89-year-old HCTC alum shares Appalachian wisdom in new book

Clifford "Cliff" Taylor recently published his book entitled Gleanings from Home & Elsewhere: A Look into the Mind of a Much-Traveled Appalachian. The book includes short stories from his life, spanning from his earliest years to his most recent.

At 89 years of age, Taylor maintains a busy schedule as a member of a music ensemble. His interest in music dates back to his childhood, when, in second grade, he missed an opportunity to learn the trombone due to a move from Ohio to his native Kentucky.

"I was born in Hazard. During World War II, we moved away to Ohio, then back to Leslie County," he said. "I've always been interested in music. When we moved back to Kentucky, I didn't get the chance to learn how to play the trombone like I'd planned."

His love for music eventually led him to bluegrass festivals, where he discovered his knack for writing songs. He ultimately met Dean Osborne, program director at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music (KSBTM), who encouraged him to attend the school. Osborne and his wife played an instrumental part in Taylor's life, both in terms of music and storytelling.

"I'm very blessed to have seen so much during my life. About 20 years ago, I started keeping personal history books. I've collected letters, writings, photographs," Taylor said. "Each Christmas, I write a long letter that encompasses everything I've done in the past year."

Long before he began keeping his history books, Taylor graduated from Leslie County High School in 1954. In 2020, he graduated from Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC), having earned his associate's degree in applied science. The KSBTM, located in the same Hyden building that once housed Leslie County High School, is also associated with this achievement.

After his 1954 graduation, Taylor enlisted in the military. A test score landed him a surprising assignment with the United States Army Intelligence Agency.

"They told me I'd be handling top secret information," he said. "I told them I figured I'd be willing to give it a try."

As he returned home from basic training, he learned that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had arrived in Leslie County to gather more information about Taylor before he undertook a classified assignment.

"It's not every day the FBI visits a place like Leslie County. It was a big deal back then. I told everyone I wasn't in trouble. I explained the situation," he chuckled. "You can imagine how people reacted."

After completing his military service, Taylor returned to civilian life with a new mission: teaching. He spent 17 years serving as an educator in classrooms in Kentucky and Texas.

Using the GI Bill from his time in the military, he went back to school. He earned a master's degree in elementary education, along with a Rank I certification in reading, both from Eastern Kentucky University.

Taylor's passion for service is evident in his military and teaching careers, and it continues to shine through in his music today.

"Our ensemble travels to festivals, the farmers market, Red Bird Mission School," he said. "We perform for our veterans at the center in Hazard. We also play music and help with a program in Laurel County to provide Christmas gifts for destitute children and their entire families."

Taylor has written more than two dozen copyrighted songs. His music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify and other digital platforms.

"It’s been a blessing to share this music with others," he said. "I never imagined it would go that far."

Taylor said his goal was to show people that it is possible to thrive both within and outside Appalachia as someone from the mountains. His book uses humor and wisdom to achieve this goal.

"I've been all over. I'm proud to be an Appalachian, and my story is told that way," he remarked. "I hope people who read my book see that. I want them to look into the mind of a well-traveled Appalachian, and that's exactly where the book's title came from. I want people from eastern Kentucky to know that they can do anything and thrive."

When asked if there were any additional points he would like to share, Taylor discussed his father and the memories he holds dearest.

"My dad passed away in 1981. His heart was strong, but his lungs made it difficult for him to breathe. He had black lung disease," he explained. "His favorite food was fried green tomatoes. He loved to have a big, thick bologna sandwich in the evenings. That was his favorite thing to do."

To learn more about KSBTM, visit the Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music webpage.