Celebrating Black History: Spotlighting the desert’s Black artists

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - For our final Celebrating Black History story, we're spotlighting local artists who've made significant contributions to art and culture. Alvin Taylor, a Palm Springs native, is a world-renowned drummer known for his work with Elton John, George Harrison and Billy Preston.

"When you are playing and you're in the zone, it's like, wow, you know, no better feeling," Taylor says.

He started out as drum major for the Palm Springs High School marching band. He then went on to become part of Little Richard's band and open for Elvis Presley. Taylor also performed at the first airing of Saturday Night Live. He received a star on the Palm Springs walk of fame exactly 8 years ago on February 24, 2018.

"I couldn't believe it. It’s such a wonderful feeling. A feeling of acceptance," says Taylor.

Bernard Hoyes is a visual artist based in Desert Hot Springs. His artwork is inspired by African spirituality and growing up in Jamaica.

"I was in the streets in downtown Kingston, pretty much floundering, but in a way, trying to figure out the life of a young man. And my artistic talents kind of came to the top," says Hoyes.

He painted the mural on the side of St. Paul's church in Palm Springs. He also designed the statue along Tahquitz Canyon titled diversity.

"I use a DNA genome with the hummingbirds at the top to show the commonality of all beings through the DNA," says Hoyes.

Hoyes has an upcoming exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum.