Although a Georgia native, Eric Taylor found fame in Texas, where his folksinging influenced both Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith (both of whom have recorded his songs). Taylor got a ride to Houston in 1970, and after seeing Lightnin' Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt, was convinced to stay. He emerged from the Houston folk scene of the '70s along with Van Zandt and Guy Clark; despite local fame, his full-scale national debut on Watermelon Records wasn't released until August 1995. The self-titled album (produced by Iain Matthews and Mark Hallman) included backing vocals from Lovett and help from many Texas musicians. Resurrect followed in 1998; after that album Taylor signed with Eminent Records and released Scuffletown three years later. The album was critically acclaimed and was the first to feature Taylor performing cover songs alongside his original compositions, including two songs by Townes Van Zandt. ~ John Bush