The Cullman Times
by Mike Neill 7/24/99

Handmade guitar to benefit Relay

Hanceville - Billy Trucks didn't live to see his grandson's band, Third Door, win a national competition or play at New York's famed Apollo Theatre, but he did help the band in a way that only he could. He must have put in a good work for the trio in heaven and good things have been happening since. Now the band is returning the favor by raising money for cancer research. Trucks died of cancer when he was in his 70s. Jason McBrayer, Trucks grandson and lead vocalist for the band, will play at Relay for Life in May along with guitarist Shane Scott and drummer Justin Oliver.

Third Door's album "Apartment 82" is dedicated to Trucks. Now guitarist Scott's grandfather is doing his part to help the band raise money.
Along with performing at Relay for Life, the band will sell chances to win a handmade autographed guitar make buy local craftsman Henry Taylor.
Built by Taylor 20 years ago, it is the first guitar he made. Valued at $1,500, it launched a hobby of instrument making, the results of which have surprised even him. His best work he said is as good as any guitar he's played. He's not being arrogant he just knows a lot about guitars, a knowledge he passed on to his grandson by giving him his first lessons. Taylor said he has been playing guitar since 1937, counting among his country music influences Ernest Tubbs and Hank Williams. He said the first jukebox song he heard was a Tubbs song played at a downtown Cullman business. Those early influence developed for him a passion that ultimately led to guitar making. Over the years Taylor has made fiddles and mandolins, too. And he estimates he's made 45 to 50 guitars. The one he's donating for Third Door's giveaway is a dreadnought style with a spruce top and mahogany back.

The band will be selling chances for $1 each and will give the guitar away at the Relay for Life show. Taylor will be in attendance for that show, appreciating Third Door's musicianship if not the actual style they play. "I'm pure country," he said, laughing. ThirDoor may be a little louder than Taylor's choice of music, but he supports the band completely and said he's happy about its recent success. And he thinks they're talented musicians. Chances on the guitar can be bought at the Pharoah Shop or on the Internet at Third Door's Website: www.playroomrecords.com.