Ep 4: Interview, Otis Taylor, Musician, Pioneer of Trance Blues and Banjo, Part 2
Ep 4: Interview, Otis Taylor, Musician, Pioneer of Trance Blues and Banjo, Part 2

Otis Taylor and Dr. Reiland Rabaka
In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary blues musician Otis Taylor, we dive deeper into his artistic journey, his distinctive trance blues style, and the historical and cultural significance of his work. Taylor shares personal stories about the power of storytelling through music, the African roots of the banjo, and how his music continues to challenge narratives and inspire change.
🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on history, identity, and the power of the blues. The Cause is available now on all major podcast platforms!
All Photos, Playlist, Articles and Part 1
The Breakdown
Books:
- Deep Blues, Robert Palmer, 1981
- History of the Blues, Francis Davis, 2003
- Can't Be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters, Robert Gordon, 2002
- Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues, Elija Wall, 2001
- The Jewel of the Blues: A Captivating Historical Fiction with a Compelling Heroine, Monica Chenault-Kilgore, 2024
- King of the Delta Blues, The Life and Music of Charlie Patton, Gayle Dean Wardlow, Stephen Calt, and Edward Komara, 2021
Documentaries:
- The Blues, Scorsese
- The Blues, Episode: Feel Like Going Home
- Cadillac Records
- Lightning In A Bottle
- Devil At The Crossroads
- BB King, The Life Of Riley
- The Howlin' Wolf Story – The Secret History of Rock & Roll
- Rumble, The Indians Who Rocked The World
- Eric Clapton, Life In 12 Bars
- Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to The Crossroads
- 20 Feet From Stardom
- Crossfire Hurricane (Rolling Stones)