American Dreamers: 50 Years of Taylor Guitars
An oral history podcast series featuring co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug explores the ups, downs and unexpected thrills of building Taylor Guitars from a
small shop into a world-leading manufacturer and musical innovator.
Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Episode 2: The Early Days
Air date: March 28, 2024
In the second episode of our oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive into the challenges they experienced in the first years of the company's existence. Though they faced financial obstacles, long night shifts and literal floods, there were also successes to celebrate, like signing their first distribution deal and seeing their guitars in the hands of household names like Neil Young. Bob and Kurt recount the lessons they took away from those difficult days as well as the early wins that helped them build momentum as manufacturers of quality guitars and forge a foundation on which the company could grow.
Listen or watch our second episode today!
Episode 1: The Road to the American Dream
Air date: March 13, 2024
In the first episode of this oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reminisce about growing up in San Diego, California, their passion for music and making things, and how their paths first crossed at the hippie-vibed American Dream guitar shop. Bob recalls his obsession with building guitars as a teenager, and he and Kurt reveal the foundation of their successful and enduring partnership, which began when Bob was just 19 and Kurt was 21.
Listen or watch our first episode today!