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Billy Taylor at three months of age in Hoxie, Arkansas.
5th grade basketball team at Washington Elementary School in Barberton, Ohio. Billy Taylor is in the 1st row; 2nd from the right side.
Future legend B.T. at age 11 while a student at U. L. Light Junior High School in Barberton, Ohio.
Proud of son Alden at his ceremony after graduating from Cass Tech High School in Detroit.
Aunt Hattie Wells in Akansas during the 1950s. She had a profound influence on B.T.'s childhood.
Heartwarming reunion after seven years with oldest brother Felix Ware, a retired army officer in San Diego, 2002.
This house now sits on the original site of Dr. Billy Taylor's birthplace in Hoxie, Arkansas.
Dr. Taylor with daughter Mariah. She inherited his magnetic personality.
Son William Taylor, daughter Mariah and Dr. Taylor with B.T.'s middle school coach, David Robinson, while visiting Robinson's home.
Dr. Billy Taylor with his older brothers, the late Thomas "Jack" Jackson and James during 1998 New Year's celebration.
With Niece Marie Davis during New Years in 2004 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Billy Taylor's mother's birthplace, Mound Bayou, Mississippi. This is the first African American township established after the Civil War.
Dr. Taylor with baseball star and namesake William Taylor III after a ball game at Mumford High School, Detroit.
Dr. Taylor and his sons William and Alden sharing some good times in downtown Detroit during the early 1980's
William Taylor III, Mumford High School graduation photo.
First cousin Helen Wells and daughter Sandra in Cleveland (Christmas 2003).
Cousin Jessica "Bibbs" Ellis and husband Willard (Columbus, Ohio 2003).
With cousin Jessica Ellis in Columbus, Ohio (Christmas 2003).
With Cousins Marlene Chutes and Lori Brown in Columbus, Ohio (Christmas 2003).
Nephew Calvin Davis, Dr. Billy Taylor and nephew Reverend Clarence Davis and sister Juanita's home in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania (Christmas 2002).
Oldest son Lewis Askew in Akron, Ohio.
Biological mother Mariah Marie Taylor. Photo taken just prior to B.T.'s 1972 trip to the Rose Bowl. She often worried Billy would get hurt while playing football.
Nephew Harry Davis of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
Niece Rhonda with brothers Tom and James Jackson during New Years 1998, Akron, Ohio.
B.T. proud to be with his kids while at Sheryl Carson's Family Tyes, Detroit, 1998.
Dr. Taylor compliments Get Back Up photo formatter Steve Waetjen. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Cousin Dorothy Thomas, sister Lucille Lewis, Dr. Billy Taylor and sister Clara Bingham at Clara's home in Akron, Ohio in the summer of 2002. A special bond still exists between them today.
Taylor family Christmas, 2001 reuniting with children Alden, Mariah, and William after a long absence.
Uncle Eugene Wells in Arkansas during the early 1950s.
Having some fun and creating precious memories with children. L-R Alden, Billy holding Mariah, and William during Christmas in Detroit, 2002.
Brother Felix Ware, his daughter Barbara and son Randy at Barbara's wedding in Las Vegas, 1999.
Sister Juanita Davis and her husband in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
Taylor with his "sis" Sheryl Carson on vacation in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Dr. Billy Taylor's mother, Marie Polk and "sis" Sheryl Carson on vacation in Los Angeles (summer 2003).
Dr. Taylor's family: "sis" Sheryl Carson, mother Marie Polk, grandmother Annis Benjamin, friend Veronica, and sister Paula at a family dinner in Detroit (fall 2003).
Taylor's "sis" Sheryl Carson and mother Marie Polk shopping in Detroit.
With "sis" Sheryl Carson on vacation with family and friends at Lake Tahoe (August 1998).
Dr. Billy Taylor with sister Sheryl Carson (summer 1997).
On the road, the Taylor family with bus driver friend at the home of Buffalo Bill Cody (summer 1998).
Mother Marie Polk and cousin Benny enjoying vacation spots in San Francisco (summer 1998).
Clowning around with daughter Mariah and "sis" Sheryl Carson at Family Tyes (summer 1998).
Lifelong friends from Barberton, Ohio: Bill Von Stein and sons.
Extended family members and former Wolverine Brian Carpenter with his mother Arie Carpenter and her grandchild Alden. (She is the mother of former Wolverine the late Alden "Butch" Carpenter).
With nieces Diedra and Crystal at " sis" Sheryl's home in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Sister-in-law Helen Jackson, and Nieces Valeria and Erica.
Brother Jim Jackson and his wife Helen.
Sister Juanita Davis and niece Marie Davis visit Billy Taylor while at Family Tyes.
Dr. Taylor feels the presence of his personal hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, near King's grave site in Atlanta, Georgia during a summer sojourn in 2003.
Continuing his quest to learn as much about civil rights icon as he can, Dr. Taylor visits Dr. Martin Luther King's birthplace on Auburn St. in Atlanta Georgia. Dr. Martin Luther King is truly one of the world's greatest citizens.
A visit to the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-on-Avon, England (November 2004).
On holiday at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England (November 11, 2004). Inspiration can arise from any place at any time.
Standing in front of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (summer 2003). Today, Dr. Taylor presents his message of hope and racial tolerance as a leading speaker at venues across America.
Outside of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia (summer 2003) God continues to guide Taylor in the right direction.
Power, speed, explosiveness, quick thinking, outstanding teammates, and God-given athletic genius propelled Billy Taylor to the pantheon of college footballs greatest players. (Photo by Bob Kalmbach, courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.)
In London at the West End Theater District (November 11, 2004),
Dr. Taylor contemplates one of the world's most intriguing mysteries while admiring Stonehenge in England. (November 11, 2004).
November 1, 1969: Michigan vs. Wisconson, Billy Taylor exploded for 142 years. Teammates #81, Mike Hankwitz, Murdock clear the way for #42.
1972 Rose Bowl: Bo Schembechler and Billy Taylor accepting the ceremonial flower from the Rose Bowl Queen, Margo Lynn.
1971 Media guide cover featuring Billy Taylor and fellow superstar Reggie McKenzie.
Mike Taylor and Billy Taylor enjoying star status on the cover of The Gridiron.
OSU 1969 program. Pictured L-R are Fritz Crisler, Bennie Oosterbaan, Bump Elliott and coach Bo.
Star teammates B.T., Fred Grambau, Reggie McKenzie, Ed Shuttlesworth, Frank Gusich and Glenn Doughty.
As Sport Magazine's College Athlete of the Month, senior tailback Billy Taylor traveled to the White House to meet President Nixon.
125 year All-Class Reunion in "The Big House." L-R Chalmers "Bump" Elliot, Bo Schembechler, Dr. Billy Taylor, Gary Moeller, and Lloyd Carr.
Michigan vs. Ohio State. Billy Taylor celebrates after his famous game winning touchdown.
Fellow Wolverine teammates #99 Tom Beckman and #94 Al "Butch" Carpenter.
As a sophomore, Billy Tyalor helped his team reach new heights.
Touchdown Billy Taylor! Fellow teammates #13 Larry Cipa and #32 Fritz Seyferth run interference as Taylor drives to the endzone to score his legendary winning touchdown against Ohio State University in 1971 to defeat the Buckeyes. (Photo by Bob Kalmbach, courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
125 year All-Class Reunion, June 2004. Dr. Billy Taylor with Charles Woodson (Michigan Woverine, Oakland Raider, and Heisman Trophy winner). (Photo by Phillip F of Detroit).
Reminiscing with "brother" Brian Carpenter a former Wolverine, Washington Redskin and Super Bowl star.
Former Michigan Coach Jerry Hammond.
Dr. Billy Taylor, Bo Schembechler, and Son William Taylor.
Former teammates Larry Cipa and Lonnie Taylor.
The Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, greets Dr. Billy Taylor in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Former Community College of Southern Nevada President Ron Remington and CCSN Athletic Director, Tim Chambers.
Retired University of Las Vegas Nevada, Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian, and his son Coach Goerge Tarkanian of the Community College of Southern Nevada.
Former teammate, linebacker Tom Key.
U of M standouts and two of the "Mellow Men": Mike Taylor and Dr. Billy Taylor at University of Michigan reunion.
Former roommates and teammates: Mike Taylor, Reggie McKenzie, and Bo Rather.
All-Star teammate, former defensive end, Cecil Prior.
With friends and former Wolverine brothers, Reggie McKenzie and Fred Grambeau, celebrating 125 years of Michigan football.
Allan "Cowboy" Walker, Bo Schembechler, and Dr. Billy Taylor relish their greatest Michigan seasons.
Shown at age 50, B.T. looks like he could still razzle dazzle on the field. His daily regimen includes healthy eating habits and multiple vitamins.
Dr. Billy Taylor: mentor, life coach, and gifted motivational speaker en route to one of his many uplifting appearances.
Traveling to Atlanta to visit his oldest son Lewis Askew. The future is looking bright.
Spending quality time with oldest son Lewis Askew, (R) and his friend Charles Parker, in Decatur, Georgia (summer 2002).
Reunites in Las Vegas with the Godfather of Soul in the summer of 2004. B.T. first met James Brown during his senior year of high school.
Dr. Billy Taylor "sitting in" with the Music Town MVP's Jim King (keyboards and vocals), Dick Fidge (lead vocals), and Bob Resch (drums and percussion) at the Ypsilanti recording studio. Produced by Immortal Investments Publishing and Music Town Productions. Billy contributed vocals and helped to co-write his theme song "Get Back Up" which chronicles his life and times.
Dr. Billy Taylor gives President Obama a personalized copy of his autobiography Get Back Up.
Dr. Taylor expressing extreme joy and satisfaction after graduating from the University of Las Vegas at Thomas & Mack Arena. He got back up and achieved his goal, earning his Doctoral Degree in the program of Education Leadership! With an indomitable will, the power of God, and the help of others, Dr. Billy Taylor achieved a goal many believed to be impossible.
As a college football superstar, B.T. tasted the nectar of fame. In ensuing years, he would slip into the depths of despair, and then Get Back Up, as Dr. Billy Taylor.
As an inmate at Milan Prison, Billy Taylor would hone his skills as a talented poet to cope with the extreme adversity of living while incarcerated.
Friend and Academic advisor Dr. Paul E. Meacham. Dr. Taylor refers to him as "the Bo Schembechler of my academic career."
Dr. Carol Harter presents Dr. Taylor with his Doctorate degree at UNLV. Taylor is living proof you can "Get Back Up!"
Professor Billy Taylor providing tutelage and mentoring to students at the Community College of Southern Nevada. (fall 2003).
Teaching a 1st grade class at Mountainview Christian School in Las Vegas. This was the first job in Billy Taylor's new career.
Dr. Billy Taylor and his former teammates gather in Ann Arbor for an historic reunion.
Former teammate and celebrated sports anchor, Jim Brandstatter and Dr. Taylor reflect during U of M's 125 year reunion.
Friend and former Michigan team surgeon the late Dr. Gerald O'Connor performed Dr. Taylor's first knee surgery at the end of his junior season at Michigan.
Billy Taylor with friend and teammate Fritz Seyferth, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in Fall of 1973. Both lined up again in the same backfield with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.
November 20, 1971. "Touchdown Billy Taylor" scored the winning touchdown to beat Ohio State 10-7, and secure U of M's first undefeated regular season since 1947. B.T., #94 Butch Carpenter and #74 Tony Smith are jubilant. Also, #42 broke the legendary Tom Harmon's all-time record for career rushing touchdowns.
With former teammates and friends Tom Neiman and Chuck DeKeado, along with old friend Tom Wiesner, formerly of the University of Wisconsin Badgers at the Big Dogs restaurant in Las Vegas.
30th Anniversary class of 1969. The team is considered one of the best Wolverine squads of all time.
Good friend and Dr. Billy Taylor's #1 fan, Gordon York of Pontiac, Michigan.
Former Teammates: Pete Newell, Mike Smith, Don Moorehead, former U of M coach Chuck Stobart (now at Ohio State), Glen Doughty, and Dick Caldarazzo.
Flanked by Detroit television anchor, Robbie Timmons, and Cheryl Elliot at B.T.'s U of M Football team 30 year reunion in Ann Arbor.
Dr. Billy Taylor with his coach Bo Schembechler and Bo's dynamic wife Kathy.
Son William Taylor III and friend Anthony Carter (former Michigan All-American and NFL star).
Friends, teammates and roommates "The Mellow Men": Glen Doughty, Mike Taylor, Mike Oldham and Dr. Taylor.
Friend, former U of M and NFL quarterback, Jim Harbaugh.
Billy Taylor eludes Spartan tacklers and goes in for a touchdown. U of M 34 - MSU 20.
Billy Taylor goes around the left side for a second touchdown against Michigan State University, Seyferth leads the way. October 17, 1970.
Brian Healey and son at 125 year reunion.
Friend, Dan Dierdorf, All-American, All-Pro and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Dierdorf said Billy Taylor carried their team.
Congressman John Conyers of Michigan has established an enduring legacy in his unprecedented career.
"Touchdown Billy Taylor" immortalized in the popular trading card set produced by TK Legacy.
October 30, 1971: Billy Taylor breaks away for a touchdown against Indiana. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Teammates Fritz Seyferth, Guy Murdoch, Frank Gusich, and Dana Coin.
Dr. Taylor smiles when spotting former teammate Dave Brown at a U of M reunion.
125 year All-Class Reunion. Dr. Billy Taylor with Mr. and Mrs. Don Canham.
Supporting the Wolverines at Crisler Arena in 2003. Earlier, Dr. Taylor met with friend and basketball Coach Tommy Amaker.
Friends and former teammates, quarterback Kevin Casey and defensive back Don Eaton.
Friend and former team trainer Lindsay McClain. Lindsay retired as the head trainer of the San Francisco 49ers.
Former teammates John Gabler and Jim Mandich.
Dr. Taylor considers his former Defensive Coach Jim Young a football genius.
Dr. Billy Taylor tells his son William III that Don Canham helped revolutionize college football with his marketing prowess.
All-American football star Bob Chappius and Bump Elliott, former Michigan Head Coach and Athletic Director
Friends and former University of Michigan Athletic Directors Don Canham and Tom Goss.
Michigan vs. Ohio State, 100th meeting, 2003. Fritz Seyferth, Mike Taylor, and Dana Coin.
Dr. Billy Taylor enjoying the hospitality of the U of M Alumni Association while visiting the association's President and CEO Steve Grafton.
Proudly wearing his "Bo's Boys" t-shirt.
Dr. Billy Taylor and Coach Bo Schembechler, an icon in University of Michigan athletic history has been like a second father to Taylor.
Former teammate Jim "The Rope" Betts.
125th All-Class Reunion, L-R Dave Brown, Billy Taylor, Bo Shembechler (BT's surrogate father) and Carl Russ.
Dr. Billy Taylor congratulates his friend, Tim Chambers, after Coach Chambers guided the CCSN baseball team to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series Championship.
Former Michigan Head Coach Gary Moeller at the 125th year U of M All-Class Reunion. While he was an assistant coach during Billy Taylor's playing days, he helped instill in B.T. to never give up and "Get Back Up."
With the help of Fritz Seyferth's block, Billy Taylor scores against Virginia, September 19, 1971. Final score 56-0, University of Michigan
B.T. performs the famous Billy Taylor shuffle after scoring another on of his record setting touchdowns.
"Touchdown Billy Taylor" kept legendary announcer Bob Ufer enthusiastically busy when Ufer described some of B.T.'s extraordinary exploits.
With B.T. anchoring the running game, the Wolverines posted a sterling record of 26-4 in the contests that Billy Taylor played in all four seasons for the Michigan football squad, he may have set additional records that would be all-time marks today.
When B.T. hit the open field, few defenders ever caught the fleet footed powerhouse. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Billy Taylor still holds the all time U of M record of 102.4 average rushing yards per game.
B.T.'s hard driving running style and affable personality made him one of the most liked Wolverines among his teammates. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Billy Taylor, 1972 Rolse Bowl action vs. Stanford. He retired as the teams all time leading rusher with 3072 career yards. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Number 42 earned All-American football honors in 1969, 1970, and 1971. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
B.T. was recruited by 57 different colleges before ultimately becoming a superstar with the Wolverines. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan ).
Taylor practicing some of his famous B.T. lateral slides. Today, he is still considered one of the finest ever at his position in the history college football, 1970. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
No coach, past or present, motivates the team like the legendary Bo Schembechler while driving the maze and blue to the practice field in preparation of dominating their next opponent. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Billy Taylor displays pre-season excitement as he begins the 1969 campaign as a budding superstar. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Bo Schembechler was not only a leader and mentor to players on the field but also off the field as well. 1970.(Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
B.T. revels in the thunderous applause of 100,000 exuberant "Big House" fans after another one of his breathtaking rushes. 1971. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Randy Logan, Billy Taylor, Don Moorhead, Glenn Doughty, 1970. (Photo courtesy of The Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan).
Touchdown Billy Taylor's final and greatest touchdown against Ohio State helping Michigan attain the number 2 ranking in the nation. Also, the victory guaranteed the Wolverines their 1st undefeated regular season since 1947.
Billy Taylor patterned his powerful running style after the Cleveland Brown's great Jim Brown.
While in Las Vegas, Immortal Investment's Publisher Mike Reddy congratulates Dr. Taylor after arranging to publish the incredible life story of B.T. Both believe the book will sell over 100,000 copies and inspire thousands of readers. Also, Get Back Up, is slated to be a major motion picture.
Business Agent, Del Reddy, the People's Champion, Willie Horton and Pro-Football HOF writer Jerry Green with future College Football Hall of Famer Dr. Taylor at the Immortal Investments Publishing book launch celebration at Comerica Park on June 21, 2005. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Dr. Taylor and Jennifer Moitozo, Assistant to the Publishers of Immortal Investments Publishing, show their excitement of the impending publication of Get Back Up! (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Co-author of Get Back Up and The Peoples Champion, Kevin Allen shares his pride of co-writing the books of both legends, Dr. Billy Taylor and Willie Horton. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Immortal Investments video pro, Dave Story, discusses the incredible life story of Dr. William L. Taylor Jr. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Immortal Investments Publishing book formatter, Jill Thomas, is honored to provide her expertise to make Get Back Up number one. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
University of Michigan Director of Development for the W.K. Kellogg Center, Douglas Bechler, speaks with Karen Sazlaw and Dr. Taylor about B.T.'s glory days at U of M. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Business Agent Aaron Howard and Fort Motor Companies Larry Gach, both graduates of U of M, with their favorite Wolverine star, #42 Billy Taylor. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
Dr. Taylor compliments Get Back Up photo formatter Steve Waetjen. (Photo by Lynn Gregg).
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