Mayfest Talks: Striking a New Chord: From Legendary Musician to Leader

In this conversation, music entrepreneur Corey Taylor will talk to music industry legend Dez Dickerson about his journey from playing alongside the legendary Prince to his subsequent endeavors in the music business. They will delve into his experiences performing with one of music's all-time greats, and discuss his activities and strategies in the industry since. The talk will also cover Dickerson's approach to the music business, highlighting how his past experiences have shaped his current practices and philosophy. Insights will be shared on the evolution of his career and his ongoing contributions to the music world.

Dez Dickerson is the longtime guitarist with Prince's legendary backing band the Revolution who later enjoyed solo success within the Christian rock community. Born in Minneapolis in 1955, Dickerson began playing guitar at the age of 14, and was signed to a local booking agency while still in high school; after graduating, he spent the next nine years touring the midwest in a series of cover bands before joining Prince in 1978. Recognized as much for his trademark Japanese-flag bandana as for his blistering guitar work, Dickerson became a born-again Christian during a break the 1980 tour in support of the classic Dirty Mind album, but he managed to reconcile his faith with Prince's sexually charged music for three more years, making significant contributions to the 1982 landmark 1999, as well as writing songs for fellow Prince proteges the Time and Vanity 6. After leaving the Revolution in 1984, he formed his own short-lived band, the Modernaires (briefly featured in the film Purple Rain), and toured in support of Billy Idol; a solo recording deal failed to materialize, however, and in 1987, Dickerson relocated to Nashville to back singer Judson Spence. There he also began writing and producing material for local Christian acts, and in 1990, was named Vice President of A&R with the CCM label StarSong Communications. Four years later, Dickerson founded his own label, Absolute Records, and in 1997 finally issued his first-ever solo LP, OneMan.

Corey Taylor has harbored a deep passion for music since childhood. Following a career in athletics, he transitioned into the music and entertainment industry, initially making his mark as a producer and songwriter. He now holds the position of Chief Creative Officer at Tayburn Music, an entertainment and promotional company. Additionally, Corey is a Music Industry Professional in Residence at the University of Tulsa and the Chair of Music and Performing Arts for this year's Tulsa Mayfest.

Host or Publisher Tulsa Mayfest