Tributes have been paid to legendary Southport musician Ted 'Kingsize' Taylor after he died aged 83.
Ted along with his band The Dominoes was a contemporary of The Beatles, often sharing the bill with them in both Liverpool and Hamburg. 'Kingsize', who gained his name due to his imposing 6ft 5in frame, left the music industry in the mid-60s and for more than 30 years ran a butcher’s shop.
In a tribute on Facebook, Ted who shared the stage with stars such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, and Fats Domino has been described as a "genuine superstar" who was "rock and roll" until the end.
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The Dominoes were formed in north Liverpool, in 1957, and over the next two years, Taylor developed a reputation as one of the most well-known rock and roll singers in Merseyside.
They first performed at The Cavern Club in January 1961, when they featured 17-year-old singer Cilla White, who would later go on to be known as Cilla Black, who sang regularly with the band until 1962.
A post on his Facebook page on January 2 read: "Good night folks, I’m undertaking my last journey and may not be back for a while. I’ll remember each and every one of you that made my life so special, so many wonderful memories to take with me.
"Love to my son Mark and Alex for helping me and loving me. God bless you all and see you soon.”
In the summer of 1962, the band, without Cilla, went to Hamburg, where they began making regular appearances at the Star Club. Ringo Starr turned down the opportunity to join having been offered more money to join The Beatles.
After recording a solo single for Decca in London in 1964, Somebody’s Always Tryin”, with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, he gave up the music business and returned to Crosby. He would later run a family butcher’s shop in Birkdale until his retirement.
Commenting on the Facebook post Rob Bucher said: “RIP Ted when I was a kid I only knew you as a kind butcher who always gave me sweets. It was only as an adult that I realised what a genuine superstar you were. Glad to have known you. Mind how you go.”
Graham Webster said: “This is a great shock and a loss to everyone who knew you, Ted – God bless you and keep that rock and roll going till I get there. RIP my friend.”
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