Jackie Taylor

Jackie Taylor was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the Cabrini Green housing project. She rose from modest roots to become a distinguished director, producer, actress, singer, playwright and theater founder. As the Founder of the 39 year old Black Ensemble Theater (BE), she has created a strong institution committed to eradicating racism. BE is recognized throughout the nation for its outstanding original productions and exceptional educational outreach programs. Jackie Taylor has written and produced more than 100 plays and musical biographies, including The Marvin Gaye Story, The Jackie Wilson Story, All In Love Is Fair, The Other Cinderella, I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass), Don't Make Me Over (The Story of Dionne Warwick), Don't Shed A Tear (The Billie Holiday Story), Somebody Say Amen, At Last: A Tribute To Etta James, Precious Lord Take My Hand; among a myriad of other acclaimed productions. A phenomenal actress and performer in her own right, Taylor has ha