He's one of the most incredible songwriters, and his guitar style is one of a kind and instantly recognizable. His voice is always like butter. It's like a lullabye.
To clarify, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” was a song popularized in Toy Story. I think it was written by Randy Newman. Not James Taylor’s song and not recorded by Carole King.
We were blessed by so many fantastic artists in the 60's and early 70's. Your reaction just says it all. This is beautiful music and lyrics that touch your soul.
Fire and Rain" is a personal and heartfelt song about the difficult times in his life, including the death of a friend, his struggles with addiction and depression, and his eventual success:
James has a very unique way of accompanying himself on guitar that’s just perfect, his song Shower The People is another great piece of music that should never be forgotten ✨
James Taylor lives in North Carolina, and along with others is putting on a charity concert October 26 for the victims of the recent floods and wind damage in North Carolina. He has an old song he wrote called "In My Mind I'm Going to Carolina." Some of the biggest names in entertainment are lending their talents to a push to collect even more help for Helene victims. Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor and Billy Strings are headlining a concert in Charlotte on Oct. 26 all to support relief efforts in the Carolinas.
james spent his childhood in north carolina, but currently lives in western massachusetts (berkshires) - i only mention it because i lived there for 4 years in the 70's :)
One of my all-time favorite songs. Music does not have to be complex to be profound and beautiful. Simple. Real. A perfect example of what a great singer-songwriter can achieve.
James wrote "There were times when I could not find a friend" and Carol King wrote.. You Got A Friend...in response. James heard her recording it for her album and asked if he could and she said yes. His album came out 1st.
"You've Got a Friend" is not the same song as "You've Got a Friend in Me." Carole King wrote the former in 1971 for her album "Tapestry" in response to the line "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" in "Fire and Rain." Randy Newman wrote "You've Got a Friend in Me" in 1995 for the first "Toy Story" movie. The first verse of "Fire and Rain" is about his friend Suzanne Schnerr, who committed suicide while he was in London recording his first album. His friends didn't tell him about it when it happened because they didn't want to interrupt his work. He found out about it six months later, thus the line "Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you." The second verse is about Taylors struggles to overcome depression and drug addiction. The third verse is about the breakup of his first band, called "Flying Machine."
James was the first artist signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records, which was obviously a huge deal for the yet unknown singer. I can imagine it was a tough choice to withhold the news about Suzanne until he returned home. If they told him right away he might have returned home then or been too distracted to do his best in the studio. As hard as it is to imagine, we might never have heard of him if he had known sooner. The music business can be cutthroat and unforgiving.
James Taylor is one of my favorite artist. Love all of his works. I was in 1st grade when this came out and can still remember hearing it on the car in-dash mono AM radio and loving it even then.
James Taylor is a legend. I like singers-songwriters who sing and play instruments at the same time. Taylor Swift's parents like him too much that they gave her the his name.
Loved your reaction to one of the greats. I saw him a couple of weeks before this performance. We were at a rock concert where the headliners couldn't make it because of a snowstorm. James was virtually unknown and came on stage with just his guitar to play for a disappointed rock and roll crowd. He turned the crowd into fans in about five minutes. He had a very short arc from being unknown to being a star.
My parents were late hippies in the early 70s. Summer vacations took us to Colorado to visit relatives because that’s where my mom grew up. I have vivid memories of being in the back seat as we drove the Rockies listening to James Taylor and Carly Simon songs and hating it…memories that I now look back on really fondly of course. ❤️
James is one of the frew artists who sounds best all by himself. No fancy production work. No backup singers or artists. Just James and his guitar, because his voice and his guitar playing are unmatched. Just amazingly good.
Maggie, any JT is gold. Yes you are right about his writing in that it is simple. No need to complicate things... He has found a direct path to our hearts with his heartfelt words and pure uncluttered voice. Thanks ❤☮
Had the pleasure of attending a few JT concerts and they were always fantastic, even though there were no pyrotechnics, or walls of amps, or any of the theatrics of the time, just his music and personality kept you enjoying every minute, and he had one show where it was just him and a reel to reel tape player as his backup band it didn't matter as long as his voice and guitar were live. His entire family are wonderful musicians and make great music as well, it's good to see you beginning enjoying what some of us have for decades.
one of the all time greats, so many good songs... Carolina in my mind, Sweet baby james, Walking man, You've got a friend, How sweet it is, Mexico, Shower the People, Country Road. So many more but would love to see you react to more!
James Taylor has the sweetest male voice I've ever heard. The accolades don't come close to honoring him. He is a timeless icon. Country Road and Walking Man are my two personal favorites. If you want a treat, settle down with his greatest hits album.
I saw James Taylor in concert with Carole King in Washington, DC. I can't remember exactly when it was, but it was probably around the 2010 Troubadour tour. They were fabulous.
James Taylor has been basically my favorite singer/songwriter since the V early 1970s, of course. When I think about the 1970s, his name is one of the main singers I think of, along with Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, Harry Chapin and many others!! As someone has already mentioned, Carole King wrote “You’ve Got A Friend” for James Taylor in response to “Fire and Rain” and James had a huge hit with “You’ve Got A Friend”. They’ve done concerts together! Love them!❤
This song (and album) came out my junior year in high school. I have been a JT fan ever since. I have seen him in concert twice - most recently at the Hollywood Bowl last year. He still sounds great. A nice touch at last year's concert was hearing him perform with his son. Sweet Baby James may be my favorite song of his.
I grew up in the Ozarks hills of SW Missouri, so , "Copperline", holds a place in my heart. And I was a sailor so "Frozen Man", holds another. JT is truly a National Treasure!!
“Sweet dreams, and flying machines in pieces of the ground” It’s a sad song ….it’s a sad and beautiful life. I like this song because it’s an almost perfect piece of music, and accomplished with just an acoustic guitar and voice. It’s sort of the antithesis of everything today’s music is. Great reaction!. Thanks!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️
I was in high school when this song came out, and I remember when it came on the radio, it would just stop time, and I'd have to sit and listen to it. It was really a golden age of singer songwriters then, and I'm astonished and grateful when I think of what a gift and a blessing it was to grow up with it literally in the air all around you.
Both this song and Don McLean’s Vincent were just beautiful and sad ballads of that time. Amazing how they could command the stage with just their voice and guitar.
Definitely get hold of “Long Ago and Far Away”. The lyrics are just sublime, the music is simple, and the performance brings me to tears. I am 71, and have been listening to James Taylor since I first heard him in 1970.
You might give some of his more recent live shows a listen. I particularly enjoy "Carolina In My Mind". Once again simple, elegant and beautiful. He wrote it when he was in Europe signing a big record deal but missed home and felt beleaguered despite the money he was agreeing to. The song really reflects the sense of what is important and how everything dissolves in the face of home, comfort and what is more valuable than money and contracts and fame.
I saw James Taylor live in 1976. He came to Honolulu, Hawaii and I was a big fan. As you can tell in this video his singing and guitar playing are both very beautiful and he sounds exactly like his recordings. Try "Sweet Baby James" or "You Got A Friend" both are sincere and truly magical.
James says that he doesn't write the songs, he is just the first person to hear them. Life sent a masterpiece him a masterpiece with this one! Keep writing Maggie. The more you are willing to capture those ideas that float into your mind, the more you will be sent. What is the difference between writers and non-writers? Writers write stuff down
I first became aware of James Taylor in high school(1970-1974) and have loved him ever since. To me his early work is most calming, magical. Worth exploring Maggie.
My favorite JT song. I think his personal connection to it, which comes out in his performance of it, is the reason for that. The emotion of it makes it a beautiful song.
JT and Dan Fogelberg were really the best at their song writing and storytelling. They were true masters, and both have a LONG list of songs to explore.. Have fun its a great rabbit hole...
1969 in my 6th grade class, Mr Nicole always bought an album to class and play a song and we would analyze it. And James Taylor was definitely has been in class quite a few times ‼️
You could pretty much just throw darts at his list of songs and enjoy whichever ones they land on. Having seen James in concert several times over the years, including the year this song came out, even in a large arena or hall he managed to keep them both intimate and entertaining at the same time. As others surely have mentioned he and Carley Simon were once married.
Whenever I have time to drag my old acoustic guitar out to an open mic, my two favorite songs to play are this one and If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot.🎶🎶
James Taylor is one of the awesome songwriters of my coming to age. You might check out John Denver and Jim Croce. They were a couple more to dive into. Beautiful songs and voices.
When the Beatles, in the late 60s, first first started their Apple Records label - record company, they put out an open call ad in some trade magazines looking for talent and James Taylor was one of the first, if not the first artist that answered the ad, Paul McCartney then signed James to Apple Records!. Done deal! Another great song from James Tayler is "Carolina In My Mind". I like it as much as "Fire And Rian". Great review!
The reference in verse three to "Sweet dreams and Flying Machines in pieces on the ground" is to his original band, The Flying Machine, which broke up shortly after releasing their first single, Night Owl, which didn't get much airplay and their label decided not to release their album.
You should listen to the James Taylor and Carol King “Live at the Troubadour” album. Another suggestion would be : Randy Newman’s Faust - JT plays God, all star cast, great recording
I believe fire and rain in the lyrics refers to electro-shock therapy. James was self-committed to a mental institution during this time. Two songs I recommend... the song just prior to this in this concert, Steamroller Blues. Be sure to listen to the spoken intro, it's hilarious and makes stuff in the song hilarious too. Mockingbird, performed in concert with his then wife Carly Simon is THE definitive version of that song. He was high as a kite but wow, what a performance they put on!
There is a video out there of him playing with Taylor Swift at one of her concerts. She was already a huge fan of his when her mother admitted that she was named after him
When I was 18, just before college, my parents moved to a new community. I knew no one. A group of Canadian teens came to the community to do some work projects. One of the boys and I hit it off (to quote the Great Gonzo) like "old friends who've just met." We hung out for a week or two and then he went back to Canada and I went to college. The next summer I got a letter from his sister that he had died. I went upstairs to my room, turned on the radio, and this song was on. I always think of Chris whenever I hear it now. (That was 88-89)
If I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This is a deeply personal song for him, but you can put yourself in the lyrics and adapt them to your own life.
My wife and I were at a concert in Colorado. Just as he started this song, lightning flashed, and thunder started rolling from a couple miles away. Then it started to lightly sprinkle. He stopped playing, looked over his shoulder as another flash of lightning happened and made a joke about the special effects for the song being free. Was actually a great moment and continued through the whole song. What was funny, was the lightning and light sprinkle tapered off after the song was over. BTW, the "You've got a Friend in Me" you sang is not the Carole King song. Whoever wrote that messed up the title. Here song is just "You've Got a Friend" and is a great song about friendship.
One of the best song writers, musicians, lyricists and vocalists. Six Grammys back then would be like fifty today. But today he would need to take off his shirt and get backup dancers.
The competition for radio airplay, top ten hits, and especially Grammys was insane in the late sixties and early seventies. So many great artists producing such great music! And James Taylor was up there with the best of them.
Also worth mentioning is JT is considered to be one of the 'subject' guys referred to in Carly Simon's "You're So Vain." Also suspect are Warren Beatty, David Bowie, Mick Jagger & Cat Stevens.
I remember when this song came out. Before that James played with Carol King on the Tapestry album. Carol and James actually were co-writers of the song You've got a friend. Carol was the star performer at the time, but respected James so much that she gave him all the rights to the song.. The late 60s and all the 70s had great artists that were amazing. There's nothing close to them to this day
He's one of the most incredible songwriters, and his guitar style is one of a kind and instantly recognizable. His voice is always like butter. It's like a lullabye.
I think his You've Got a Friend" is different than you think.
Yes. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is a different song than “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Yes, Carol King actually let him release it on his album before she did on hers.
To clarify, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” was a song popularized in Toy Story. I think it was written by Randy Newman. Not James Taylor’s song and not recorded by Carole King.
@@jackhaskell694 FWIW, King actually wrote You've Got A Friend as a response to the chorus of Fire and Rain.
Yeah, she's not even close. She's thinking of Randy Newman
I've seen James twice. He's so friendly and personable, it's like watching your good neighbor play who happens to be amazingly talented
We were blessed by so many fantastic artists in the 60's and early 70's. Your reaction just says it all. This is beautiful music and lyrics that touch your soul.
Maggie went right over a big one, as she was reading his bio. Who doesn't love Carly Simon?
Always good to hear James Taylor. Someone who tells great stories and always brings back good memories. The man can write and sing so well!🤗
One of my favorite all time singers. His collaborations with Carol King are superb.
@@michaeltelson9798 their "Live at the Troubadour" concert was amazing!!
Fire and Rain" is a personal and heartfelt song about the difficult times in his life, including the death of a friend, his struggles with addiction and depression, and his eventual success:
James has a very unique way of accompanying himself on guitar that’s just perfect, his song Shower The People is another great piece of music that should never be forgotten ✨
100% Agreed..I had suggested it as well before I saw your suggestion..A beautiful song with a beautiful message.
So nice to hear his beautiful voice again. Mike, thanks for the trip back in time.
James Taylor lives in North Carolina, and along with others is putting on a charity concert October 26 for the victims of the recent floods and wind damage in North Carolina. He has an old song he wrote called "In My Mind I'm Going to Carolina." Some of the biggest names in entertainment are lending their talents to a push to collect even more help for Helene victims. Luke Combs, Eric Church, James Taylor and Billy Strings are headlining a concert in Charlotte on Oct. 26 all to support relief efforts in the Carolinas.
The actual name of the song is "Carolina In My Mind".
james spent his childhood in north carolina, but currently lives in western massachusetts (berkshires) - i only mention it because i lived there for 4 years in the 70's :)
One of MANY MUST HEAR Classics,, James Taylor "Shower The People"...A beautiful song with a beautiful message. ❤
his voice is so soothing, but this song always breaks my heart
One of my all-time favorite songs. Music does not have to be complex to be profound and beautiful. Simple. Real. A perfect example of what a great singer-songwriter can achieve.
James wrote "There were times when I could not find a friend" and Carol King wrote.. You Got A Friend...in response. James heard her recording it for her album and asked if he could and she said yes. His album came out 1st.
"You've Got a Friend" is not the same song as "You've Got a Friend in Me." Carole King wrote the former in 1971 for her album "Tapestry" in response to the line "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" in "Fire and Rain." Randy Newman wrote "You've Got a Friend in Me" in 1995 for the first "Toy Story" movie.
The first verse of "Fire and Rain" is about his friend Suzanne Schnerr, who committed suicide while he was in London recording his first album. His friends didn't tell him about it when it happened because they didn't want to interrupt his work. He found out about it six months later, thus the line "Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you." The second verse is about Taylors struggles to overcome depression and drug addiction. The third verse is about the breakup of his first band, called "Flying Machine."
James was the first artist signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records, which was obviously a huge deal for the yet unknown singer. I can imagine it was a tough choice to withhold the news about Suzanne until he returned home. If they told him right away he might have returned home then or been too distracted to do his best in the studio. As hard as it is to imagine, we might never have heard of him if he had known sooner. The music business can be cutthroat and unforgiving.
Sweet Baby James is well worth a listen
The entire album
We grew up in the 70's with so much great music like James Taylor on the radio. Nothing like it out there today.
James Taylor is one of my favorite artist. Love all of his works. I was in 1st grade when this came out and can still remember hearing it on the car in-dash mono AM radio and loving it even then.
His lullaby to his newborn nephew "Sweet Baby James" from the same album to this day really moves me. Give that a listen as well.
Far as I know, he's still touring, and apparently puts on a good show
James Taylor is a legend. I like singers-songwriters who sing and play instruments at the same time. Taylor Swift's parents like him too much that they gave her the his name.
Saw James in concert a couple times. Always a lovely way to spend an evening.
One of the greatest singer/songwriters ever. So many great songs, try "Shower the People" and "Carolina in my mind".
I was looking for a comment recommending “Carolina in My Mind.” 🩵
You Can Close Your Eyes is simply beautiful & beautifully simple. A tiny masterpiece of a song.
A beautiful and tender song. James Taylor sings in a sweet, calm, and soulful way. I agree it's majical.
Loved your reaction to one of the greats. I saw him a couple of weeks before this performance. We were at a rock concert where the headliners couldn't make it because of a snowstorm. James was virtually unknown and came on stage with just his guitar to play for a disappointed rock and roll crowd. He turned the crowd into fans in about five minutes. He had a very short arc from being unknown to being a star.
"Sweet Baby James" may be his greatest and most deep meaning song. It is much more than the lullaby many parents sang to their child at bedtime.
Boy him and Todd rundgren you put them each with one instrument in a room and they can keep you captivated for hours.
James Taylor is right up there with Jim Coce and Paul Simon
I think you mean "Croce"..Not being a jerk..Just thought you might want to know.
This has always been my favorite James Taylor Song! Discovered him in high school in the 80's.
My parents were late hippies in the early 70s. Summer vacations took us to Colorado to visit relatives because that’s where my mom grew up. I have vivid memories of being in the back seat as we drove the Rockies listening to James Taylor and Carly Simon songs and hating it…memories that I now look back on really fondly of course. ❤️
James is one of the frew artists who sounds best all by himself. No fancy production work. No backup singers or artists. Just James and his guitar, because his voice and his guitar playing are unmatched. Just amazingly good.
He kind of makes fun of the lone musician idea in "Me and my Guitar". But yes, simpler is better with his music and performances.
Maggie, any JT is gold. Yes you are right about his writing in that it is simple. No need to complicate things... He has found a direct path to our hearts with his heartfelt words and pure uncluttered voice. Thanks ❤☮
Had the pleasure of attending a few JT concerts and they were always fantastic, even though there were no pyrotechnics, or walls of amps, or any of the theatrics of the time, just his music and personality kept you enjoying every minute, and he had one show where it was just him and a reel to reel tape player as his backup band it didn't matter as long as his voice and guitar were live. His entire family are wonderful musicians and make great music as well, it's good to see you beginning enjoying what some of us have for decades.
He’s amazing in concert. I’ve seen him several times, most recently last year in Nashville. He also toured with Carole King - also fabulous.
Lost my best bud in 2018. This song hits hard. RIP Dave 🤘😌
Lost mine in 2023.
@anthonymalovrh2912 🤘😌
one of the all time greats, so many good songs... Carolina in my mind, Sweet baby james, Walking man, You've got a friend, How sweet it is, Mexico, Shower the People, Country Road. So many more but would love to see you react to more!
James Taylor has the sweetest male voice I've ever heard. The accolades don't come close to honoring him. He is a timeless icon. Country Road and Walking Man are my two personal favorites. If you want a treat, settle down with his greatest hits album.
On college when the Sweet Baby James album released .. this song got huge AM radio play .. the whole album is fantastic
I saw James Taylor in concert with Carole King in Washington, DC. I can't remember exactly when it was, but it was probably around the 2010 Troubadour tour. They were fabulous.
James Taylor has been basically my favorite singer/songwriter since the V early 1970s, of course. When I think about the 1970s, his name is one of the main singers I think of, along with Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, Harry Chapin and many others!! As someone has already mentioned, Carole King wrote “You’ve Got A Friend” for James Taylor in response to “Fire and Rain” and James had a huge hit with “You’ve Got A Friend”. They’ve done concerts together! Love them!❤
This song (and album) came out my junior year in high school. I have been a JT fan ever since. I have seen him in concert twice - most recently at the Hollywood Bowl last year. He still sounds great. A nice touch at last year's concert was hearing him perform with his son. Sweet Baby James may be my favorite song of his.
I grew up in the Ozarks hills of SW Missouri, so , "Copperline", holds a place in my heart. And I was a sailor so "Frozen Man", holds another. JT is truly a National Treasure!!
This song is so beautifully sad. James has an awesome voice. Love your reaction!
James is an icon
“Sweet dreams, and flying machines in pieces of the ground”
It’s a sad song ….it’s a sad and beautiful life.
I like this song because it’s an almost perfect piece of music, and accomplished with just an acoustic guitar and voice.
It’s sort of the antithesis of everything today’s music is.
Great reaction!. Thanks!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support!! 💖 I APPRECIATE YOU!! 🙏🏻 Hope to see you on my livestream today: ua-cam.com/users/livef7u-VFveQ58
Carolina in my mind is another lovely James Taylor song. You'd enjoy it.
I'm partial to Taylor's "Shower The People."
This song and Terry Jacks Seasons in the Sun always just get to me… ( well a lot of songs do, but those two for sure).
This song was huge when it came out - Taylor is a gifted songwriter - you cannot go wrong with any James Taylor and his catalog is very large
I was in high school when this song came out, and I remember when it came on the radio, it would just stop time, and I'd have to sit and listen to it. It was really a golden age of singer songwriters then, and I'm astonished and grateful when I think of what a gift and a blessing it was to grow up with it literally in the air all around you.
Both this song and Don McLean’s Vincent were just beautiful and sad ballads of that time. Amazing how they could command the stage with just their voice and guitar.
Carole King and James Taylor a r e good friends and Carole King wrote the song You Got a Friend in answer to this song
Definitely get hold of “Long Ago and Far Away”. The lyrics are just sublime, the music is simple, and the performance brings me to tears. I am 71, and have been listening to James Taylor since I first heard him in 1970.
Really loved your reaction.....he sings so effortlessly.
You might give some of his more recent live shows a listen. I particularly enjoy "Carolina In My Mind". Once again simple, elegant and beautiful. He wrote it when he was in Europe signing a big record deal but missed home and felt beleaguered despite the money he was agreeing to. The song really reflects the sense of what is important and how everything dissolves in the face of home, comfort and what is more valuable than money and contracts and fame.
I love his voice. This song is still so good when he songs it live...his voice has changed quite a bit over the years, but only for the better
such beautiful poetry....amazing songwriting
I was turned on to James Taylor while stationed in the US Army in Germany. That was in 1970 and I have been a big fan ever since.
James Taylor was discovered by the Beatles when he came to the UK. They put him on their Apple Records for his first solo album in 1968.
Still one of my all time favorite songs and artists. I was 15 when this song came out. Such great music.
Beautiful song, and I really like your reaction and engagement with it!
I've had this LP since back in the day. In fact, JT was the first concert I ever went to in 1971 at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I saw James Taylor live in 1976. He came to Honolulu, Hawaii and I was a big fan. As you can tell in this video his singing and guitar playing are both very beautiful and he sounds exactly like his recordings. Try "Sweet Baby James" or "You Got A Friend" both are sincere and truly magical.
James says that he doesn't write the songs, he is just the first person to hear them. Life sent a masterpiece him a masterpiece with this one! Keep writing Maggie. The more you are willing to capture those ideas that float into your mind, the more you will be sent. What is the difference between writers and non-writers? Writers write stuff down
I first became aware of James Taylor in high school(1970-1974) and have loved him ever since. To me his early work is most calming, magical. Worth exploring Maggie.
My favorite JT song. I think his personal connection to it, which comes out in his performance of it, is the reason for that. The emotion of it makes it a beautiful song.
JT and Dan Fogelberg were really the best at their song writing and storytelling. They were true masters, and both have a LONG list of songs to explore.. Have fun its a great rabbit hole...
Live version of shower the people,with his wonderful backing singers is inspirational 😊
one of UNC colleges finest! so proud of him!
Another song that seems like it's just part of my DNA... grew up with it, been listening to this song as far back as I can remember 👍😎
I caught James Taylor's concert in Honolulu back in the early 70s.
Maggie's face said it all. No words needed.
You should take a deep dive into James Taylor’s catalog of songs, which is very extensive!
1969 in my 6th grade class, Mr Nicole always bought an album to class and play a song and we would analyze it. And James Taylor was definitely has been in class quite a few times ‼️
You are correct, music in the 60 & 70s is the best..... nothing today can touch it
You could pretty much just throw darts at his list of songs and enjoy whichever ones they land on. Having seen James in concert several times over the years, including the year this song came out, even in a large arena or hall he managed to keep them both intimate and entertaining at the same time. As others surely have mentioned he and Carley Simon were once married.
Instantly think of the movie "Running on Empty" listening to this.
Carolina in my Mind is my 2nd favorite JT song! It’s also gorgeous!
Yeah, you're gonna have a great time going through his catalogue...it's all amazing.
How do you take emotions like that and express them with such a relaxed voice? I can't do it. I get a lump in my throat and it's all over.
Whenever
I have time to drag my old acoustic guitar out to an open mic, my two favorite songs to play are this one and If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot.🎶🎶
James Taylor is one of the awesome songwriters of my coming to age. You might check out John Denver and Jim Croce. They were a couple more to dive into. Beautiful songs and voices.
JT is national treasure! I have been lucky to see him 3 times
I have been following you for quite a long time now and I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you.
When the Beatles, in the late 60s, first first started their Apple Records label - record company, they put out an open call ad in some trade magazines looking for talent and James Taylor was one of the first, if not the first artist that answered the ad, Paul McCartney then signed James to Apple Records!. Done deal! Another great song from James Tayler is "Carolina In My Mind". I like it as much as "Fire And Rian". Great review!
I like Carolina in my mind more than fire and rain but not that goofy version he did with the Beatles.
James Taylor was pure 70s gold! 💖
The reference in verse three to "Sweet dreams and Flying Machines in pieces on the ground" is to his original band, The Flying Machine, which broke up shortly after releasing their first single, Night Owl, which didn't get much airplay and their label decided not to release their album.
It is amazing how many singer-songwriters came out of the 70s !!!
beautiful poetry set to music. He lives over here in Stockbridge and i see him now and then. My favorite was Sweet Baby James.
Considered one of the finest vocalist/writer/performers of his era for incredibly good reason. More hits than young people can count up to these days.
You should listen to the James Taylor and Carol King “Live at the Troubadour” album.
Another suggestion would be : Randy Newman’s Faust - JT plays God, all star cast, great recording
I saw them in concert together in 2010. Perfection.
I believe fire and rain in the lyrics refers to electro-shock therapy. James was self-committed to a mental institution during this time. Two songs I recommend... the song just prior to this in this concert, Steamroller Blues. Be sure to listen to the spoken intro, it's hilarious and makes stuff in the song hilarious too. Mockingbird, performed in concert with his then wife Carly Simon is THE definitive version of that song. He was high as a kite but wow, what a performance they put on!
There is a video out there of him playing with Taylor Swift at one of her concerts. She was already a huge fan of his when her mother admitted that she was named after him
When I was 18, just before college, my parents moved to a new community. I knew no one. A group of Canadian teens came to the community to do some work projects. One of the boys and I hit it off (to quote the Great Gonzo) like "old friends who've just met." We hung out for a week or two and then he went back to Canada and I went to college. The next summer I got a letter from his sister that he had died. I went upstairs to my room, turned on the radio, and this song was on. I always think of Chris whenever I hear it now. (That was 88-89)
If I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This is a deeply personal song for him, but you can put yourself in the lyrics and adapt them to your own life.
My wife and I were at a concert in Colorado. Just as he started this song, lightning flashed, and thunder started rolling from a couple miles away. Then it started to lightly sprinkle. He stopped playing, looked over his shoulder as another flash of lightning happened and made a joke about the special effects for the song being free. Was actually a great moment and continued through the whole song. What was funny, was the lightning and light sprinkle tapered off after the song was over.
BTW, the "You've got a Friend in Me" you sang is not the Carole King song. Whoever wrote that messed up the title. Here song is just "You've Got a Friend" and is a great song about friendship.
One of the best song writers, musicians, lyricists and vocalists. Six Grammys back then would be like fifty today. But today he would need to take off his shirt and get backup dancers.
The competition for radio airplay, top ten hits, and especially Grammys was insane in the late sixties and early seventies. So many great artists producing such great music! And James Taylor was up there with the best of them.
Also worth mentioning is JT is considered to be one of the 'subject' guys referred to in Carly Simon's "You're So Vain." Also suspect are Warren Beatty, David Bowie, Mick Jagger & Cat Stevens.
There's a reason he was the first artist signed to The Beatles' Apple Records.
I remember when this song came out. Before that James played with Carol King on the Tapestry album. Carol and James actually were co-writers of the song You've got a friend. Carol was the star performer at the time, but respected James so much that she gave him all the rights to the song.. The late 60s and all the 70s had great artists that were amazing. There's nothing close to them to this day
Saw James at the Main Point in 1970.and he was brilliant.