74 Year Old Musician Otis Taylor Gets Denver High School Diploma Decades After Being Expelled For Hair

Step into the halls of Manual High School with Otis Taylor, a man who reminisces about his time there in the 1960s. The memories flood back as he recalls his love for shop and art classes, his passion for gymnastics, and the fateful day when Kennedy was shot. But amidst those recollections, there's one day that stands out—his expulsion. In a recent interview with CBS Colorado's Tori Mason, Taylor shares his story, taking us on a journey through time. With a touch of humor, Taylor paints a picture of his teenage self, exuding style with his signature James Brown haircut. But conformity wasn't his forte. The school district demanded a particular appearance, and Taylor found himself facing a choice—cut his hair or leave. Without hesitation, he chose the latter, unaware of the path that lay ahead. "I wasn't thinking about me going into the janitorial business or something. I was trying to figure out how to do my music," Taylor recalls. He vividly remembers his parents' reactions—his mom upset and his dad livid. After his expulsion, he headed to California, where his dad resided. However, his rebellious nature led him into a brief encounter with the law when he tried to enter a bar with an underage ID. Taylor chuckles as he recounts how his father made him pay the consequences, leaving him in jail for three days. When finally released, his father whisked him away to a barber, ensuring he received a proper haircut. Despite the setbacks, Taylor's life took a remarkable turn. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous blues albums and earned prestigious awards. Yet, this week, the spotlight was on him for a different reason. In a heartfelt moment, the Denver Public Schools (DPS) presented the now 74-year-old Taylor with an honorary diploma, rectifying the failures of the past. As the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the air, the significance of the moment wasn't lost on anyone present. Reflecting on his journey, Taylor shrugs off any notion of regret. Mason asks him if he wonders how his life might have been different had he cut his hair. Taylor's response exudes wisdom and contentment. "The wrong happened a long time ago. So being a Black man in America, I'm going to deal with wrongs," he states. His life has been filled with blessings—a loving wife of 37 years, children who pursued higher education, and a successful career in music. Taylor's resilience shines through as he embraces the present and looks toward the future. In the coming months, Denver residents will have the opportunity to experience Otis Taylor's soulful tunes at Dazzle and City Park. As he takes the stage, his honorary diploma in hand, his music will resonate not only with the blues but with the triumph of perseverance and the celebration of second chances. Otis Taylor's story serves as a reminder that life's twists and turns can lead to unexpected victories, and sometimes, the wrongs of the past can be righted with the passage of time.