I was 15 years old when Fire and Rain came out shortly after my mother's suicide. I felt like someone finally understood my pain. I have resonated with James Taylor's take on love and life ever since and have enjoyed several of his concerts. Thank you, James!
God bless you, sweetheart. I can't imagine the pain you felt as a teenager, and how you coped with that trauma in your formative years. It seems that we have songs that will immediately transport us back to a particular time or place in our lives, no matter how old we get. Sending you hugs from Texas!
@@festivelady826Thank you so much! I can be transported back every time I hear this song - back to the "Fire and Rain". It is painful, yet cleansing and healing. I can smile now and know that life goes on and the memories can get us through. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to respond to someone who experienced the worst pain to ever hit me - my mother's funeral was the first funeral I ever attended - definitely the hardest and I am now 70 years old. God has given me so many blessings and I am forever grateful for James Taylor sharing his most intimate pain and feelings through his music. Teenage years are so difficult. May God bless all who need comfort! Blessings to you, @festivelady826! Thank you!
I admire James Taylor for all of his struggles and all of his hardships. But I also admire him for being such an inspiration for me to play guitar. Thank you, James Taylor for All of your wonderful music.👍👍❤️🎼🎶🎸
I’m 69 now and have been a big JT fan since I was 15. I always found his songs very well crafted, beautiful and interesting. I knew a lot about him but I have learned more from watching this video. Thank you.
I was in the backseat, my cousin from California driving and a few "hippy" friends, I was 15. The song Fire and Rain came on the radio, and I will never forget the sound, the experience of that day. It is a moment that if I were holding an artists brush, I could recreate in detail. I, not an artist, have captured it in words to share someday in the wind. Thanks for triggering a memory that is normally held to the song!!
I had a portable 8 track player as a child. I would plug in his greatest hits to go to sleep by and those lyrics are now forever engrained in head and my heart.
Fun stuff, thank you so much for sharing your life story. We're very happy to know that you're a fan of James. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
I was happy, as a hippie, in the latter part of th 1960s. I constantly listened to James Taylor, when I was in my van. Driving around with my 10 speaker 8-track player; Bob dylan and CSA
I have always loved James, and he has, with his music, brought me through a lot of fire and rain. Yes, I did think he lost his love Suzanne in a plane crash…..I’m sorry to know it was a suicide situation….I have been blessed to see the emotional, wonderful transformation of James since the early seventies. I grew up in Conn. and he did several concerts close to there. I went to everyone. Sometimes he would be barefoot, wrinkled pants, and cigs. Rolled up in his sleeve of a tshirt…..but he was personable, and would sit on the edge of the stage including and engaging himself right into he audience.I remember a concert I cried at, just after he and Carly broke up, and the audience continually called out for Carly. I saw the pain in his eyes, but he just kept singing….never saying a word about carly. When he was done, he sweetly waved and walked off.I’ve felt his lyrics every time I listen to him.I last saw him at the Tampa forum in Florida…….I was seated next to what I thought was an exit, and sure enough, when Carole and James walked out from that under, exit, I was thrilled to be that close to both of them. I waited until the halftime part of the show when they both walked hand and hand back under the exit, and told the lady in front of me…you should have shook his hand. She laughed. When they left the stage at the end of the show, I leaned over the rail with my arm out to try to get his attention. He saw me, walked past, and then stopped, dropped carols hand, and turned and came back and took my hand in both his large, sweet, soft hands and with a light of love in his eyes, he looked me straight in the eyes, and smiled. All I could say was thank you, thank you so much…his nod of the head was an acknowledgement that he felt my heart and sincerity.I appreciated him taking the time, and caring enough for one girl in an audience of thousands, to make my hearts desire to thank him for helping me through some very hard times to come true. I will turn 65 this April, and James is playing wherever I am, even in the car. He has a very healing effect in my heart and my soul. Thank you James……you are an important human being in my life and always will be. Jesus did look down upon you, and He helped you make a stand……he helped you through another day…and brought you to where you are now. You are humble and quiet spirited..and gentle of heart! God bless you, and I am one soul that’s forever grateful for every song you’ve written and sung!❤jane holmes, west virginia
Yes, that was an awesome story you told. Thank you for sharing. I am 65 too and remember quite well with my ex husband and I always listened to James Taylor, a very talented person. My ex and I still talk and remember James Taylor music.
James didn't write the entire song Fire and Rain in rehab. He actually started it in England. His girlfriend from the time he was in NYC 1966-67 was Suzanne Schnerr. Summer of 1967, JT returned home to dry out and by Jan 1968, he picked up and travelled to London where he met Peter Asher head of A/R for Apple records (The Beatles) and signed on to create his first album "James Taylor". Suzanne tragically took her life in May 1968. None of JT's NY friends wanted to tell him at the time as he was in the opportunity of a lifetime recording with the Beatles and his susceptibility to drugs and depression. After the album was completed in October, JT celebrated the end of the recording and I believe it was his drummer Joel O'Brien, who was connected to the friends in NYC, that finally told him of the fate of Suzanne. James went back to his flat in Nottinghill Gate and wrote the opening verse to the song... Now soon after JT returned to the states in first of 1969 and did check into Austen Riggs in western Massachusetts where he wrote the songs for his "Sweet Baby James" album as well as completed Fire and Rain.
Thank you you're good wasn't just wrong his voice irritates the fk outta me I never watch his stuff happened to roll up on it twice to see how wrong he is booo to him you get a , 👍😻💕💪
The newspaper clipping at the time said the New York City Transit Authority Police reported that Suzanne either jumped or fell into the path of a New York City subway train. It is not really known if she committed suicide or fell or maybe was pushed into the path of a subway train. Considering that New York City was a dangerous place at the time, and crazy people have been pushing people to their deaths in front of subway trains for like 120 years now, it's a possibility that her death was not suicide after all.
Everything he wrote here is true. In a documentary about the singer where the entire thing was an in depth interview, he spoke about the girl, the story and his struggles with heroine. How he was in a room in some dive in NY and his father called him and said he was driving down from Mass to get him. He saved his life. At the time his girlfriend was struggling with addiction too but her family either had her committed to a mental hospital or were trying to have her committed (instead of rehab) and she took her life over it. This was why the line “Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you” was penned. He felt terribly guilty but her death wasn’t because of him.
The album, Sweet Baby James played over and over again in my room as a 15 year old. Now 68 I’ve unfortunately gone deaf. But I can listen to his beautiful music in my mind…and I do. ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you James Taylor. I have been listening to your songs for decades. Looking forward to your concert later this year at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Tickets have already been bought. :) Side note…I have spent all of my adult life singing your songs in my car on road trips, traffic jams, and sometimes just for some relaxing when running errands. You have given so much happiness, peace and now nostalgia to so many. Simply thank you. You made a difference in my life.
I don't think a person really knows what life really means until they lose someone they truly love. My mother died in September of 2017 and after we left the hospital on that bitterly cold fall afternoon, driving away from that place, I was struck and crestfallen to notice the world just kept going , people rushing through their days , completely unaware and oblivious of what had just happened to our family, losing our beautiful mom. It was like I was in a glass bubble and no one could hear me crying out in my pain. I knew then that life is so short and comes to an end for everyone, one day. Love each other for all you're worth. And mean it.
Everyone who was in their late teens and early 20s knew exactly why "Fire and Rain" was written, even if we had not (yet) had experience with addiction. He was the heartthrob of all my girlfriends and I, and we cried over the death of Suzanne. That phrase, "I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end" perfectly embodies the feelings of anyone who has been so depressed they are praying for nighttime so they can go to bed and not hurt for a while. So glad he got clean and continued his musical career! He's still so handsome with those beautiful blue eyes!
I never realized what that line could mean to someone going through depression. I keep finding new things in his lyrics after all these years. I just started to teach myself the guitar parts, but there seems no way in hell I could sing much of the song without choking up.
As one of James's greatest fan, I still listen regularly to his music till my present age of 61. A very inspiring bio of the man who I've considered an unbeatable icon till today.
There is a simplicity in James’ songs, almost as if he is singing to himself. I wore out my 8-track of his music. I felt the echoes of his depression and sadness and I was there myself. The addiction was devastating for him and I’m thankful that I never had to deal with that. I’m so grateful that he sought help and healing. I understand his need to write Fire and Rain. I felt comforted that he could articulate the depression and pain that I had experienced in my life. More than any other song he sang, it touched me deeply and I knew I was not alone in my sadness. I’m grateful to James Taylor for his music and soul. I will always be his fan. ❤❤❤
I was blessed to see James Taylor in 1971 at Dayton's Hara Arena. Carole King opened for him. At that time I had no idea what glorious talent I was witnessing.
Thank you so much for this very candid view of James. I'm 68 years old & from Tasmania Australia & I've been a huge Fan of James Taylor since I was 15 years old. I lost my 36 year old Son 12 months ago, so Fire & Rain has an even more profound effect on me now, more than ever. I wwon a Talent Quest 30 years ago singing Fire & Rain & I'm also a big Fan of Carol King & have performed Classic Songs of both James & Carol when I was in a Band many years ago. Thank you James Taylor for all of your incredible Music through the years, it has helped shape the life I've had, in many ways. Fire & Rain will always have a place in my heart. Thank you also, FactsVerse for the information & background that you have provided regarding this most Iconic Song. Warmest Regards, Zoe 🙂
Like so many others who have left comments here, I discovered James Taylor with Sweet Baby James. In my case, as a freshman in high school in 1971. His music impacted me greatly as a young man and inspired me to write and perform m own music which I still do to this day. I wore out that album because I listened to it constantly, as I did with most of his albums that followed. Hope that someday I can thank him personally for giving me his gift of music…
@@FactsVerse That’s a very tough question. Fire and Rain is iconic and I love it. II also love Shower the People and Never Die Young. Perhaps the most evocative for me is Walking Man. For some reason, it takes me back to my senior year in high school - one fall day in particular, riding a school bus on our way from Toronto to Stratford, Ontario, to the Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Lots of farm country along the way. Strange what we sometimes associate with a given song…
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter, and musician....one of my best songs from James Taylor is Shower The People...this song became a hit in 1976...from James Taylor's Album In The Pocket...a very meaningful song, yet powerful song
The band badlands with Ray Gillen singing and Jake E Lee playing guitar covered this song on their second album and it was a very great surprise, excellently done with taste and respect. A timeless song that mirrors much of my own life story. Thank you James, glad you sought help.
My Favorite song Is Shower the People You Love. Thanks for the Clarity on his friends Suicide, I heard she was on her Way to see his concert and her Plane Crashed!
The night I learned my dad passed away, I was lost. I tore up my house, did a lot of drinking and listened to this song about 75 times. I will forever love this song and I will forever think of my dad the second I hear it.
I think he was saying I’ve seen so much, good and bad and out of all he’s seen he always thought he’d see Suzanne again- but now he won’t. It will rain again but Suzanne is gone.
I truly admire James Taylor for his enormous musical talents 0:40 . When you’re young and impressionable, you can easily get lost. I thanked the guidance and discipline my parents imposed upon us their children and I came out of those turbulent years if thr 70s and 80s, unscathed. Yes, I’m a great fan of James Taylor and most of the music icons but I knew, at a young age, how to discern from right and wring. Thank you Mom and Dad and may you rest in peace.
I've loved his music since the first time I heard him sing, in 1970, with Fire and Rain playing in its entirety, on our AM radio. My stepbrother was a year or two out of his stint in Vietnam. He took me hunting. Fortunately, I didn't shoot a thing. Don't get me wrong. I thought I wanted to hunt. But, the idea of actually taking some game home that day didn't feel right. My brother got a duck. His wife made the dinner. And, it was very good.
Comprei o album de JT quando tinha 14 anos. Sou brasileira e já estudava inglês e entendia suas composições. Me conectei com ele e suas letras que tocam o coração e faz com que tenhamos contato com nossas emoções. Eu assisti um show de JT em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Muitas informações nesse documentário eu não sabia sobre sua vida pessoal. Ele realmente é um artista incrível. Eu o ouço até os dias de hoje com os meus 60 anos❤
His father Taught in Colleges as Professor, he took a job at UNC CHAPEL HILL College N. Carolina .... when James was young. His brother Livingston also played and sang ..... was also a heroin addict and did not survive it. James and Harry Chapin are the two very most talented American troubadours .... incredible talents in composing, singing and playing music ! GBjj
James Taylor was a real influence in my musical development. The words and depth of his messages were deeply meaningful to me. Guess I was nieve when I first heard “Fire & Rain”. Can’t think of a single song of his I don’t live. Thanks for the info. The explanations make sense.
To be honest, the creative mind needs time to reflect. It is emotion that brings on the creative spark. As for abuse I can only venture a guess and that is the need to quiet the mind. I am thankful for the comforting medium reached.
1976 after moving out of the house prior to getting a divorce in Okinawa, i drove around the island on my motorcycle listening to JTs Gorilla and In The Pocket albums... Wandering, love song, shower the people... at 76 years old my favorite is Mean Old Man...
He has and always will be one of my favorite artists. Most all of his songs I could relate to since I was a youngster listening while thinking I know the feeling well. I often would sing along with the tapes and drowned out the world. Thank you James for your musical legacy. Lol one of my dreams was to one day sing the song "Country Roads" with him.
His Motown song; “How sweet it is to be loved by you “ is my favorite James Taylor song. That bass line really thumping. Never knew the story behind his “ Fire and Rain” it’s both sad and heartwarming.
I first saw him at a place called Tanglewood. God I must’ve been 17 that was years ago and he still lives all about 40 miles away to me in Massachusetts. Anyways, you can listen to JT anytime and enjoy it.
Me too! We saw him in Great Woods, which is called the Xfinity Center now. The spot in Western Mass where he lives is beautiful, although getting up there is not for those who have issues with heights as the vistas right along the roadway are stunning but a bit scary!
I was going to make a comment , changed my mind until I saw yours. I saw James Taylor at Tanglewood also, in the summer of 1974. A bunch of us girls got wasted( one was SICK). Then James started the opening chords of “ Mockingbird”… and out of the back of the stage came Carly to sing it with him. She had on the outfit I’ve seen a few times( might have been same night) it was a skintight body suit that was a dark green & darkblue with some white . We went wild !! My poor GF who was puking never got to see Carly. She kept insisting she wasn’t there until we found an article that said she had joined her husband on the stage. I was all of 18 at the time.Fond memories of being a teen when music was REAL.😊
I have always thought that James' place is at the top of the short list of great singer/songwriters, along with Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg & Warren Zevon
"Knocking Round The Zoo" is a part of all that. Having had his girlfriend Susan dying, losing a couple of band members (The Original Flying Machine) to drug overdoses and his breakdown and institutionalization are all explored in his early works. The entirety of the Taylor clan had addiction problems. His father attended Harvard Med and being the Dean of the medical school in in Chapel Hill. His father was a functional alcoholic and each and every member of his family had emotional and addiction problems. Livington Taylor didn't have the success that James had, but it was not for lack of talent. His older sister Kate had problems and more than one sibling had treatment for depression. Oddly, his family was well off and he married Carly Simon (whose father was the head of Simon and Schuster Publishing) and was also from a well-off family. Carly Simon has admitted that the end of their marriage after ten years was due to his addiction. His second marriage also lasted ten years. Just one more person with demons, which he (at partially) defeated.
His band members didn’t OD during this time. They just broke up. JT’s friend from his early teen years and co founder of The Original Flying Machine Guitarist Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar was the person who introduced JT to Peter Asher in London via a phone number. Asher was part of the famed Peter and Gordon duo. When they came to the US to perform the US promoter hired a US band to back them up. That was Kortchmar’s band The King Bees. Danny and Peter became life long friends …and remain to this day. Kortchmar’s musical bio includes playing on , writing and producing many hits and albums. He was on most of JT’s albums at least through Flag including the famous Troubadour Reunion Tour. Kortchmar was a very important part of JT’s career including introducing Carole King to JT. (Danny played on Carole’s early songwriting demos through many hit albums and tours for some of the top artists in the industry (example Don Henley) They remain close friends through the present time. 😂Bass player Zachary Wiesner while not playing with JT again, co wrote/wrote several songs reordered by JT including Never Die Young. 🎉 Joel “Bishop “ O’Brien was the drummer on early JT albums as well as a few songs on Carole Kings hit album Tapestry He was also a member of Kortchmar s The King Bees and Jo Mama bands. No Mama made 2 albums and often backed Carole King’s early solo career. While he Imodium credited by some of drug use with JY, Joel died of cancer in 2004.🎉
Not surprised at all it makes sense. I always thought there were 2 or 3 stories in that song. English is my second language so for years I listened to it trying the get the meaning. Specially on my own depression days as closet young guy in a small backwards religious town. The song for so e reason Even being sad left me with a sense of better times to come. That it could overcome things. Now many many years later it makes total sense and also why even being a sad song leaves you with a warn light at the end of the tunnel sensation. Thank you!
James Taylor holds a heartfelt memory of sadness and better times ahead ❤ I remember Bob Dylan and others the same way. Neal Young also comes to mind ❤
No I was not surprised I knew much about it and him. I lived in Stockbridge and have friends that are nurses at Riggs. He lives here now in Lenox and is a kind man.
I thought I read or heard somewhere that "fire" referred to electroshock therapy and "rain" referred to a follow up cold shower treatment while he was institutionalized. Regardless, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful with multiple deep meanings.
Yeah I always heard the song is very different from the original rough demo. Lyrics were I mean. I think the final mastered recording is broken into three separate stages of his life. His experience losing his old friend to suicide, his recovery from addiction, and his spiritual and personal struggle to sort of come into his own. I think I even remember hearing he was a Christian post rehab. I'm not an expert tho these are just things I've heard from others and I love his songs. Especially Fire And Rain. James Taylor is seriously the f**king man for writing that absolute masterpiece of a song.
Absolutely! We feel the same way. Thank you for sharing your sentiments and for watching our content. What other types of video would you like to see on Facts Verse?
I think his break up with Caryl drove him to get help as shortly after that he went into rehab knowing he had had lost the love of his life due to his addiction.
She either fell, or jumped, from the 23rd St station platform onto the path of the northbound Pelham Bay subway train at 12:40 pm on 14 May 1968. Pretty sad. She was just 19 yrs. old. 😪🙏💫❤
When James Taylor played "Fire and Rain" at the 9/11 Concert, the verse about the flying machines in pieces on the ground made me think that the song was prophetic. Talking about Suzanne that was now gone due to these flying machines. During the 70's when I listened to it, I didn't know the background of the song, but I loved it. It touched so many in many different ways.
Flying Machine was the name of his old band. It doesn’t refer to airplanes in this song, but rather to the break up of that band. Suzanne committed suicide and did not die in a plane crash. The reference in association with 9/11 can certainly have significance to what happened that day.
The only hit song that I am aware of that contains a prayer to Jesus whose name is not used mockingly. Don't know that James Taylor is a Christian but it does show that when all is lost you might see the light.
It was over-played so much and for so many years, it makes it difficult for me to like it. I love Brother James, and always will. But please don't play this song! He has so many wonderful songs, but everyone thinks of Fire and Rain (sigh)
Astrologers say his chart indicates a soldier who died in civil war but he was in love at the time. Many references to civil war in his songs. Its the sorrow of lost love. Sure is.
back in the 80s when i went to chapel hill high, there was an old cinder block shed in the middle of the woods near a large creek that apparently Taylor partied in when he was younger, I guess in the 60s. not 100% it was true but everyone at the time said it was. we also partied in that shed.
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I was 15 years old when Fire and Rain came out shortly after my mother's suicide. I felt like someone finally understood my pain. I have resonated with James Taylor's take on love and life ever since and have enjoyed several of his concerts. Thank you, James!
Very interesting, thanks for sharing your life story! Be strong and enjoy the rest of your evening ♥
So sad but you had the strength to share this. I’m sure that it will help others. You are a kind and decent person.
Well done.
God bless you, sweetheart. I can't imagine the pain you felt as a teenager, and how you coped with that trauma in your formative years. It seems that we have songs that will immediately transport us back to a particular time or place in our lives, no matter how old we get. Sending you hugs from Texas!
@@festivelady826Thank you so much! I can be transported back every time I hear this song - back to the "Fire and Rain". It is painful, yet cleansing and healing. I can smile now and know that life goes on and the memories can get us through. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to respond to someone who experienced the worst pain to ever hit me - my mother's funeral was the first funeral I ever attended - definitely the hardest and I am now 70 years old. God has given me so many blessings and I am forever grateful for James Taylor sharing his most intimate pain and feelings through his music. Teenage years are so difficult. May God bless all who need comfort! Blessings to you, @festivelady826! Thank you!
@@FactsVerse Thank you so much for your kind words. Much appreciated and thank you for the encouragement to be strong.
I admire James Taylor for all of his struggles and all of his hardships. But I also admire him for being such an inspiration for me to play guitar. Thank you, James Taylor for All of your wonderful music.👍👍❤️🎼🎶🎸
I’m 69 now and have been a big JT fan since I was 15. I always found his songs very well crafted, beautiful and interesting.
I knew a lot about him but I have learned more from watching this video. Thank you.
I was in the backseat, my cousin from California driving and a few "hippy" friends, I was 15. The song Fire and Rain came on the radio, and I will never forget the sound, the experience of that day. It is a moment that if I were holding an artists brush, I could recreate in detail. I, not an artist, have captured it in words to share someday in the wind. Thanks for triggering a memory that is normally held to the song!!
I had a portable 8 track player as a child. I would plug in his greatest hits to go to sleep by and those lyrics are now forever engrained in head and my heart.
Fun stuff, thank you so much for sharing your life story. We're very happy to know that you're a fan of James. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
Him and Joni Mitchell kept my head above water as a teenager I’m 68 now and still love their songs ❤❤❤
Music, álbum Gorila do ano de 1975. Uma música imortal.
A música mais linda dele. Adoro ouvir e tocar no violão... Music.
I was happy, as a hippie, in the latter part of th 1960s. I constantly listened to James Taylor,
when I was in my van. Driving around with my 10 speaker 8-track player; Bob dylan and CSA
I’ve seen him in concert several times. He’s extremely talented and humble. Sweet baby James helped me get through high school and my teens.❤
I have always loved James, and he has, with his music, brought me through a lot of fire and rain. Yes, I did think he lost his love Suzanne in a plane crash…..I’m sorry to know it was a suicide situation….I have been blessed to see the emotional, wonderful transformation of James since the early seventies. I grew up in Conn. and he did several concerts close to there. I went to everyone. Sometimes he would be barefoot, wrinkled pants, and cigs. Rolled up in his sleeve of a tshirt…..but he was personable, and would sit on the edge of the stage including and engaging himself right into he audience.I remember a concert I cried at, just after he and Carly broke up, and the audience continually called out for Carly. I saw the pain in his eyes, but he just kept singing….never saying a word about carly. When he was done, he sweetly waved and walked off.I’ve felt his lyrics every time I listen to him.I last saw him at the Tampa forum in Florida…….I was seated next to what I thought was an exit, and sure enough, when Carole and James walked out from that under, exit, I was thrilled to be that close to both of them. I waited until the halftime part of the show when they both walked hand and hand back under the exit, and told the lady in front of me…you should have shook his hand. She laughed. When they left the stage at the end of the show, I leaned over the rail with my arm out to try to get his attention. He saw me, walked past, and then stopped, dropped carols hand, and turned and came back and took my hand in both his large, sweet, soft hands and with a light of love in his eyes, he looked me straight in the eyes, and smiled. All I could say was thank you, thank you so much…his nod of the head was an acknowledgement that he felt my heart and sincerity.I appreciated him taking the time, and caring enough for one girl in an audience of thousands, to make my hearts desire to thank him for helping me through some very hard times to come true. I will turn 65 this April, and James is playing wherever I am, even in the car. He has a very healing effect in my heart and my soul. Thank you James……you are an important human being in my life and always will be. Jesus did look down upon you, and He helped you make a stand……he helped you through another day…and brought you to where you are now. You are humble and quiet spirited..and gentle of heart! God bless you, and I am one soul that’s forever grateful for every song you’ve written and sung!❤jane holmes, west virginia
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
Yes, that was an awesome story you told. Thank you for sharing. I am 65 too and remember quite well with my ex husband and I always listened to James Taylor, a very talented person. My ex and I still talk and remember James Taylor music.
@@sherrimartin1057same
Beautiful
Still listen to JT on Sirius Radio. Every day👍🎶🎵
I love Mr. Taylor's vocal style. He makes you feel so calm when he sings.
Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel, things are gonna work out fine, if you only will.
Like a small soft waterfall
Us too! What is your most memorable song of James?
His music has always been so calm and soothing ❤
@@FactsVerse handyman...the best song ever
I grew up, listening to James Taylor. I have all his songs absolutely love him.
I could listen to “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” indefinitely on repeat. I adore this man and his incomparable music. 🎶❤️🎶
James didn't write the entire song Fire and Rain in rehab. He actually started it in England. His girlfriend from the time he was in NYC 1966-67 was Suzanne Schnerr. Summer of 1967, JT returned home to dry out and by Jan 1968, he picked up and travelled to London where he met Peter Asher head of A/R for Apple records (The Beatles) and signed on to create his first album "James Taylor". Suzanne tragically took her life in May 1968. None of JT's NY friends wanted to tell him at the time as he was in the opportunity of a lifetime recording with the Beatles and his susceptibility to drugs and depression. After the album was completed in October, JT celebrated the end of the recording and I believe it was his drummer Joel O'Brien, who was connected to the friends in NYC, that finally told him of the fate of Suzanne. James went back to his flat in Nottinghill Gate and wrote the opening verse to the song... Now soon after JT returned to the states in first of 1969 and did check into Austen Riggs in western Massachusetts where he wrote the songs for his "Sweet Baby James" album as well as completed Fire and Rain.
Thank you you're good wasn't just wrong his voice irritates the fk outta me I never watch his stuff happened to roll up on it twice to see how wrong he is booo to him you get a , 👍😻💕💪
The newspaper clipping at the time said the New York City Transit Authority Police reported that Suzanne either jumped or fell into the path of a New York City subway train. It is not really known if she committed suicide or fell or maybe was pushed into the path of a subway train. Considering that New York City was a dangerous place at the time, and crazy people have been pushing people to their deaths in front of subway trains for like 120 years now, it's a possibility that her death was not suicide after all.
Everything he wrote here is true. In a documentary about the singer where the entire thing was an in depth interview, he spoke about the girl, the story and his struggles with heroine. How he was in a room in some dive in NY and his father called him and said he was driving down from Mass to get him. He saved his life. At the time his girlfriend was struggling with addiction too but her family either had her committed to a mental hospital or were trying to have her committed (instead of rehab) and she took her life over it. This was why the line “Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you” was penned. He felt terribly guilty but her death wasn’t because of him.
@@jillian7636 yeah I was hip to that when sweet baby James hir the streets . Like this is redundant
I thought he went to McLean hospital outside of Boston. Maybe that was another time.
The album, Sweet Baby James played over and over again in my room as a 15 year old. Now 68 I’ve unfortunately gone deaf. But I can listen to his beautiful music in my mind…and I do. ❤️🇨🇦
❤
😢🙏💕
Thank you James Taylor. I have been listening to your songs for decades. Looking forward to your concert later this year at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Tickets have already been bought. :) Side note…I have spent all of my adult life singing your songs in my car on road trips, traffic jams, and sometimes just for some relaxing when running errands. You have given so much happiness, peace and now nostalgia to so many. Simply thank you. You made a difference in my life.
To me, growing up at that time, is a song that hits me hard. We never got the chance to say good-bye..I'm a COVID widow. Rip JOHN 💔
Though I don’t know you, I am so sad and sorry for your loss. Carry on as im sure your husband would encourage you to do.
I don't think a person really knows what life really means until they lose someone they truly love. My mother died in September of 2017 and after we left the hospital on that bitterly cold fall afternoon, driving away from that place, I was struck and crestfallen to notice the world just kept going , people rushing through their days , completely unaware and oblivious of what had just happened to our family, losing our beautiful mom. It was like I was in a glass bubble and no one could hear me crying out in my pain. I knew then that life is so short and comes to an end for everyone, one day. Love each other for all you're worth. And mean it.
Everyone who was in their late teens and early 20s knew exactly why "Fire and Rain" was written, even if we had not (yet) had experience with addiction. He was the heartthrob of all my girlfriends and I, and we cried over the death of Suzanne. That phrase, "I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end" perfectly embodies the feelings of anyone who has been so depressed they are praying for nighttime so they can go to bed and not hurt for a while. So glad he got clean and continued his musical career! He's still so handsome with those beautiful blue eyes!
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I never realized what that line could mean to someone going through depression. I keep finding new things in his lyrics after all these years.
I just started to teach myself the guitar parts, but there seems no way in hell I could sing much of the song without choking up.
As one of James's greatest fan, I still listen regularly to his music till my present age of 61. A very inspiring bio of the man who I've considered an unbeatable icon till today.
When I first started guitar lessons "Fire and Rain" was my ultimate goal, I did get , my love of his music, his honesty and talent have never wavered.
YOU TOO 😄
There is a simplicity in James’ songs, almost as if he is singing to himself. I wore out my 8-track of his music. I felt the echoes of his depression and sadness and I was there myself. The addiction was devastating for him and I’m thankful that I never had to deal with that. I’m so grateful that he sought help and healing. I understand his need to write Fire and Rain. I felt comforted that he could articulate the depression and pain that I had experienced in my life. More than any other song he sang, it touched me deeply and I knew I was not alone in my sadness. I’m grateful to James Taylor for his music and soul. I will always be his fan. ❤❤❤
I was blessed to see James Taylor in 1971 at Dayton's Hara Arena. Carole King opened for him. At that time I had no idea what glorious talent I was witnessing.
We're very happy to know that you had a chance to see James! Thanks for sharing your life story. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
......but I always thought that I'd see you again 💔
Thank you so much for this very candid view of James. I'm 68 years old & from Tasmania Australia & I've been a huge Fan of James Taylor since I was 15 years old. I lost my 36 year old Son 12 months ago, so Fire & Rain has an even more profound effect on me now, more than ever. I wwon a Talent Quest 30 years ago singing Fire & Rain & I'm also a big Fan of Carol King & have performed Classic Songs of both James & Carol when I was in a Band many years ago. Thank you James Taylor for all of your incredible Music through the years, it has helped shape the life I've had, in many ways. Fire & Rain will always have a place in my heart. Thank you also, FactsVerse for the information & background that you have provided regarding this most Iconic Song. Warmest Regards, Zoe 🙂
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Like so many others who have left comments here, I discovered James Taylor with Sweet Baby James. In my case, as a freshman in high school in 1971. His music impacted me greatly as a young man and inspired me to write and perform m own music which I still do to this day. I wore out that album because I listened to it constantly, as I did with most of his albums that followed. Hope that someday I can thank him personally for giving me his gift of music…
Fun stuff, thanks for sharing your life story. In your opinion, what is James' finest song?
@@FactsVerse That’s a very tough question. Fire and Rain is iconic and I love it. II also love Shower the People and Never Die Young. Perhaps the most evocative for me is Walking Man. For some reason, it takes me back to my senior year in high school - one fall day in particular, riding a school bus on our way from Toronto to Stratford, Ontario, to the Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Lots of farm country along the way. Strange what we sometimes associate with a given song…
Love James Taylor's music. Own most if not all of his Albums. I'm a life long fan of his his. I hate his politics. Nobody's perfect.
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter, and musician....one of my best songs from James Taylor is Shower The People...this song became a hit in 1976...from James Taylor's Album In The Pocket...a very meaningful song, yet powerful song
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@@FactsVerse you welcome
I had his guitar songbook for this album and spent hours upon hours at 14 trying to play his songs. A very special part of that time in my life.
AND WHAT A GREAT SONG IT IS.ITS HELPED ME THROUGH MY FIRE AND RAIN DAYS.
The band badlands with Ray Gillen singing and Jake E Lee playing guitar covered this song on their second album and it was a very great surprise, excellently done with taste and respect. A timeless song that mirrors much of my own life story.
Thank you James, glad you sought help.
My Favorite song Is Shower the People You Love. Thanks for the Clarity on his friends Suicide, I heard she was on her Way to see his concert and her Plane Crashed!
@christianlink7287 I love the song, Shower the people you love with love !!
The night I learned my dad passed away, I was lost. I tore up my house, did a lot of drinking and listened to this song about 75 times. I will forever love this song and I will forever think of my dad the second I hear it.
I think he was saying I’ve seen so much, good and bad and out of all he’s seen he always thought he’d see Suzanne again- but now he won’t. It will rain again but Suzanne is gone.
I truly admire James Taylor for his enormous musical talents 0:40 . When you’re young and impressionable, you can easily get lost. I thanked the guidance and discipline my parents imposed upon us their children and I came out of those turbulent years if thr 70s and 80s, unscathed. Yes, I’m a great fan of James Taylor and most of the music icons but I knew, at a young age, how to discern from right and wring. Thank you Mom and Dad and may you rest in peace.
“Country Road” was my favorite. ❤
I've loved his music since the first time I heard him sing, in 1970, with Fire and Rain playing in its entirety, on our AM radio.
My stepbrother was a year or two out of his stint in Vietnam.
He took me hunting. Fortunately, I didn't shoot a thing. Don't get me wrong. I thought I wanted to hunt. But, the idea of actually taking some game home that day didn't feel right.
My brother got a duck. His wife made the dinner. And, it was very good.
Comprei o album de JT quando tinha 14 anos. Sou brasileira e já estudava inglês e entendia suas composições. Me conectei com ele e suas letras que tocam o coração e faz com que tenhamos contato com nossas emoções. Eu assisti um show de JT em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
Muitas informações nesse documentário eu não sabia sobre sua vida pessoal. Ele realmente é um artista incrível. Eu o ouço até os dias de hoje com os meus 60 anos❤
Yes, musicians tend to write songs that reflect their own life experiences, especially tragic ones.
We absolutely agree! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Be safe and enjoy the have a great evening!☺
The live version, from 1970 at the BBC, is the best song I've ever heard. Magic.
Love the song, great album, Don Henley played drums,Carole King on keyboard.
The legendary JT James Taylor
His father Taught in Colleges as Professor, he took a job at UNC CHAPEL HILL College N. Carolina .... when James was young. His brother Livingston also played and sang ..... was also a heroin addict and did not survive it. James and Harry Chapin are the two very most talented American troubadours .... incredible talents in composing, singing and playing music ! GBjj
My wife and I attended a show he did in Dallas. As I remember, it was in the late 1970’s (?)
It was WONDERFUL !
“You’ve Got a Friend” was written by Carole King.
What a remarkable life of hope and inspiration.
HE ENTHRALED OUR TÈENAGERS.I LISTENED ANd loved his words and melodies.Glad when I saw him
In Down under.
James Taylor was a real influence in my musical development. The words and depth of his messages were deeply meaningful to me. Guess I was nieve when I first heard “Fire & Rain”. Can’t think of a single song of his I don’t live. Thanks for the info. The explanations make sense.
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your life. We love James.
To be honest, the creative mind needs time to reflect. It is emotion that brings on the creative spark. As for abuse I can only venture a guess and that is the need to quiet the mind. I am thankful for the comforting medium reached.
1976 after moving out of the house prior to getting a divorce in Okinawa, i drove around the island on my motorcycle listening to JTs Gorilla and In The Pocket albums... Wandering, love song, shower the people... at 76 years old my favorite is Mean Old Man...
Going to see him later this month 🎸🎤🎶
Thank you JT, is all that needs to be said... 🙏💕
Thank you too for your message for JT. Which of his songs appealed to you the most?
James Taylor has shown us through his music how to survive and endure life's pain and to find the good and value in living.
He has and always will be one of my favorite artists. Most all of his songs I could relate to since I was a youngster listening while thinking I know the feeling well. I often would sing along with the tapes and drowned out the world. Thank you James for your musical legacy. Lol one of my dreams was to one day sing the song "Country Roads" with him.
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@@FactsVerse how about Carol King she was an awesome musician or Joni Mitchell?
His Motown song; “How sweet it is to be loved by you “ is my favorite James Taylor song. That bass line really thumping. Never knew the story behind his “ Fire and Rain” it’s both sad and heartwarming.
I first saw him at a place called Tanglewood. God I must’ve been 17 that was years ago and he still lives all about 40 miles away to me in Massachusetts. Anyways, you can listen to JT anytime and enjoy it.
Me too! We saw him in Great Woods, which is called the Xfinity Center now. The spot in Western Mass where he lives is beautiful, although getting up there is not for those who have issues with heights as the vistas right along the roadway are stunning but a bit scary!
I was going to make a comment , changed my mind until I saw yours. I saw James Taylor at Tanglewood also, in the summer of 1974. A bunch of us girls got wasted( one was SICK). Then James started the opening chords of “ Mockingbird”… and out of the back of the stage came Carly to sing it with him. She had on the outfit I’ve seen a few times( might have been same night) it was a skintight body suit that was a dark green & darkblue with some white . We went wild !! My poor GF who was puking never got to see Carly. She kept insisting she wasn’t there until we found an article that said she had joined her husband on the stage. I was all of 18 at the time.Fond memories of being a teen when music was REAL.😊
@@maureentrant5588 good times back then
I have always thought that James' place is at the top of the short list of great singer/songwriters, along with Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg & Warren Zevon
"Knocking Round The Zoo" is a part of all that. Having had his girlfriend Susan dying, losing a couple of band members (The Original Flying Machine) to drug overdoses and his breakdown and institutionalization are all explored in his early works. The entirety of the Taylor clan had addiction problems. His father attended Harvard Med and being the Dean of the medical school in in Chapel Hill. His father was a functional alcoholic and each and every member of his family had emotional and addiction problems. Livington Taylor didn't have the success that James had, but it was not for lack of talent. His older sister Kate had problems and more than one sibling had treatment for depression. Oddly, his family was well off and he married Carly Simon (whose father was the head of Simon and Schuster Publishing) and was also from a well-off family. Carly Simon has admitted that the end of their marriage after ten years was due to his addiction. His second marriage also lasted ten years. Just one more person with demons, which he (at partially) defeated.
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His band members didn’t OD during this time. They just broke up. JT’s friend from his early teen years and co founder of The Original Flying Machine Guitarist Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar was the person who introduced JT to Peter Asher in London via a phone number. Asher was part of the famed Peter and Gordon duo. When they came to the US to perform the US promoter hired a US band to back them up. That was Kortchmar’s band The King Bees. Danny and Peter became life long friends …and remain to this day. Kortchmar’s musical bio includes playing on , writing and producing many hits and albums. He was on most of JT’s albums at least through Flag including the famous Troubadour Reunion Tour. Kortchmar was a very important part of JT’s career including introducing Carole King to JT. (Danny played on Carole’s early songwriting demos through many hit albums and tours for some of the top artists in the industry (example Don Henley) They remain close friends through the present time. 😂Bass player Zachary Wiesner while not playing with JT again, co wrote/wrote several songs reordered by JT including Never Die Young. 🎉 Joel “Bishop “ O’Brien was the drummer on early JT albums as well as a few songs on Carole Kings hit album Tapestry He was also a member of Kortchmar s The King Bees and Jo
Mama bands. No
Mama made 2 albums and often backed Carole King’s early solo career. While he Imodium credited by some of drug use with JY, Joel died of cancer in 2004.🎉
Yes, he has got some wonderful songs! ❤
So true but wait, what is your most memorable song of James?
Not surprised at all it makes sense. I always thought there were 2 or 3 stories in that song. English is my second language so for years I listened to it trying the get the meaning. Specially on my own depression days as closet young guy in a small backwards religious town. The song for so e reason Even being sad left me with a sense of better times to come. That it could overcome things.
Now many many years later it makes total sense and also why even being a sad song leaves you with a warn light at the end of the tunnel sensation.
Thank you!
James Taylor holds a heartfelt memory of sadness and better times ahead ❤
I remember Bob Dylan and others the same way. Neal Young also comes to mind ❤
i’m not surprised Those two decades were very tumultuous but had the best music / artists ever Loved James Taylor & all his music
He’s also known for his guitar playing. Maybe that would’ve been worth mentioning.
I'm a big fan of JT, I really love his music and looking forward to see him in his upcoming concert this April here in the Philippines...lov you JT
No I was not surprised I knew much about it and him. I lived in Stockbridge and have friends that are nurses at Riggs. He lives here now in Lenox and is a kind man.
'Frozen Man"..he gets better and better with time.
I remember a DJ in my hometown telling listeners this was about a woman he knew commiting suicide.
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This is an excellent biographical piece. Well done!
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I thought I read or heard somewhere that "fire" referred to electroshock therapy and "rain" referred to a follow up cold shower treatment while he was institutionalized. Regardless, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful with multiple deep meanings.
All kinds of myths and tales are born from people who think they can interpret lyrics.
" In my mind I'm going to Carolina"😊
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He was a big influence on my music and writing along with CSN & Y Bob Dylan 🎵🎶🎸
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Barney Martin......you spoke the truth..... ❤
Not unlike the Carpenters, James Taylor, too, defined his very own musical genre.
Great song that reminds me of the emotional River Phoenix movie, “Running on Empty.”
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'September grass" ....'Angles of Fenway"...masterpieces.
Great story which confirmed a few things, after all these years! Thanks.
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Yeah I always heard the song is very different from the original rough demo. Lyrics were I mean. I think the final mastered recording is broken into three separate stages of his life. His experience losing his old friend to suicide, his recovery from addiction, and his spiritual and personal struggle to sort of come into his own. I think I even remember hearing he was a Christian post rehab. I'm not an expert tho these are just things I've heard from others and I love his songs. Especially Fire And Rain. James Taylor is seriously the f**king man for writing that absolute masterpiece of a song.
Love James Taylor. This song and Carolina In My Mind 👌 ❤️✌️🌅
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@FactsVerse All that is less atmospheric influenced yet soul authentic ❤️ James
Love all his music JT forever
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Always liked his music...
Glad to know that you're a fan of James. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
I think he’s very inspirational ❤
I remember the first time I heard that album Sweet Baby James, given to me from a friend.
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I think his break up with Caryl drove him to get help as shortly after that he went into rehab knowing he had had lost the love of his life due to his addiction.
My favorite singer JT
Bobby Darin did this song as well and you could tell how much he related to this song as well.
His biggest hit was "You've Got a Friend," his only number one.
She either fell, or jumped, from the 23rd St station platform onto the path of the northbound Pelham Bay subway train at 12:40 pm on 14 May 1968. Pretty sad. She was just 19 yrs. old. 😪🙏💫❤
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Also not knowing the meaning of this song it was the first song I played minutes after I found out that my sister committed suicide in 75
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Man, sorry about you losing your sister.
So sorry about you losing your sister.
I love Floyd and Tull and Yes; but I must go back to James for my fix of something you just can't find anywhere else.
When James Taylor played "Fire and Rain" at the 9/11 Concert, the verse about the flying machines in pieces on the ground made me think that the song was prophetic. Talking about Suzanne that was now gone due to these flying machines. During the 70's when I listened to it, I didn't know the background of the song, but I loved it. It touched so many in many different ways.
Flying Machine was the name of his old band. It doesn’t refer to airplanes in this song, but rather to the break up of that band. Suzanne committed suicide and did not die in a plane crash. The reference in association with 9/11 can certainly have significance to what happened that day.
Not only is he an American music legend, he is also to me one of the most hottest, good looking men then n now ❤
Good video. What is his son doing these days?
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We just attended his concert last night and his son Henry was singing backup 😊
It seems like many many musicians become addicted to drugs (aside from depression). Very sad.
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Very very sad and oftentimes, tragic.
@@FactsVerse Just keep up what you’re doing! 😊
LOST HER IN THE RAIN REMASTERED (C)2006
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The only hit song that I am aware of that contains a prayer to Jesus whose name is not used mockingly. Don't know that James Taylor is a Christian but it does show that when all is lost you might see the light.
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It was over-played so much and for so many years, it makes it difficult for me to like it. I love Brother James, and always will. But please don't play this song! He has so many wonderful songs, but everyone thinks of Fire and Rain (sigh)
I've often wondered who Suzanne was... now I know.
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Was a more beautiful and touching song of the peace generation ever written?
Checking himself into a psychiatric hospital in 1968 was a little revolutionary wasn't it? Did people do that so easily back then like they do now?
Wanted to know her story since that was the hook. However, that appears to have been a throwaway line.
Thanks... No I did not know that.. Good information..
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Astrologers say his chart indicates a soldier who died in civil war but he was in love at the time. Many references to civil war in his songs. Its the sorrow of lost love. Sure is.
You Got a Friend was actually written by Carole King.
back in the 80s when i went to chapel hill high, there was an old cinder block shed in the middle of the woods near a large creek that apparently Taylor partied in when he was younger, I guess in the 60s. not 100% it was true but everyone at the time said it was. we also partied in that shed.