Carla Taylor

Hi there! Thanks for visiting my site. Music has been my lifelong passion. My parents had a wonderful record collection, mostly old rock'n'roll and country. Hence, while other young girls in school were swooning over David Cassidy and Scott Baio, I was grooving to Kenny Rogers and Dottie West. By age 18, I was taking pop vocal and guitar at the Academy of Music, classical voice and Concert Choir at the University of Regina, and singing in bands. At age 22, I hooked up with THE RED HOT BURRITOS, and together we hit our stride. We recorded and released an independent CD, "Taken By Surprise", toured the province, won a few band competitions, and guested on CBC's "Morningside," with PETER GZOWSKI. Probably the biggest show we did was TNN's "Nashville Now," with host-icon RALPH EMERY, in 1992. We played a couple of showcases in Nashville and Regina, met some famous people, opened for PRAIRIE OYSTER and MICHELLE WRIGHT, and garnered interest from Capitol EMI Canada. No deals were struck, however, and when opportunity knocked, I answered, and moved to Nashville in 1993. There, I played writer's nights, showcased at The Bluebird Cafe, and soaked up the rich musical scene. Rubbed shoulders with a lot of famous and almost-famous people. I became friends with DONNA and LEROY ANDERSON, from the "Tommy Hunter Show", and enjoyed a few songwriting sessions with Leroy. Somewhat surreal, considering that I had grown up watching them on tv! Nice folks. I also found myself immersed in the inspiring, soulful praise and worship music created in our church, Bethel World Outreach Center. We had a slammin' choir, and I had the joy of singing on seven Integrity/Hosanna cd's while we were in Tennessee. I think I was forever spoiled by the gospel sound of the south. I hope it's influenced the way I sing. We moved home to Saskatchewan in December 2000. It's good to be back, although sometimes I miss the South so bad it hurts. (Did I mention that we became American citizens while we were in Nashville?) We are Canadian by birth, American/Canadian by choice, and Southern by the grace of God! I keep busy with my family, teaching fitness classes and playing music. You might have seen me at your church, picnic or summer fair, and of course Buffalo Days 2004 and 2005, as PEMMICAN PEARL. Possibly more fun than should be legal! Getting to meet folks like CHARLIE MAJOR, SAM ROBERTS, TOM JACKSON and VALERIE PRINGLE was a hoot. Watch for our feature on Valerie's CTV Travel show. I also had the thrill of performing with Opry legend, GORDIE TAPP, at Casino Regina in April 2005.