Best Guitarist

24.81% Kenny Taylor* 21.05% Noah Golden* 11.28% Brian Lemert* 7.89% Greg Lass* 7.33% Justin Maloney* 2.26% B. Waikel 1.88% Vince Stringfield 1.69% Johnny Rio 1.50% George Ogg 1.32% Joshua Bortner, Rod Lemish 0.94% Dana Dancer, Eric Bair, Joey O. 0.75% George Mallers, Matt Kelley Others with Votes: Brian Carpenter, Brian The Real, David Todoran, Dean Heckman, Del Witte, Jane Palajac, Michael Lapp, Brad Amstutz, Brian Gunder, Cliff Webb, David Hetrick, Duane Eby, Dylan Roldan, Jack Martinez, Jonathon Wimpie, Matt Hughes, Mike Archbold, Robert Shenfeld, Aaron Craig, Adam Bricker, Ben Porter, Brad Beer, Brandon Lee, Channel 2, Chris Fish, Gabe Berry, George Conner, Gregg Conser, James Henn, James Swihart, Jim Stocks, John Burkett, John Forbing, Kevin Hiatt, Kevin Wright, Mike Morton, Phil Hipskind, Phil Shugar, Ricky Bratton, Rob Rupert, Sad Boy, Sam Smiley, Scott Lawson, Scott Workman, Steve Brady 2000 Winner: NA 1999 Winner: NA 1998 Winner: NA 1997 Winner: NA * On the ballot

A year ago, when the Blue Moon Boys took home the Whammy for Best Live Performer, the Boys were in Detroit performing, well, live. That’s something Kenny Taylor, the band’s guitar wizard, regretted. This year was different, however. Taylor et al were on hand. They didn’t win this year, but Taylor walked away with the Whammy for Best Guitar Player, an honor the “aging” guitarist took with as much modesty as guitar players are allowed. “I think I’m the oldest living guitar player here,” Taylor said. “The only ones older than me are Cliff Webb and George Connor. They’re my two favorite guitarists. I would love to see them win.” But neither Webb nor Connor was nominated, so Taylor had to stand alone as the axe-rep from the AARP set. Taylor’s right, though. He has been around a long time. And he’s been playing guitar a long time as well. Though not a Fort Wayne native, he moved here with his musical family at an early age and began playing guitar at 11. He’s been in numerous bands over the years, including The Feel and Red Belly Boys, bands that were popular in their own right. Taylor’s prowess with the guitar is impressive, a fact that anyone with eyes and ears can verify. Through his work with the Blue Moon Boys, as a solo performer and as a guest with other musicians smart enough to ask him to play with them, Taylor’s contribution to music in Fort Wayne and beyond cannot be avoided.

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