Jackson Free Press

If you've ever heard Greg "Fingers" Taylor play the harmonica, you know that Jimmy Buffett owes much of his success to the Mississippi resident.

Taylor met Buffett in 1970 while they were both students at the University of Southern Mississippi. The duo worked on Buffett's first three albums, "Down to Earth" "High Cumberland Junkie" and "A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean." In 1974, Taylor joined Buffett's "Coral Reefer Band" and hit the road. He continued to play in the band until 2000.

Taylor, 58, continues to play in local venues in Jackson where he brings a suitcase- sized box filled with various harmonicas. Over the years, he has also released his own albums: "Harpoon Man," "Chest Pains," "New Fingerprints," "Old Rock 'n' Roller," and "Hi Fi Baby."

Taylor is the special guest during this weekend's Downtown Harp & Juke Festival at Underground 119. The festival is packed with performances talented blues musicians such as Scott Albert Johnson, Charlie Musselwhite, E Company, the Common Ground Blues Band and Jumpin' Johnny Sansone.

The Downton Harp & Juke Festival is in the parking lot at Underground 119 (119. S. President St.) Oct. 8 and 9 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per day and can be purchased online. Call 601-352-2322 for more information.