'Rockability' legend Vernon Taylor dies one day after his brother's death

Country and rockabilly pioneer Vernon Taylor has died at the age of 88 following a lengthy battle with dementia marking the end of a career that helped shape the early days of rockabilly music.

Born with the name Walton Alderton he developed a passion for music at an early age and formed his first band The Nighthawks when he was just 15 years old.

Despite their youth the group quickly gained attention performing alongside established acts and appearing on an hour-long television program broadcast from Washington, D.C. between 1957 and 1960.

Taylor's big break came after he was spotted on American Bandstand leading to a recording contract with the legendary Sun Records label home to some of music's biggest pioneers. He went on to earn recognition as one of the early figures who helped popularise the rockabilly genre.

During his initial recording career Taylor released four records beginning with I've Got The Blues/Losing Game in 1957 and ending with Mystery Train/Sweet and Easy Love in 1959.

After his final releases failed to chart Taylor stepped away from performing and remained largely out of the spotlight for nearly three decades before returning to music again in 1989.

According to reports Taylor passed away just one day after his brother Luther with both having battled lengthy illnesses.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the music community. Musician Kevin Booth remembered Taylor as "one of the last Sun artists" adding that it had been an honour to share the stage with him.

The Fabulous Hubcaps also paid tribute to their longtime friend writing, "We're sure they welcomed you into Rock and Roll Heaven with open arms and big wide hugs. Rock on friend... rock on."