Alan Dearling reports:
The centre of Todmorden filled with hundreds of friends and fans of the legendary Northern Soul DJ, Ginger Taylor, who had lived around the town for much of his life. Rare US soul music, much beloved in the Northern Soul scene resounded across the centre of this market town from outside St Mary’s Church. After the service, many moved on down to the Golden Lion pub music venue where a wake and celebration in memory of Ginger was organised for the whole January afternoon featuring many of the best-known and loved DJs taking turns to play hour-long sets, whilst reminiscing about Ginger and his amazing passion for the music, the dancing and cultural phenomena that is known as ‘Northern Soul’.
I chatted with a number of the Northern Soul fans about their fascination with the genre at the wake. Here are some of the comments: “It’s like a Family – it’s my Family – it’s been the backdrop of my life…the music, the dancing, the sweat, the clubs, the friends from my home in the North, and from across the world, really…the search for rare vinyl 45s…the Weekenders and Club nights…it’s a way of life…my life!” “The Northern Soul dancefloor is a bit like a religion, something to believe in.”
The celebration event was organised by Ginger’s close friend, Tim Brown, with help from Rob Haigh, along with Ade Rushworth at the Golden Lion Northern Soul Session. Photo of Ginger Taylor and Tim Brown (from Ginger Taylor’s Facebook page).
Ginger in action in Gothenburg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMT431e4z1s
My friend Philip Crane told me:
“Firstly, the pic you took is me betwixt Ade Rushworth who is a well-known DJ from Bradford (left) and legendary Fred Benson from Lincolnshire.
Ginger (Ray) Taylor – I knew the small number of Mod/Soul fans from Tod in the late sixties from the regional Soul scene (not yet called Northern Soul), in particular Burnley’s Cavern Club, Manchester (Twisted Wheel), Halifax’s Plebs Club, Bradford’s String O Beads Club and others. Ginger was in awe of his pioneering elders and started DJ ing around Todmorden youth and social clubs. I became aware of him and his pals at the turn of the Seventies. He got into the construction business and started making a few bob.
Soon he was collecting records to play in public. I remember him at Tod’s Ukrainian Club and that raised his profile and reputation, which opened the door to many more gigs. He travelled all over the country but logistically it made sense to perform in nearby Burnley, where I lived. By this time he had teamed-up with fellow Tod lad and pal, Eddie Antemes and the pair became very successful DJs. I knew Eddie and hence got to know Ginger quite well. He was very friendly and we always had time for each other, despite him being a Manchester United supporter (half of Tod was) while my eyes were Burnley’s Claret colour. He was a very modest and generous bloke, despite his fame and fortune. Later he would undertake much charity work, raising lots of money, particularly for cancer charities. I used to say to him, ‘Tha’ll end up a saint, or at least ‘t mayor of Tod’ – he just smiled and carried-on. His DJ’ng never slowed-down, just got better, as did our friendship – despite me being a Lancastrian! He will be sorely missed, RIP Ray.”
Philip added,
“You can visit St Mary’s Tod Facebook page for the video of the funeral service. Halfway through there’s an excellent tribute by his long-standing friend Tim Brown – much information and a bit of a ‘This is your life’. Tim owns the successful Anglo American Records company, based in Tod.”
St Mary’s Church service (but only some people can utilise this link): https://www.facebook.com/StMarysTod/videos/2067510770761137/
Philip
Ade Rushworth helped to co-ordinate the event at the Golden Lion in memorium for Ginger Taylor.
Tim Brown’s Rare Soul Vinyl: https://www.raresoulvinyl.co.uk/
More Pics from the Golden Lion, Todmorden
Mark I’Anson, Ade Rushworth, Louis S (Golden Lion) and Gibby