Zola Taylor's Marriages: Unraveling The Romantic Life Of The Platters' Trailblazing Star

Zola Taylor, born Zoletta Lynn Taylor on March 17, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, was a true pioneer in the world of rhythm and blues. As the original female member of the iconic 1950s R&B group, The Platters, she broke significant gender barriers, harmonizing with her male colleagues on timeless hits like "The Great Pretender." Her distinctive voice and captivating stage presence were integral to the group's success from 1954 to 1962, a period that saw The Platters produce most of their chart-topping songs. While her professional life was marked by groundbreaking achievements, Zola Taylor's personal life, particularly her romantic relationships and marriages, proved to be as intricate and at times, as publicly scrutinized, as any dramatic storyline. This article delves into the known details of Zola Taylor's marital history, piecing together the unions that shaped her life beyond the spotlight.

Beyond The Stage: Zola Taylor's Personal Life

After leaving The Platters in 1964 to explore other opportunities, Zola Taylor continued to pursue her passion for music, touring with various lesser-known acts until 1996. She also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Rock All Night" (1957) and later in "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (1998), a biographical film that touched upon the life of Frankie Lymon, a figure with whom Zola Taylor would become famously entangled. Throughout her life, Zola Taylor's personal journey was marked by several marriages, some of which were brief, others publicly contested, painting a picture of a woman navigating fame, love, and legal complexities.

Marriage to Lawrence James Savage: A Brief Union

One of Zola Taylor's documented marriages was to Lawrence James Savage. Their relationship began in 1962, and after dating for approximately one year, they decided to tie the knot. The couple exchanged vows on February 22, 1963. However, their union was relatively short-lived. Zola Taylor and Lawrence James Savage were married for just one year, with their divorce finalized in 1965. This brief marriage offers a glimpse into a period of Zola's life shortly after her departure from The Platters, suggesting a transition both professionally and personally.

The Frankie Lymon Saga: A Public Controversy

Perhaps the most widely publicized and legally complex aspect of Zola Taylor's romantic life involved the controversial singer Frankie Lymon. Zola Taylor claimed to have married Lymon on October 8, 1965, in Mexico. This claim, however, was part of a larger, highly publicized legal battle over Lymon's estate after his untimely death. The dispute involved multiple women who asserted they were Lymon's rightful wife, turning the matter into what was described as a "public soap opera."

Among the claimants was Elizabeth Waters, who stated she married Lymon in 1964 in Virginia. However, it was later revealed that Waters had been married to someone else at the time she claimed to have wed Lymon, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her union. As Waters' claim proceeded to court, Zola Taylor's own testimony added another layer of complexity. Taylor asserted that her relationship with Lymon was long-standing, claiming she had been sexually active with him as early as the "Biggest Rock 'n' Roll Show of 1956" tour, years before any alleged marriage.

Zola Taylor's argument against Elizabeth Lymon's claim was rooted in the assertion that Elizabeth was not legally divorced from her previous husband when she married Frankie Lymon. This legal intricacy highlights the challenging nature of proving marital legitimacy in an era where documentation and legal processes could be less clear-cut, especially across different jurisdictions. The contested nature of her marriage to Frankie Lymon underscores a tumultuous period in Zola Taylor's life, where her personal relationships were thrust into the public and legal spotlight.

Unveiling Other Marriages: A Less Documented Chapter

Beyond the well-documented marriage to Lawrence James Savage and the highly publicized, contested union with Frankie Lymon, Zola Taylor's closest known living relative, Robinson, revealed that his aunt "wed two other times." Details about these additional marriages are scarce in public records, but their existence further illustrates the multifaceted nature of her personal life. Robinson specifically noted that Zola Taylor's "last husband died in 1982." This piece of information confirms that her romantic life extended beyond the 1960s and involved at least two more significant relationships that culminated in marriage. It is also noted that Zola Taylor had no children, a detail that sheds light on another aspect of her personal journey.

These less-documented marriages suggest a private side to Zola Taylor's romantic endeavors, away from the intense media scrutiny that characterized her involvement with Frankie Lymon. While the names and specific durations of these unions remain largely out of the public eye, they form an important part of her life story, showcasing her continued pursuit of companionship and commitment.

Zola Taylor's Legacy Beyond Her Relationships

Despite the complexities of her marital history, Zola Taylor's enduring legacy is firmly rooted in her groundbreaking contributions to music. As the first female member of The Platters, she paved the way for future generations of women in R&B, demonstrating that talent and charisma knew no gender boundaries. Her captivating performances and unique vocal harmonies helped define the sound of an era, leaving an indelible mark on popular music.

Zola Taylor passed away on April 30, 2007, at the age of 69. Her life was a testament to resilience, talent, and the ability to navigate both the highs of professional success and the challenges of a complex personal life. While her relationships, particularly the highly contested one with Frankie Lymon, captured public attention, they ultimately serve as a footnote to her more significant role as a trailblazing artist.

In summary, Zola Taylor's romantic life was as dynamic and intriguing as her career. She was married to Lawrence James Savage for a brief period in the mid-1960s. Her claim of marriage to Frankie Lymon in 1965 led to a protracted legal battle, highlighting the complexities of her relationship with the controversial singer amidst competing claims from other women. Furthermore, Zola Taylor entered into two additional marriages, with her last husband passing away in 1982, though details about these unions remain private. Despite the intricate tapestry of her personal relationships, Zola Taylor is best remembered as a pioneering force in music, whose powerful voice and barrier-breaking presence continue to resonate.