30 plus years and on the majority of Buffett’s albums. Fingers also recorded with James Taylor, Chris LeDoux, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mac McAnally, Little Milton, Al Kooper, Jimmy Hall, Tim Krekel, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Nesmith, Bo Diddley, Larry Raspberry, Debbie Davies, Don Nix and The Tams. Fingers was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2011.
Taylor and Buffett met in 1970 at The University of Southern Mississippi. Soon after the two met, Taylor joined Larry Raspberry and The Highsteppers. Fingers and Buffett recorded “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean” in 1973. It marks the first reference to Buffett’s backup band as “The Coral Reefer Band” and was the first album on which long-time Reefers Michael Utley and Taylor played. In 1974 Buffett called Taylor to ask him to tour with him as part of the Coral Reefer Band. Taylor continued to play in the band until 2000.
Taylor’s nickname, “Fingers”, was given to him in 1969 by John “Johnny Rock” Buffalo (so nicknamed by Taylor) during their time in The Buttermilk Blues Band in Jackson, Mississippi. At the time, Taylor played keyboards for the band, hence the nickname “Fingers.” Taylor began playing harmonica during his time in the band.
Over the years, Buffett has recorded a couple of Taylor’s songs. “Big Rig” was included on the album “Havana Daydreamin” and Taylor and Buffett co-wrote “Miss You So Badly” included on Buffett’s 1977 album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”. Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band also included “Dixie Diner”, originally recorded by Larry Raspberry and The Highsteppers, on Buffett’s 1978 live album You Had to Be There.
Fingers son Steven Taylor posted a message on social media:
Jimmy and Fingers were a magic combination, particularly in Jimmy’s early music.
That wailing harmonica had a sound all its own when Fingers was putting his soul into it.