Verdena “Polly” Taylor is an accomplished singer, songwriter, vocal and music producer. Her perfect pitch ear to create the most intricate and most difficult harmonies has made her an industry “go-to-girl” for some of gospel’s top artist.

Born into a musical family, Polly started singing at age 4 with her 3 other siblings. Her parents, who both sing and played the piano, would gather the kids around the piano and teach them how to sing and harmonize. It was at this early age that Polly developed a passion for music.

At the age of 7, Polly heard an album recorded by “Edwin Hawkins and the Hebrew Boys.” Polly became mesmerized by their intricate harmonies and beautiful blended voices. Often times she would skip her childhood play time just to listen to their music. Polly studied and learned every song from the album, picking out every single note one-by-one until she perfected them.

When Polly was 9, she joined both the youth and young adult choirs at the same time. Polly made history at her church by becoming the youngest person to do so at the time. Not long afterwards, the little power-house singer was already up teaching new songs and conducting the choir. However, it seems that Polly’s voice wasn’t just being heard inside of her local church walls only, but other outsiders as well.

At 12, she was recruited by a local gospel group called, “The Chimes of Love.” After auditioning for the group, Polly became the newest vocalist to join. Eventually, she became their music director and by the age of 14 she was writing songs for the group. They were quickly gaining a name for themselves that soon caught the attention of the late, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and David “Pop” Winans. Between the two of them, the group was sharing the same billing status with, “The Clark Sisters”, “The Winans” and even opening for the legendary “Hawkins Family.”

The “Chimes” went on to enjoy success in the Midwest, east coast and even gained exposure in parts of the south. However, after 17 years of singing together, the death of their manager caused the group to disband and go their separate ways. Polly unfortunately, had a decision to make of what to do next with all the gifts, desire and sheer passion for music, God had deposited in her. Polly finally made the choice to continue teaching, directing and writing for local choirs. Believing that in God’s time, she would be blessed with the opportunity to do music ministry full time. In the meantime while waiting on God, Polly experienced life with college, marriage and raising kids.

In the early 90’s, Polly met an up-and-coming producer, songwriter and engineer, named Tommy “Big Tom” Walker. The two met while working with a local stage play production and quickly became friends. Polly was hired as the stage manager, while “Big Tommy” was the musical director. One day while both were sharing their love and respect for music, it was at that moment they vowed to someday work together on a larger scale and produce their own brand of music. However, as life would have it, when the play was over, Polly and Tommie wouldn’t see each other for the next 10 years.

Somehow, the two ended up going in two different ways of life. “Big Tom” became a principle musician for Award winning gospel artist, Fred Hammond & “Radical for Christ” or “RFC.” Polly started working at a steel plant to make ends meet after going through a divorce from her husband of 17 yrs. Despite the dangerous and dirty working conditions of her job, she also dealt with constant taunts from co-workers; of how she would retire from there “old and grey” just like them. Polly put her faith and trust in God, believing that in 10 years she would be out of the plant and in the music business.

It was in the 9th year at the plant that Polly received a call from her long-time friend, “Big Tom”. Tommie, was building his studio at the time, had kept his word to Polly and wanted her to join his production company as the primary song writer and vocal arranger. Polly jumped at the opportunity and began paying off all her bills. A year later, “TommieGunn1965” was established and comprised of, Tommie and his wife Marie, Johnnie Hogue, Polly and her son, Mike “Big Mike” Taylor. Polly sat under the tutelage of Tommie learning all he had to offer her. While drawing from her own skills and experience as a songwriter and music director, Polly began honed in on her skills as a vocal producer.

To her surprise, after previously turning down a chance to tour with Fred Hammond & RFC (due to family obligations), the opportunity to sing with him presented itself again. Fred’s project, “Speak Those Things”, was in its final production stages, when Polly was brought in to sing on “Everything to me.” God was proving himself to Polly, showing her that her time and season was truly in his hands.

Before long, the duo wrote their first five songs together and out of those five, two songs got placement. Vanessa Williams, an acclaimed lead singer with Richard Smallwood & Vision, featured the songs, “Give Praise” and “Joy” on her solo project. Polly wrote and laid/co-arranged the BGV’s, with the late singer, songwriter, producer and vocal arranger, Kayla Parker. Shortly thereafter, Polly was the primary writer for Bishop Marvin Sapp’s hit single, “Do You Know Him.” The song was featured on Bishop Sapp’s 2005 “Be Exalted” project and the 2006 WOW cd compilation, gaining Sapp his very first Grammy nod.

The collaboration between Polly and Tommie was beginning to be a match made from heaven. Both were finally living their dream and making their mark in the gospel music industry.

Their next project would come in the form of producing the soundtrack for the nationally acclaimed stage production, “Issues…We All Got’em”, written by LaTerras R. Whitfield. The duo went on to produce gospel artist and TV host, Lexi Allen (What Heaven Hears), “The King Is Here” cd compilation and Marc Ivory & Excelled Praise (Season of God’s Will). “The King Is Here”, was the last project Polly and Tommie worked on together, before his untimely passing away. Polly’s strong desire of wanting to help other artist make it in the business, Tommie prompted her to form her own production company. “Polly Tunes Productions” was established with her son Mike, who is also a well sought after musician.

Polly continues to work with other musicians and producers in the business such as Noel Hall, Rod Long and Brian O’Neal. After years of creating so many hit songs for others, Polly is now focused on her own solo career. Her highly anticipated project, “Life Between Sunday’s” is being released this summer.