Butch Taylor (born Clarence Flanagan Taylor on April 13, 1961 in Shawsville, Virginia) is a composer, writer, keyboardist and long time guest musician with the Dave Matthews Band.
Although not a formal member of the band he has acted as a permanent sixth member of the group, making contributions on both studio and live albums, since 1998. Before teaming up with the band, Taylor played in the band Secrets with Dave Matthews Band drummer, Carter Beauford as well as longtime Dave Matthews Band friend and guest guitarist, Tim Reynolds. Over the years he has also composed many scores for television and film.
Taylor attended James Madison University, Virginia where he played trumpet in the JMU Jazz Band. It was here he met Dave Matthews Band saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. He studied for a bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in music and also returned to the university some years later to teach.
He currently resides in Richmond, VA with his wife and 3 teenage sons.
