In a Psychiatric Ward at Age 20..Legend TURNED a DESPERATE PRAYER Into 70s CLASSIC-Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 24 кві 2023
- Coming up it’s one of the most heart-wrenching stories of a classic song from real life… Fire and Rain by legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor...It's a song we all sing today. James Taylor (JT) was dealing with serious mental illness, and he had voluntarily checked himself into an institution at 18. He dropped out of school and formed a band. That band failed…. He began to sink further into darkness trapped by a vicious heroin addiction. Then he found out a good friend Suzanne had taken their own life. It left this 20-year-old future superstar homeless, destitute, and at the end of his rope… again checking himself into an institution to get clean where he wrote a desperate 'cry for help… a solitary prayer called Fire and Rain. It became a breakout smash that started a hall-of-fame career...The story is…. NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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The death of a friend, serious mental illness, and a vicious heroin addiction, had a 20-year-old future superstar homeless, destitute, and at the end of his rope. A desperate 'cry for help’ that became a breakout smash for the artist affectionately called JT…. NEXT on Professor of Rock."
Hey music junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you’ve ever synced The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon or been curious about that you’ll want to Subscribe below right now because here you get the inside story of your favorite songs, most of the time straight from the artists. It’s for music fans. Hit the bell so you never miss out. And help support our mission of curating rock and pop history by clicking on our Patreon link below.
One of my favorite quotes, that I champion any chance I get- is this one from Albert Einstein: “The human spirit must prevail over technology.”**One of the most intelligent individuals that ever lived- profoundly & incisively concluded, that the invisible and un-scientific human element is the key substance for our survival. As world technology advances, and continues to dominate our daily lives, the human spirit is more critically vital than ever for our emotional & physical well-being.
For me, there is nothing better to fortify the soul than the human spirit evoked by music. That’s what this channel is all about. It’s what my mission in life is. A song or even a profound melody is what I go to for spiritual nourishment every day. And there are songs on my most cherished playlists that give me a variety of inner strength to help me prevail over anything. One of those songs is “Fire and Rain,” the breakthrough composition that forged the legacy of James Taylor.
I experience an exhilarating range of emotions when I listen to JT’s “Fire and Rain.” Because to me it’s is more than a song. It’s a prayer. I’m not talking about religion here, I’m talking about when the soul reaches outside of the body, yearning for something greater than human understanding, stretching beyond our limits. I feel the longing of a beloved friendship… devotion to faith and to the people that I love… I am moved by a sense of survival to overcome life’s biggest challenges and perseverance to build strength and achievement. Few things give us that capacity. In my estimation music does. - Розваги
Poll: Who is your pick for the greatest singer-songwriter of the 70s?
John Denver.
Eric Carmen
Nick Drake
Todd Rundgren
Van Morrison
David Gates
Pete Ham
Jackson Browne
James Taylor is a great one but my personal preference is Jim Croce. Carol King had the best album with Tapestry.
It's hard to argue against Joni Mitchell when you look at her output from '70-'76.
Kris Kristofferson
Willie Nelson
Neil Diamond
James Taylor
My marriage fell apart, I had to sell the home I loved, six months later I was diagnosed with cancer, chemo, came back, had bone marrow transplant, son also had cancer at the same time, two bone marrow transplants for him, was let go from my job and then my son lost his battle with cancer and died at 28. I have been a fan of JT since I was a teenager and you bet that song resonated with me and still gets me through some days when I am missing my son so terribly. “ I always thought that I’d see you again”. But, God got me through,and continues to get me through, and I KNOW I will see him again!
A few years ago, my friend Preston, lost his wife of 30 years. Preston was a black man in his late 50s and I was a white dude in my early 30s, at the time. We were friends because we worked at the same restaurant. I was his manager and he was my assistant. We spent lots of hours together (obviously) and found we had a love for a TON of the same music. :) Just looking at the two of us together, you'd never know we had so much in common. The day his wife died, Preston took the day off. But, my boss Andrew ( a white guy in his early 20s at the time) and I, went over to his house that evening, and we indulged in some sweet green and brandy, and Preston let me DJ some songs that would reflect what we all were feeling. Because we knew ALL ABOUT Preston's love for his wife. She was his everything. "Fire and Rain", was the first song I played. We cried and hugged each other. But, it set the tone for a good night of lifting up the spirit of his beloved wife. "Fire and Rain" will forever be remembered by me that way. I would imagine Preston and Andrew would feel the same. We were such a random trio of friends, being there for each other, when one of us had just experienced a terrible loss. James Taylor was with us that night...and he'll never know it. But, I'm glad he was. :)
Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
You just made me cry 😢
I am a old lady now, but that has always been one of my very favorite depression, crying songs. I never knew any of that story about James Taylor. Thank you for the information. Some days I just need to have a good cry, usually alone with good old music.
That’s what it’s all about… we just forget to connect…
What a beautiful story. It’s so good that he had friend like you .
Love the line…Won’t you look down upon me Jesus…because of His promise of hope, during the most difficult times in our lives.
Don’t kid yourself. That human spirit was knitted together by God. Anything positive that comes through music comes from Him!
My first husband and I were huge James Taylor fans back in the 70s and early 80s. We eventually ended up separated because of his drug addiction. I turned to fire and rain when I heard my ex had passed away in a rehab center. The verse that he states, “but I always thought that I’d see you again”…to this day, still brings tears to my eyes….
Depression, anxiety, relationships, soul sucking jobs, it's not easy being human but thankfully we have music
Music and Jesus are a gift , immerse yourself in Them!
When my dad died in 1977, I was 14 and I listened to James' Handyman and cried .
I’m glad he made it through his struggles and is 75 years old now. Thank you James Taylor for all that you have given to us.
Won't you look down upon me Jesus.....the best way to beat depression
@Professor_Of_Rock3 hi I'm not quite sure how to email you. I can leave my email if you like. Thank you
Willie Nelson for ALL of his legendary decades of writing songs and singing. Jim Croce for everything he did write and sing AND for everything we were denied because we lost him too soon. Seriously. How LUCKY were those of us who lived with the over abundance of musical talent we had in the 60’s, 70’s, and even into the 80’s?
Im 66 years old and I grew up listening to JT Carol King and others I miss the old days .
Less than 4 miles from my childhood home and my current home for the past 12 years, lies Maclean Hospital where I have been many times to address many of the same
issues and I can tell 💯 %,
when you need him, Jesus will look down upon you and help you make that
stand.....he will help you make any stand, if you set your ego aside, and let him! ❤🙏
Jesus is the light, and the way. 🙏
im a christian and youve got a friend always reminds me of the Lord i remember going through a traumatized situation and on the radio played jt youve got a friend i started crying fire an rain is beautiful song too my 37 yr old daughter love jt singing he is an underated singer 😊❤🙏🧔♀💐🎶🎼🎵🎚🎹
I sang this song every night to my daughter while she was recovering from open-heart surgery at 3 months age…22 years later, even after her passing just 2 weeks after surgery, this song still inspires the same hope I felt then…I still sing it to her twin when I get the chance.
@Todd Geller What a time for you all. And how wondrous that your battling baby girl could hear this prayerful music, and your voice crooning your hopes and fears to her. Cocooned in the song, as the professor says here. Thank you for telling us about your daughters, and your loss, and your Song.
☮️
I’m so sorry ! Life can be so sad. Making it through is the trick. And these songs are a godsend! Keep your head up!
I'm so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child.
I sang this song while my daughter was her mama’s belly and everytime I was doing fatherly duties of changing diapers or playtime or just holding her. Somewhere around 15-18 months old, my wife video taped me sing the phrases and my daughter would sing the last couple words of each line. I’ve always remembered doing it but forgot it was taped. During Covid shut ins, we watched all the VHS tapes we hadn’t seen for some nostalgia and lo and behold there it was. She was so young she had no recollection of doing that duet with me. It is such a great moment for both of us! Thank you for your story Todd, music brings us all together!
You know it’s a tremendous talent when they can sit on a stage with just a guitar and sound exactly like the recording. No production tricks, only their voice, lyrics and musical talent. James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot and Nancy Griffith are three of the very best and a gift to all.
My Dad died on Christmas Day 1986. I finally came back from 4 yrs in Germany (ARMY) .We had 3 days together before he died suddenly from an 'aneurism' and the base of the brain. Music helps me a lot. Thanks Adam.
I met James Taylor's brother, Livingston on my college campus in MD in 1970.. He said that he was a pre-law student but was a musician at heart. He was really a nice guy with long blonde-ish hair and I had a terrible crush on him.
I had Fire and Rain on a 45 when I was a teenager and played it to death because of one line “Won’t you look down upon me JESUS, you gotta help me make a stand…” when I needed direction that no one else could give. Those words made Fire and Rain one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks Prof for this video. I cried through a good bit of it - especially the story about your dad. May he RIP in Jesus’ arms…
Ahhhh, so wonderful to hear.
Same here.
In 1956, Doc Taylor was the doctor at McMurdo Bay in Antartica for Operation Deep Freeze. My uncle was a 19 year old Seabee who helped build the facilities at McMurdo Bay and at the geographic South Pole and got to know Doc Taylor. About 5 years ago, James took my uncle and his family out to dinner and treated them as VIPs at his concert that night. I've always loved JT's music. He is a treasure.
Thanks for sharing!
That’s cool!
We build WE FIGHT!!! I was Sea Bee in NMCB 17!!! I'm very proud of all the work we've done around the world from 42' to present!!!! "CAN DO SINCE 42'"!!!
Cool! My kids are studying the Antarctic now reading about Shackleton’s journey. I’m glad to know this fun fact!
@@suebrown7358 The Shackleton story might be my all time favorite. I read a book about it, long before the internet. What an amazing story and incredible person! As was the ship's captain, Frank Hurley I think, who was invaluable to Shackleton, and just as strong willed.
Carol King, Jim Steinman, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen are the songwriters that most impressed my life in the 70's.
James appeals to the homeless inner city addict as well as the east coast wealthy elite, and everyone in between, because he lived with his feet in both worlds and they both seemed equally dark to him
I recall opening the sheet music to this song. First thing I saw was the Jesus verse. Instantly I thought heroin withdrawal.
My common law wife ODed on purpose a number of months ago. She didn't want to deal with breast cancer.
Now I can't sing the chorus without breaking up.
I've lost a lot of friends these last few years to ODs. None tore out a piece of my soul like my lady passing.
Robert Deen I’m so sorry…
OOF! I’m so sorry Robert. Sending love 💗
Sending Love and Light Robert!❤️✨❤️
So very sorry for your great loss. 😢
Adam, have love this song forever. After my mom passed in 2014, while looking through some of her belongings, I came across a notepad she would write in to remember things... While flipping through written on a page was the name "James Taylor ." I thought to myself boy, that's random as hell. Several days later I was in line at Circle k when Fire and Rain came on the radio... I felt my face go flush and I started shaking... Never had an experience like that before or since but whenever I hear the song I can't help think of Mom!!! Thank you for another wonderful video!!!
I will join others in saying James Taylor is one of my top ten favorite artist. I would sing "You've got a friend " to my children as they would drift off to sleep. That is how importance James Taylor is to me.
Mental illness is hell and people saying uour crazy make it not funny but you twist it to say no-one messes with crazy but it still hurts ... TRUTH sing on James❤
I always think of my youngest sister who suffered depression and committed suicide in 1998. This song resonates the deeply intense feelings from her death so many years later. We were really good friends as well as sisters but, I could never talk her out of killing herself. My eyes burn with tears writing this.
May all the gods grant you peace. You were a loving and involved sister, and you tried. Stay strong for her and yourself.
Thank you so very much! I really needed to hear this; her 34 year old daughter (my niece) gave me a scare today as she’s been battling depression as well. She’s a very troubled young woman and I try to do what I believe her mother would want me to do-be a stand in mother to her. She lives across the country from me and I hate that. I just want to take her under my wing and encourage her and show her how beautiful life can be. Thank you again for your timely and kind response to me! ❤️
Four months after your posting, but I’m familiar enough with your pain to know that this reply will always be relevant. That wave of pain really has no timeline for ending: over time the peace between those waves is just longer. My son died by suicide 12 years ago and although I get through the grief I never get over it. May those memories of your sister being you peace.
Losing my son who was 26 and being 55 Fire and Rain has all new meaning to me
Sorry for your loss. I lost my little brother a few months ago.
@@demetriuscooksey7147 thank you and I'm sorry
@Lee Shaver I have two boys, 13 and 14. I can't even imagine what you've been through. My heart goes out to you man.
@@demetriuscooksey7147
thank you sir
Hugs 🫂
When I think of James Taylor it's not long till Clapton comes to mind.I don't know why.James Taylor's one of a kind and his music.
JT was a family favorite along with Johnny Rivers. Their music was the soundtracks of our everyday lives. Mom & Dad played his music, we watched his concerts on PBS. I didn't realize how important these songs were to me til Dad died. I still hear them & see our camping expeditions, mom & dad dancing, dad playing his guitar, singing out in the fields & hikes. Turning to certain songs for certain situations & times in my life. The variety encompasses all. They never grow old & touch you differently at different points in our lives.
St. Augustine's famous phrase, "He who sings, prays twice."
The Professor of Rock Needs his own TV Show.
If someone has a way of making that happen the world would be grateful for that!"
Let's hope! I would love that.
@@ProfessorofRock There's not a single good music show on TV these days,
Adam, I feel that you're a true Modern Day Casey Kasem. You present the facts and ask the artist the right questions. Music is so important to everyone. I also believe the greats should be honored on TV.
And I also feel none would be more qualified for a show like that than you. I wish you the best. May God look down upon you and bless you with a show like that. Peace.. Joe
A podcast or radio station too!
@80's here's a little known fact for ya.. MTV was inspired by a New Zealand TV show titled 'Radio with pictures'. True story.
@@ProfessorofRock Maybe you can bring the Music back to MTV. Wouldn't that be wonderful, I believe your show would make the world a better place.
Whether it is Emily Dickenson, Francisco Goya, or James Taylor, thank goodness for the artists who experience existance at it's most intense and find the ability to turn themselvs inside out and express emotions in terms we all can feel and understand.
When I was 24 and pregnant with my first daughter, my best friend Suzanne and her 8month old daughter was killed in a car accident. This song has STRONG meaning to me. I always wondered who James’ Suzanne was. I can not not think about my Suzanne when I hear it. We met in 6th grade. I am going to be 54 in two months. I still mourn for her all of these years later. She was the first of countless tragic losses in my life. 😢😢😢💔💔💔
THANK YOU, THANKS DUDE YOU TRULY ARE A AWESOME PRESENTER OF THE AWESOME MUSIC WE GREW UP WITH. NOW IN MY 60'S I STILL ENJOY THIS AWESOME MUSIC AS I DID WHEN I FIRST HEARD THEM IN MY EARLY TEENS YEARS. GODCHRIST HOLY SPIRIT JESUS BLESS GUIDE PROTECT ALL WHOM BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH AND ARE INSPIRED BY THIS INCREDIBLY SONGS, WRITERS AND SINGERS.
I danced at my wedding with my mother to this song. She and I went through so much. When she died it was what I listend to when I had to deal with the loss.
The very first song I played when my Father passed 5 years ago was Release by Pearl Jam. I then played Fire and Rain and I felt a warmth like a blanket wrap me and sooth me. I love you, Dad and thank you so very much for this one, Professor. Much love, brother
My grandfather died in 1970 - I was a young kid. He had a portable AM/FM/tape recorder (reel-to-real). He wasn't exactly a rock 'n roll / pop kind'a guy. But what I found recorded on there I'll never forget: James Taylor's Fire and Rain. Perhaps I'd heard it a bit before that, but it was from playing that taped recording that I first remember hearing it ... and will never forget.
This really blessed me today. You preached it from the pulpit of your orange chair today. James Taylor has an unmistakable voice and so simply melodic that sung out powerful words. I had no idea of his struggles but beautiful music came out of his pain. A true on going lesson that our challenge is to allow God to bring forth music out of our pain. I pray the Lord heals him. Help me sweet Jesus make it through another day. I’m 73. 5 years ago I lost my husband of 42 years and I only have gotten through each day because of Jesus. Sorry for the loss of your dad, Professor. I pray you feel that warm blanket of the Lord’s love and strength surround you. Thank for your great history of the backstory of each artist. Blessings ❤
I have a strong connection to this song. My Father passed away when I was 21 or so. I had lived with him when I was in the 2nd grade and again when I was 12 and, he was the love of my mother's life but, although he didn't have a mean bone in his 6'6 280 lb body he was an alcoholic and, couldn't hold a job . My mom had to leave him having never even had an argument because of it and reconnected with an old flame she'd known at 17 and we went to live with him when I was 4.
They'd argue and we'd move. 3 months would pass and we'd go back. For 10 years we'd repeat that, moving from Philly to Florida and back again until my stepdad passed when I was 14.
Save living with my dad who was sober and a gentle giant those couple of times I hadn't spoken to him since I was 12 until 1 night I mustered up the courage to call him ; courage I needed to break the ice and tell him I'd always loved him .
I hadn't done anything with my life in particular and was was drinking alcoholically myself by then but, I did reach him and we talked for a while and made plans to talk again. I called him 3 months later at his gun shop where we'd lived when I was 12. He'd established himself as a very well respected member of the community on Florida's panhandle and I'd grown up tall and well liked. I was playing guitar and had graduated with a degree in computer programming and thought I'd go up from Miami to see him .
Just after that I received a call from his common law wife who'm I'd lived with at 12 telling me he'd been recovering from the flu, and was almost done with it when he stood up and had a massive heart attack and died.
I thanked her, holding back tears, for telling me and said I'd call her back and then told my mom who took it hard herself.
I'd just lost my dog and now my Dad and, at some point I turned on the radio and it was the beginning of Fire and Rain.
Those lyrics "I'd always thought that I'd see you again" and just everything I'd dreamt of, "The plans (I'd) made " to go and "See (him ) again" and I wept until I couldn't cry anymore.
I'm 51 and I still have difficulty listening to the song but, it always reminds of how I'd at least gotten a chance to tell my dad I loved him and, I'd always loved him regardless of what he might have thought having not heard from me for all those years. That he'd always had a place of reverence and love in my heart. I'd never forgotten the few years before we'd left him , the few months of living with him and how I'd always thought of him as my father.
I cried a little bit during this video and, I'll always have a strong connection to Fire and Rain.
Shame really that I never called him earlier but, we can't go back to change anything so , at least we talked. I don't think it was a coincidence that I felt so strongly about calling him when I did. I think that was God letting me say goodbye so, at least there's that. R.I.P Dad, I'll be seeing you ♥️🙏
Thanks for sharing your story Stan. I'm similarly going through the same thing, but instead of alcohol, it's a wicked stepmother that I utterly despise. I've shamefully let my displeasure of her git in the way of spending time or talking to my Dad as often as I would like. We only gather about twice a year and only talk every 2-3 months. But thanks to your powerful story, all of that's about to change. God bless you man and be safe out there in this crazy world.
Stan- you brought me to tears… bless you as you walk on in life 💝
@@corablue5569 Hi Cora, I received your notification but, I couldn't imagine what it was pertaining to, until of course I read what I'd written. I'm in tears myself now but, that's okay... tears make me feel human and; tears should be shed over the people we've lost and, remember how much we loved them and miss them still I think.
The song started playing in my head the way they do and, everything came flooding back as it always does with Fire and Rain and, it's alright I think. My Dad's sort of owed at least that if that makes sense.
You never know if anyone will be bothered reading what you write if it's more than a few lines so I'm glad you had the patience and attention span to have _really_ read it.
Thank you Cora and, God bless you as well as you walk in your life ✌️❤️🙏
I often read the comments thanks 4 sharing with us all. It brought tears to my eyes as well. Real written emotions do that to me. Lots of love and happiness to u. Stay strong.
@@hillbillyslim Hey, HillbillySlim, I was never notified that you commented about my story about 3 weeks ago but, because of a different person's comment where I was notified I'm just now seeing yours. I hope that made sense to you man.
So you've decided not to let your "Wicked Stepmother" get in the way of your relationship with your Dad anymore. Man I think that's absolutely one of the best responses to a comment I've ever had. I mean that sincerely. (I'm always sincere, I just thought I'd throw that in)
To think something I wrote about my life could cause you to make a decision to not let the wicked stepmom has you only talkin' to your one and only dad who ain't gonna' be here forever right? Just like any of us right? We only get this one time around and that's it until we die.
I believe we'll see each other again, my dad and me (my mom passed away at 87 in 2017 and, I'll see her again up there but, I still think of her every day)I miss her and all these years later I regret not seeing my dad. I could have gotten up to where he was. It was my ego, my pride and he would have _LOVED_ to have seen how I'd grown into a man! I've had to live with that so you makin' up your mind like that? Cause o something I wrote?
That just touches my heart in a bigger way than you can imagine man. I'm touched and blown away. Thank you Slim.
I read the comments and the negative ones that are filled with hate maybe anger you for a minute or half an hour but, it's just a stranger hiding behind their anonymity. They don't know you so it doesn't carry any weight. You shrug it off and move on right?
It's the kind-hearted ones that come from the heart like yours that leave a lasting impression so I'm never gonna' forget this little back and forth between 2 strangers who have a few things in common like all people right? We're all dealing with our own personal human experiences but, we have more in common than the things that divide us.
I have a wicked half brother and you have a wicked stepmother, we both caught the Professor's Fire and Rain video and on and on. We all feel love and pain and everything that makes us uniquely human and, what an absolute pleasure when we can touch each other's hearts like you touched mine.
Thanks man and God bless you too. Be safe in this crazier than ever world and, one last thing.
Take action please! Go see your Dad if there's a way. Try to make one if there ain't and don't let anything git in the way because, man things can happen in a blink of an eye.
James Taylor has that other one "Shower the people you love with love... show them the way that you feel " (it just hit me now I swear I haven't thought of that one in year's man)
I wish you all the best in doing something like that with your dad man, all the best to you and your family, God bless you all, with love, Stan in Miami ✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
As a resident of southern New England. I Have had the opportunity to attend many of JT's concerts. Most recently less than a year ago at the Providence Dunkin Center. Yes there were many folks like me in their 70s. But want I was surprised to observe that perhaps 50% of the attendees were 20/30 something. All fully participating singing and dancing. Great music is ageless.
Thanks for video. I had no idea about the history.
Tina Turner died yesterday. I found this channel and subscribed today
Heard it in my teens…. 69. 70s. JT is the man…….guess i have a soft spot for people who make music to say something in stead of just to make noise…… hes just as great today…. Just as humble….. he is historic….. may you live forever Sweet Baby James
Carly Simon said that he never talked to her again after their divorce. It hurt her, and I had a bad view of him for that. But knowing he struggled with some mental health issues explains some of it. He may have been too overwhelmed by her insightfulness. Her songs are incredible. She is able to see right into the heart of things. I hope they were able to talk again.
Wow! Your comment goes deep. Many may not see it. Unfortunately, divorced is... divorced. It is not "let's occasionally get together." His pain, anger, hurt, or hate may be greater than we can ever feel, or imagine.
I’ve come to like Carly better myself
@@robertlang4292 Divorced doesn’t always mean no contact. This is particularly true if there are children involved. Also, divorced couples sometimes do come to an understanding and can communicate even though they know they can’t ever live with each other again.
I avoid my ex-wife like the plague.
@@robertlang4292 , it doesn't have to be that way. My ex and I had a good marriage and an equally good divorce. It just didn't work out to stay married, doesnt mean we didnt still love each other. I still measure all men by him, 35 years later, and few measure up.
You’ll also hear James Taylor singing background vocals for his good friend, Carole King, on the recording of her song (which I think she wrote for him), ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ only a few months after ‘Fire and Rain’ was released. For me, these two songs belong together - in time and theme. Taylor also recorded this song himself, and it became his second solo hit (and his first No. 1 hit).
Carole King is a legend
Totally agree...they go together
James did a version of that song as well.
Fire and Rain has a special place in my heart as it pulled me out of a very dark place back in 1975 when my husband was killed by a drunk driver leaving me with three small children ages three years two years and 11 days old I was 23yrs old at the time
I saw James Taylor and Carole King at the old Boston Garden in 1970, when I was a junior in high school with friends. It was Carole’s first tour, and while she had written so many great songs for others, but she had never toured. It was a magical night…we were all blown away. They did a reunion tour about a decade ago at the new Boston Garden and blew us all away again!!! Some of my favorite music ever!! 💚🎵🎶🎼👏🏻☮️
James Taylor should be known as the King of folk music. The only true contender against that tittle would be Jim Croce..
True that!
Serious competition here.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 true.
#1 folk for me is Gordon Lightfoot! He is pure genius!
@@trailerparkcryptoking5213 You must have broke out Old Dan's Records..
No mistaking the trademark voice of James Taylor. As soon as he opens his mouth you instantly know who’s singing. Musical talent runs deep in the Taylor family-his brother Livingston sounds a lot like him. Since those very dark times, James has enjoyed a legendary career spanning six decades and is still going strong, and he's one of the few cases who not only survived a terrible heroin addiction, but went on to bigger and better things. Thanks for sharing your deep personal connection to this classic song, Adam.
He had such a distinct and heart lifting voice. Thanks Robster. Always a pleasure my friend.
53 years on and still going strong! I admire that.
True about Livingston Taylor. Another amazing artist.
It’s amazing to think this intro describes James Taylor especially the JT we love and know today. If you ever get to see him in Lenox MA where he also happens to live, do it. The show has a different vibe than seeing him anywhere else.
Powerful Testimony in his Song.
Thank You Professor and
*"Thank You James Taylor!♡¡"*
James is a legend! Not for His music, but His victory over addiction. He’s a great Guy and friend
Thank you Miss Hoffman, my 7th grade English teacher for playing that album almost every week during study time in 1971-72. I’ll never forget JT or my wonderful teacher.
This song helped me when i was getting off heroin... i never thought of it as a song about addiction necessarily, but years later, i learned he wrote it coming from a similar place that i was feeling.
It’s a tough one.
Thank you for sharing your story. Fire and Rain seriously helped me through my youth and it was a genuine prayer for my survival and I made it. Thank you, James Taylor. Thank you for sharing, Adam Reader.
He is fantastic live. He can make a large audience feel like he’s having a one on one conversation
JT didn't survive by his strength alone. He survived because he surrendered to win. Ty JT.
God not only answered his prayer, but gave JT more than he ever could have hoped for or imagined. JT's talent helped you, me and countless others. Thanks, Professor, for this tribute to this legend of rock as I was unaware of the man's early and prfound misery.
This song always touched me at the deepest levels... so many of us have been at that desperate make or break moment. The line that really resonates with me is: "won't you look down upon me Jesus, you gotta help me a stand, you just got to see me through another day." Sitting on a park bench one night, trying to decide if I wanted to continue to live or not, I can relate to this moment. Glad I stayed, and grateful that today I am living in the result of everything that I prayed for. Beautiful, hopeful song. Thanks for sharing the story. ❤
Absolutely LOVE James Taylor and have always felt Fire and Rain very deeply. Never knew the background until today. Wow.
Being a recovering opiate addict, I can fully understand what JT was going through. Getting clean was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, even after 30 years there’s still always that fear and desperation.
I think what makes a song like great, is that it is universally relatable.
“Fire and Rain” was one of my first favorite songs - and it has remained so all these decades later. It hits me squarely in the feels every single time.
Same!
It’s so strong.
Me too, every time! I would just give anything for 1 of those old K Tel compilation albums, with the classic singer/songwriters of the 70s. Unfortunately I doubt they made that one, or that it would be available in playable condition, on vinyl or CD. Such a shame.
This made me weep as it was a message from the grave of my sweet husband....who absolutely loved James Taylor. And Jesus ! Thank you !
His legacy lives on through his children - Ben Taylor sounds just like Dad, and JT’s songs transcend generations of music -
So happy we have James Taylor’s music.
James Taylor has created a body of work that is still outstanding-He's a true music legend.
2 children by Carly was an achievement also. His so Ben looks just like him and his voice is like his dads too.
James Taylor... an American TREASURE. 🙏🏼
I had a friend names Suzanne and she was murdered by her estranged husband and since then this song has reminded me of her and her tragic death by getting a frantic call from a mutual friend. I still miss her so very much
Wow, that’s awful.
I love James Taylor. I often sit on my porch overlooking the bay and put JT's music on. It gives me peace of mind and the voice is soothing. I saw him about 5 years ago and he sounded just as wonderful now as the first time I heard him over 50 years ago.
He still sings perfectly. His voice has aged so well.
I saw a video of him doing a concert back in 2019 and he still sounded youthful.
Me too! In Pensacola with Bonnie Raitt. You?
@@Teavinylgod In Tampa. I am pretty sure he was the only act that night.
This song was playing when I was on the to my friend's funeral years ago. He died by suicide. I think of him every time I hear this song. I knew this song was about loss but not the story behind it. I had no idea this man that has given so much has struggled so much. Thank you for the background on this.
A painter who use’s words to paint his life’s masterpieces in stories.
Pain is cleansing when we turn turn to God for guidance. James showed us and at such an early age♥️
Right. He can truly heal if we pray to Him in our deepest moments.
I'm a long time fan of yours, and I've always put you in the "star" category as you've been teaching me facts for years. But to hear you talk about your family and pain in the losses of, makes me realize that you're just one of us. You are one of us. I think that, that may be the real reason I'm a fan. You're just a guy with a great gift, and I want to thank you for sharing it with us. Thanks Professor. Please keep'em coming.
As someone who hasn’t experienced any recent losses and therefore does not have much experience with comforting grieving loved ones, I have to say Adam’s story of his dad has really opened my eyes.
Well said!!
Every time I watch an episode I immediately go watch the song on UA-cam. I can’t be the only one. This is a song that’s on my playlist but I had to experience it again tonight.
James Taylor will go down in my book as one of the top 10 greats of songwriter performers. Love him in concert!
"Fire & Rain" usually brings tears to my eyes. Some songs do that to me like "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper, "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins to name a few.
As most JT fans, we know most of his history but with your passion for digging deep we discover even more to make us cherish him and his body of work. Thanks Adam!
African proverb: Without song, the soul cannot soar to heaven.
This was my sister's favorite song by JT. Before her death at just 33 years old, Kelly was a nurse at LA County hospital in the 80's and stuck herself while capping a needle, unknowingly exposing herself to HIV. This was four months before the world heard of AIDS. She didn't know she was HIV+, got married, pregnant with twins, and then really sick. She was finally diagnosed with AIDS in 1990 and given 18 months to live. She lived for nearly five years and died on National Nurses' Day, May 6, 1995.
Kelly once saw JT in concert and was really upset that he did not play Fire and Rain. After watching this video, it makes more sense why JT might have been reluctant to play this song every time. What an intensely personal and emotional experience to share with your fans when they're in front of you instead of listening to your voice on a record.
I wish Kelly could have understood that. In any case, every time I hear Fire and Rain it converts a bit of my grief into a smile while remembering my sister. Thank you for that, JT, and to the Professor of Rock for relating JT's story.
#JamesTaylor
#JT
Music affects me in the same way. I was making a big change in my life awhile back, and I was both excited and very anxious. For weeks I waited for the call of opportunity to come. And when it did, I was so scared to move forward with it. Then I listened to "We are the Champions" by Queen. I felt like God was speaking to me through Freddie's lyrics to trust in this change of opportunity I was given. It was the best thing I did for myself.
I didn't know he had such struggles. I never listened to the words to his songs. I only listened to his music which sounded soft and melodic. No one would ever think think there was so much pain and sorrow behind the music. ❤
Oh, Lord have mercy, Professor! The first time I heard James Taylor's "Fire And Rain", I was with Judy Collins' kid sister, Holly Ann, at a boarding school in New Hampshire. At the time, her big sister, 'Suite Judy Blue Eyes', was on tour for her 'Whales And Nightingales' album, which featured her top 20 version of 'Amazing Grace'; also at the time, my late older brother, Charles, was on tour as a guitarist in The Buddy Miles Band. It wasn't until years later, shortly before my brother's death, that he told me that he had recorded a version of "Fire And Rain" with Buddy Miles, but they never got around to releasing it. My brother, years after leaving Buddy's band, and recording a few records with his own bands (which failed); after turning down a job offer from Ted Nugent, after auditioning to get into Kiss (but was turned down in favor of Vinnie Vincent), after being in Meatloaf's band,-he formed a band with (drum roll, please) Danny Kortchmar! The name of the band was Slo Leak, and they ended up recording three albums together. I showed up at my brother's deathbed the day before he died-with a Bible-and by my side was my earliest childhood friend, Jonathan. In the fall of 1980, he was in a plane crash in South America with Peter Frampton; in which, Peter lost his classic Black Les Paul that he played on 'Frampton Comes Alive' (he would later, years later, recover that guitar). Jonathan remembers looking through the plane wreckage while it was still in pieces on the ground (Caracas, Venezuela). 39 years later, he showed up at my brother's deathbed! Now, if someone could only find The Buddy Miles Band version of "Fire And Rain" with my brother on guitar and singing backup vocals (sigh)!
Think I kinda met James Taylor at a picnic. Mid 70s was invited to a friends house. His wife was on maternity leave with his new son named Jim Jr. After being introduced to her, she said now we have 4 Jims (also my name) and she waved to a tall guy having a drink, hanging back by the trees. He raised his beer as an acknowledgement and faded into the back. Found out later that she was a backup singer and had invited him.
GENIUS is actually the brink of😢 MADNESS.
JT is one of my all time favorites!!!!
Same! Thanks for watching!
He’s a great performer.
James Taylor, Lisa Minelli and i share the same birth date, March 12th. We are extremely sensitive and compensate by sharing our emotional talent to cure the soul. Peace everyone ✌️
I relate. That’s my birthday also and I’m a HSP. ✌🏻
There is also Jack Kerouac, Al Jarreau, Barbara Feldon.
and Gorbachev...
Seminole Wind by James Taylor is one of those covers that surpass, artistically, the original.
(Thanks so much for your testimony)
No anguish,no art. True for every genre.
Intense pain so often leads to the most amazing art. James Taylor's pain led to a prayer, which led to his success, and inspiration for millions. It speaks a lot to the power of music and prayer. That doesn't necessarily have to mean religion. It's FAITH, and belief in _something,_ whether it's a deity, the universe, or just your own voices. That's power.
Music is such a beautiful form of medicine from the bad. It shows light in the tunnel of darkness. A great and expressive song indeed. Cheers
It hits you right in the gut...Thanks RC32!
@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely!
Music saves our soul. Cheers 🍻
I graduated high school in 1972. A '66 Chevy 2 Nova and an 8 track player playing James Taylor consumed my days while growing up in a West Texas town. James Taylor is embedded in me as much as the influence of my parents. He is in my core of what is me. He has given so much to so many of us.
For a while, you were a professor of The Rock. Music is for the healing of the spirit.
I had no idea about his sordid history and as usual you dealt with this sensitive subject beautifully! Thanks Professor !
I am just crying right now. 😭 Your story, these lyrics of JT and Sir Elton John combined with memories of those I have lost and my own dark moments have got me crying. I hope everyone finds comfort in this song. God bless you, Professor of Rock. ✌🏼💖
It’s very, very sad.
Fire and rain usually brings me to tears. The voice the guitar and the vocals. Maybe the best song ever.
After I heard the explanation of this song, I felt depressed. His ability to write something so beautiful is a victory.
I view this beautifully haunting song as the sort of question answered by another of his great songs-“Shower the People.” Gotta love JT. He always taps into that spirit of humanity that you point to at the beginning of this video. Thanks!
Always loved his voice but,never knew this tragic side of it ! How inspirational and heartfelt. Thanks for the vid.
I play JT when I want to feel at ease. One of my favorite places to be is the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and "Carolina In My Mind" soothes me when I'm away from there too long.