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Taylor Made: My Life, My Story
Taylor Made: My Life, My Story
Taylor Made: My Life, My Story
Ebook76 pages56 minutes

Taylor Made: My Life, My Story

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"Taylor Made: My Life, My Story" is an autobiographical exploration of Dr. Will Harris's remarkable journey through life, music, and faith. Born and raised in the small yet vibrant town of Taylor, Mississippi, Dr. Harris's narrative captures the essence of a soul nurtured by gospel music and tested by life's numerous trials. From his early days playing the piano in church to his pivotal role as a Minister of Music, this book traces his ascent against a backdrop of personal and familial challenges, including growing up with parents who battled mental illness.

Dr. Harris delves deep into the influences that shaped his career and personal life—from his formidable years under the guidance of community choirs to his academic and spiritual development at Rust College. He shares the profound impact of leading the Baptist Student Union Gospel Choir, which became a cornerstone of his musical and leadership skills. His move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, marks a significant phase where he took on the full-time role of Minister of Music at Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, further solidifying his impact on the gospel music scene.

The narrative does not shy away from the struggles inherent in balancing a demanding career with personal growth. Dr. Harris discusses the financial and emotional toll of striving for success in the competitive music industry, his eventual realization of the need to recalibrate his dreams, and his strategic steps towards sustainable artistry without compromising his spiritual calling.

"Taylor Made" also highlights Dr. Harris's innovative contributions to music education, illustrating his passion for mentoring young musicians and his visionary approach to music ministry. The memoir is replete with lessons on resilience, the importance of authenticity in one’s craft, and the unyielding power of faith.

Through candid reflections and heartwarming anecdotes, Dr. Will Harris invites readers into the intimate quarters of his life, making "Taylor Made: My Life, My Story" not just a memoir, but a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of music and faith in overcoming life's greatest challenges.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 20, 2024
ISBN9781961475229

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    Book preview

    Taylor Made - Dr. Will Harris

    Taylor Made

    Taylor Made

    My Life, My Story

    Dr. Will Harris

    J Merrill Publishing, Inc.

    Copyright © 2024 J Merrill Publishing, Inc.

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

    J Merrill Publishing, Inc.

    434 Hillpine Drive

    Columbus, OH 43207

    www.JMerrill.pub

    Library of Congress Control Number: 2024906595

    ISBN-13: 978-1-961475-21-2 (Paperback)

    ISBN-13: 978-1-961475-29-8 (Hardcover)

    ISBN-13: 978-1-961475-22-9 (eBook)

    ISBN-13: 978-1-961475-30-4 (Audiobook)

    Book Title: Taylor Made: My Life, My Story

    Author: Dr. Will Harris

    Editing: Veronica Fly

    Cover Art: Vincent Tharpe/EmptyMe Graphic Design

    This book is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Mrs. Alean Toles Harris. I also dedicate this book to the millions of lives around the globe affected by mental illness.

    None of this would be possible if it were not for my amazing Aunt Bonnie, who stepped in to cover and to raise me. I will never forget the many sacrifices you made to ensure that I would be a productive person in the world.

    I am grateful for every teacher and every musical mentor who has poured into my life: Mrs. Gaye Calhoun, Mrs. Peggy Tubbs, Minister Billy Rivers, Dr. Leo Davis, Jr., the late Zebedee Reynolds Jones, Kurt Carr, Lamar Campbell, the late Dr. Anthony Stinson, James O. Pope Jr., Dr. Diane White-Clayton, Ira B. Wolfe, Dr. Sharon Cooper Brooks, A. Louise Lassiter, and my friends and fans all over the world who continue to support the gift in me.

    Finally, I dedicate this book to every young person who has a dream, yet the circumstances surrounding you don’t look promising. Keep dreaming, put your faith into motion, and make your dreams become a reality.

    Contents

    Foreword by M.Lamar Campbell

    Prologue

    1. God’s Plan

    2. He Knows My Name

    3. Fly High

    4. My Father/The Mystery

    5. My Early Music Life

    6. Learning the Piano

    7. Resilience

    Gallery

    8. Mom’s Decline

    9. Rust College

    10. Zebedee Jones, My Music Mentor

    11. Perseverance

    12. Songwriting and Recording

    13. Destiny

    About Dr. Will Harris

    Foreword by M.Lamar Campbell

    I am gospel recording artist, Lamar Campbell, most known for the song, MORE THAN ANYTHING which was named one of the top 100 gospel songs of all times by Root Magazine. I am honored to share from my perspective why I believe in the author, Will Harris and this amazing book. From an artist/song writer’s point of view, there are key elements that we look for in a body of work that engage and stimulate us to want more. Taylor Made has what it takes to make this book hard to put down once you start the read.

    Reading this book, you will feel the passion of someone who has not let his circumstances define him on his quest to truly getting to know himself in an honest way, from flaws to triumphs. It explores how our differences can be used to unite us as opposed to dividing us.

    I am praying that as you read this book, it will inspire you to take an introspective look at your personal journey; and that it will catapult you into your greater you. This inspirational reality story has helped me reevaluate the importance of knowing that everything we go through leads to destiny. We determine the altitude of the destination by our belief system and what we feed our spirits. Congratulations Dr. Will Harris on your first book. May all those who read this book see the light inside of you that is in each one of us.

    Prologue

    Chasing destiny and purpose with no real sense of direction, guidance, and most importantly, no real knowledge of self-awareness can lead to layers of frustration and confusion. My mere existence here on earth is a miracle. Yet, from the very beginning, it was rooted in secrecy and denial. Those secrets kept me in a whirlwind of wonder for most of my life. As a child, I knew that success wouldn't come easy, and with the hand that I had been dealt, any level of success would require an incredible amount of strength and perseverance.

    I didn't have the beautiful experience of being brought into the world by loving parents who were excited about my arrival. Neither did I have a family or a community that truly nurtured and celebrated me as a kid. I was simply the child

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