James Taylor is a national treasure. He has a huge library of songs. I recommend you listening to more of his songs. Too many to single out. Just pick one and go with it.
James Taylor‘s first break actually came when he was signed to Apple records after he auditioned for Paul McCartney and George Harrison. He recorded his first album on Apple while the Beatles were recording the White album at Abbey Road Studios in 1968. 🕊❤️🎼
Carol king heard the lyric "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" and wrote "you've got a friend" which he liked and asked if he could cover. It became a big hit for him
I'm sure you know this, but he composed this song while in London recording his album. It is about a friend he made in rehab for heroin addiction who committed suicide. His freinds and family did not tell him until he finished the record. Triggers and all.
The first verse is about his friend who was institutionalized for her mental health issues and was found dead by her own hand. The chorus is also in reference to her. The second verse is about his struggles with recovering from heroin addiction. The final verse is looking at his new career that was just was starting - after the breakup of his band "The Flying Machine".
"Fire and Rain" It's about Jame's real life experience. You know what comes next?... Carol King's response to the lyrics.. "There were times when I could not find a friend"... Carol responded with the song ..You've got a Friend.... They both recorded it at the same time and James version came out 1st
I love James Taylor. He was married to Carly Simon for a time; they performed "Mockingbird" together. He had a hard time with his heroin addiction and this song is about someone he lost due to the same. So sorry about your dad. 🙏❤
What you were describing is in many ways what this song is about. James Taylor struggled with drug problems and mental health issues. He has a fantastic catalog of music and his voice tugs at the heart strings. Great reaction Lee!
Absolutely! I never miss seeing his concerts, if I can help it. Luckily, I’m on the east coast and he tours a lot on this coast. I’ll see him next Sept in NVA.
I saw him at the Mann Music Center in Philly in the 1980’s. I forgot how many hit songs he had until he kept singing them one after another. Great concert.
One of The all time best folk rock artists of all time!Lee he was an addict too when he was very young.This song is about a girl friend who died of a drug overdose. With the help of friends,(Carole King) for one,he overcame his addiction.At least 60 great tunes that are worth reacting to.Mexico, Shower The People, and Suite for 20 G are incredible tunes!
JT was part of the same Laurel Canyon scene that included Crosby Stills and Nash, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and others. A lot of great music came from that small spot in space and time.
After all these years (I’m 70) my wife and I finally got to see James in concert 2 years ago. He is a marvelous performer with a warm engaging stage and presence. The voice is still strong and clear. He is a legend as a songwriter and performer. His acoustic guitar style is very distinctive…just an extra perk for me (I’m a mediocre player myself)
I've seen James live 5 times! Absolutely love him. He's an excellent storyteller with a beautiful voice. He toured with The Section. Some of the best musicians around!
Everybody my age range knows this song by heart--the guitar opening, the words, the outro, everything. I was 13 when this came out and living abroad with my parents. This hit like nothing much before it (except Joni songs and Dylan songs at the time, really, maybe Neil Young, too). A great great singer with just his guitar, singing his own new songs--ultimate courage and talent.
James came to prominence as the sixties came crashing to earth. It was a time for quiet introspection and reflection. This was based on his experience in a psychiatric hospital in the Berkshires, and old -fashioned throwback sanitarium, one of only a couple still operational. He was there to be treated for heroin addiction. He allegedly had a habit that would make Lou Reed look like an amateur. But that is far behind him now, he's very happy. I've seen him a few times at Tanglewood, he generates mega-good vibes. Miles Davis said of JT: "He sings like a blind man, from deep inside himself."
I love love James Taylor, his music formed such a vital backdrop to my teens, twenties, thirties…now in my sixties he’s still with me in my soul. Timeless talent and heart. We played his song ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ at my son’s funeral because he loved that song and was always such a loyal supporter to all his friends in their struggles.
James Taylor was the first artist I ever saw in concert. I saw him in Boston around 1972 and Carole King was the opening act! Wow! The tickets cost around $4.50. Unbelievable! What a time to be young. 🌺✌️
What a singer/ songwriter of my youth . More please. He was married to another talented singer songwriter named Carly Simon.both rabbit holes are amazing. And there is Carole King❤❤❤❤❤
JT's albums were a constant presence on my turntable, all through the 70's. All the feels of CSN&Y, distilled down to one voice, one guitar, one heart. Thanks for sharing the memories with another old soul❤
Great silent reaction to a great song. I was a senior in High School when this song came out and the reactions were similar to yours. Knocked out by the "Fire and Rain" and it's presentation, record includes piano, drums, bass. His voice and lyrics were stunning and 2nd or 3rd time hearing everyone in the car would be singing along. But my recollection of the basis for the song was Suzanne was someone James had a long, perhaps romantic, relationship and she was from a wealthy family and wasn't living her life properly. They had her institutionalized, she was not 21, she committed suicide while at the clinic. James wasn't told till he had finished the album @ Apple . Tragic. I agree w earlier response requesting a JT tune, 'Suite for 20G' the last track on the album is killer, a jam by James. Story is they needed a song to fulfill the LP and his contract. So they pulled it off in the studio kinda off the cuff and it's unique for him IMO. Definitely worth a deep dive is his follow up "Mud Slide Slim + the Blue Horizon" w 'You've Got a Friend".
He played this for the First Responders a few weeks after 911 attack. Half the audience had smoke and debris covering their clothing. The tears flowed like a storm, The Who also were also amazing doing a verification Love Reign On Me that is impossible to watch without tears ☮️
I’d seen him live 4 times and had tickets to a concert for the 5th! I was mowing my lawn for a prom photo for one of my daughters! I was in a hurry and tripped somehow! To make a short story long I pulled the lawnmower over my foot and lacerated two digits. I left the hospital with 1/4 of my big toe(maybe) and a very mangled 2nd toe! I still wanted to catch the show but was persuaded by my family to sit this one out!
Same here on the loss. My mother started it when she passed very suddenly in her sleep from liver failure when I was 10. I remember laying in bed, listening to this just two short years after. And, of course the laundry list of friends that come with addiction, and then the loss of my forever 32 year old son just six years ago. So much to say with no words. Anyway, JT is top shelf. His voice and guitar playing are just so pure and perfect! Thanks for doing this!!
James wrote this song in reaction on the suïcide of a childhood friend, his struggle with heroïn addiction and how to deal with fame and fortune. In response at the line "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" the famous songwriter Carole King wrote the song 'You've got a friend'. She sung it herself but also handed it to James who had a big hit with the song. I saw you've never listened to her music and I think you would like it.
One of the most beautiful voices ever to sing. His voice is like a lullaby. His guitar playing is immediately recognizable. His technique is very unique. He even has a series of TH-cam guitar lessons to learn how to play like him. His catalog is endless. He is always touring, and still is. This song is about losing someone to addiction. He himself struggled with addiction earlier in his life.
A staple tune back in the mid seventies for my streetcorner gigs. Southern folk... he has so many beautiful songs. Carolina On My Mind Mudslide Slim Yes, they are passing away .... my best man, my dad, my mother's twin brother, father in law, 4 old friends in the last 3 years...
It doesn't matter if I heard it in 1976 or yesterday...it still makes me cry....and the feelings are sadness but more joy...that's what JT's does to you.
From the internet...["Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968. The song has three verses. One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine."]... It was months before he was told about the suicide of his friend since childhood. He was away recording his 1st album and they didn't want it to interfere. Also he wrote at least part of it while in an institution. Carol Kings ...You've Got A Friend ...is directly in response to it.
This past year at the Newport Folk Festival, they had a band pull out at the last minute, so they called James (who lives in nearby Jamestown RI) and he literally got on a boat with his family, headed to Newport and played an impromptu set. There are videos on TH-cam. Amazing man.
Being from the UK, to me James Taylor is the voice of middle America. His songs make me feel nostalgic for places I’ve never been. John Denver is similar in that regard. My parents would listen to their records, among others, when I was growing up.
I've loved his music for more than 50 years. One of the best singer /songwriters of all time, like a fine wine he got better with age. Try "Shower the People"
Nice critique, Lee. One of my all-time favorite songs. Such a beautiful song. No matter how many times I hear this song it never fails to bring tears in my eyes. Not only was just beautifully written, but his guitar work is superb. James Taylor is it national treasure. Thank you for doing this song for all of us. Much success on your channel. You’re doing a great job! ✌️🎶🎶
Taylor said the song was about several incidents during his early recording career. The second line "Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you" refers to Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend of his who died by suicide while he was in London, England, recording his first album. In that same account, Taylor said he had been in a deep depression after the failure of his new band the Flying Machine to coalesce (the lyric "Sweet dreams and Flying Machines in pieces on the ground"; the reference is to the name of the band rather than a fatal plane crash, as was long rumored). Taylor completed writing the song while in rehab.” - Wiki
James Taylor and Don McLean are unrivaled alone on stage with just a guitar. I had the privilege of seeing them both in surprisingly the same relatively small intimate venue in Cincinnati about 6 months apart in the early 70's. My wife of 52 years and I still talk about it. I proposed to her in the car right after the James Taylor show. The Lord smiled down on me when she accepted.
He has so many great songs. One that I don’t hear much of is Hey Mister, That’s Me Up on the Jukebox. Sweet Baby James was written for his nephew who was named after him. I listened to him a lot when I got my first apartment when I was 17.
Amazing singer-songwriter and an iconic song. There's so much more from James Taylor you'll love. Just a few to consider...Sweet Baby James, Mexico, Mockingbird (with Carly Simon), Her Town Too (with J.D. Souther), Steamroller. One that I especially love lyrically is My Traveling Star. There's a live version that I think is from a performance at The Beacon Theater that's wonderful. His live performances are always great !
Great reaction Lee. I'm 58 and I haven't lost nearly as many close to me as you have. I'm sure your losses will make you stronger and wiser than me. James Taylor is great.
Caught James with Carole in the Troubadour tour. He went to Lewiston, ME with his guitar and sang the Star Spangled Banner at the local football game after the tragic shooting had postponed the game. Who does that? James Taylor that's who. We are so lucky.
Went to see JT at Illinois State University when I was a sophomore. Took a girl-Taylor wasn’t really my first choice of act but, you know. Settled into our seats. He comes out, sits down on a wooden kitchen chair. Acoustic guitar and a microphone. What happens next was 2+ hours of mastery. My jaw hit the floor. It felt like 20 minutes. To this day, I’ve never witnessed anything quite as shocking as that performance. Not out of Jordan… or Tiger… nobody. Just 2 hours of being amazing… straight through… and entertaining, too. Mind-boggling skill and mastery of it. Consummate.
Please go see him live if you get the chance. He is just as compelling in concert as he is on video. We have lost a horrible amount of our musical artists over the years, it's so heartbreaking......😢 💔
An all time fav of mine. I saw him about 14 years ago in Boise. I was 12 first time I heard this song in '70. It's been my go to genre all my life. He, like me, struggled with bipolar and addition for years. He was married to Carly Simon, who you might also check out, but you can't, can't, can't !! go wrong with any of James' music ❤❤❤ Thank you Lee and thanks to your alpha who requested this.
This song is a compilation of 3 different events in James life,with each verse reflecting it's own event. He added each verse along the way initially inspired by the death of Suzanne.a childhood friend who committed suicide in a rehab facility. . The 2nd verse refers to his own ongoing struggle with heroin addiction (my body's aching and my time is at hand). Verse 3 deals with his newly formed relationship with Apple Records (hours of time on the telephone line,to talk about things to come) and the break up of his group "the flying machine".As he says the song was partially written while he was in England, and it was after the end and break up with Apple Records that Lee Adler went back with him to the US and ended up producing the album Sweet Baby James...
This one always gets me right in the feelers. Another favorite of mine is the title track from his WALKING MAN album (1974) - not sampled by any reactors I've seen.
Another artist produced by Peter Asher (Peter&Gordon, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), whose sister dated Paul McCartney who lived in family home where he debuted new songs after writing them. Saw JT 4 times. Never disappoints.
He is a National treasure but a hometown boy. For a time he and Carly Simon were a thing and we LOVED it. Listen to Terra Nova from the JT album. A beautiful song but with an ending featuring Carly and James harmonies that is borderline angelic. But from the album you’re on, try Sweet Baby James and Anywhere like Heaven. Mexico is great. You Can Close Your Eyes is a gorgeous song.
Man, I really appreciate your genuine reactions. Here’s a few artists for you to beat the reaction reviewers to, ok, here goes…The Fugs, The Residents, Pere Ubu, Public Image Ltd. (PIL), Donovan, The Slits, Glen Branca, Tim Hardin, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jandek…..
Alot of people -musicians did not survive H back then ..James did and so did you....He talks of his story you should check it out... please do more JT the best of the best..
so I don't normally comment like this but because you've talked about your history, James Taylor used to be a heroin addict and he did make a full recovery. he's amazing he's a super super talented he's beautiful in fact the second verse of this song is about getting through that.
I'm sorry to make so many comments on this one video LOL but I'm listening to your after video comments. James Taylor touches my soul. just maybe that's kind of what you started to feel today.
Sweet Baby James. All the ladies were in love with James. So sweet and so cute with a pretty bad heroin habit. Hew was married to Carley Simon. Great music
Lee...James Taylor is an extraordinary talent. His catalog of beautiful songs is rich and deep. Furthermore, he is an outstanding guitarist, though not in the Eddy Van Halen vein, but rather more in the subtle acoustic stylings of someone like Paul Simon. JT's guitar technique is not easily copied, although it sounds doable. He has perfected unusual chord voicings and harmonies that only a fingerstylist with his ability can pull off. You might want to listen to, from the same concert, his lovely "Sweet Baby James". Also, there is quite a nice version of his early 1970s song "You Can Close Your Eyes" that he performs with his then wife Carly Simon. It's on TH-cam..and you can really see his intricate guitarwork close up. His 1970s album Gorilla is chock full of exceptional acoustic guitar work on songs like "Mexico", "Lighthouse", "Wandering", "Love Songs", and so on. All of his albums contain many gems!
Love this performance! I really gotta recommend Shades of Cool video by Lana Del Rey, Nothing Compared by Sinead’O Connor and Sunday Afternoon by Racheal Yamagata ❤
Lee, "Fire & Rain" was also about his heroin addiction.
James Taylor is a national treasure. He has a huge library of songs. I recommend you listening to more of his songs. Too many to single out. Just pick one and go with it.
James Taylor‘s first break actually came when he was signed to Apple records after he auditioned for Paul McCartney and George Harrison. He recorded his first album on Apple while the Beatles were recording the White album at Abbey Road Studios in 1968.
🕊❤️🎼
54 years ago and his voice sounds just as clear and beautiful today
And remarkably he continued to improve upon his guitar playing
One of the best singer-songwriters of all time. No one like him, really.
And one of the best finger picker of all time
The artistry where one guy can sit down with a guitar and tell you stories and have thousands hang on every word.
Carol king heard the lyric "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" and wrote "you've got a friend" which he liked and asked if he could cover. It became a big hit for him
James Taylor was married to Carly Simon. I was 15 when this came out. I loved his and Carly’s music. Check out Mockingbird, a duet of theirs.
I'm sure you know this, but he composed this song while in London recording his album. It is about a friend he made in rehab for heroin addiction who committed suicide. His freinds and family did not tell him until he finished the record. Triggers and all.
The first verse is about his friend who was institutionalized for her mental health issues and was found dead by her own hand. The chorus is also in reference to her.
The second verse is about his struggles with recovering from heroin addiction.
The final verse is looking at his new career that was just was starting - after the breakup of his band "The Flying Machine".
If they didn't tell him until he finished the album, how did he compose the song about it while he was still recording the album?
@@MoMoMyPup10
Do you think they release an album on the day after an artist stops work on it? Don't you have anything sensible to b*tch about?
@@markchapel6694This is the reason I read the comments. Thanks for all the great info!
I saw him in concert in 1970. Beautiful.
"Fire and Rain" It's about Jame's real life experience. You know what comes next?... Carol King's response to the lyrics.. "There were times when I could not find a friend"... Carol responded with the song ..You've got a Friend.... They both recorded it at the same time and James version came out 1st
Just finished writing the same thing, but you said it better
I love James Taylor. He was married to Carly Simon for a time; they performed "Mockingbird" together. He had a hard time with his heroin addiction and this song is about someone he lost due to the same. So sorry about your dad. 🙏❤
This is one of the most incredible songs I've ever heard
There is no one like James Taylor.
"Shower The People" released in 1976, written and performed by James Taylor is a must❤
What you were describing is in many ways what this song is about. James Taylor struggled with drug problems and mental health issues. He has a fantastic catalog of music and his voice tugs at the heart strings. Great reaction Lee!
The next song to hear is “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carol King. She wrote it as an answer to this song, assuring JT that all he had to do was call.
If you ever have a chance to see him live...take it.
Absolutely! I never miss seeing his concerts, if I can help it. Luckily, I’m on the east coast and he tours a lot on this coast. I’ll see him next Sept in NVA.
I saw him at the Mann Music Center in Philly in the 1980’s. I forgot how many hit songs he had until he kept singing them one after another. Great concert.
Our sweet James..a treasure..he had some things in common with you ..struggles that he over came also.
That was a flawless live rendition... this song always brings tears to my eyes.
An absolute legend! Still touring to packed houses.......
One of The all time best folk rock artists of all time!Lee he was an addict too when he was very young.This song is about a girl friend who died of a drug overdose. With the help of friends,(Carole King) for one,he overcame his addiction.At least 60 great tunes that are worth reacting to.Mexico, Shower The People, and Suite for 20 G are incredible tunes!
JT was part of the same Laurel Canyon scene that included Crosby Stills and Nash, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and others. A lot of great music came from that small spot in space and time.
After all these years (I’m 70) my wife and I finally got to see James in concert 2 years ago. He is a marvelous performer with a warm engaging stage and presence. The voice is still strong and clear. He is a legend as a songwriter and performer. His acoustic guitar style is very distinctive…just an extra perk for me (I’m a mediocre player myself)
I've seen James live 5 times! Absolutely love him. He's an excellent storyteller with a beautiful voice. He toured with The Section. Some of the best musicians around!
Everybody my age range knows this song by heart--the guitar opening, the words, the outro, everything. I was 13 when this came out and living abroad with my parents. This hit like nothing much before it (except Joni songs and Dylan songs at the time, really, maybe Neil Young, too). A great great singer with just his guitar, singing his own new songs--ultimate courage and talent.
James came to prominence as the sixties came crashing to earth. It was a time for quiet introspection and reflection. This was based on his experience in a psychiatric hospital in the Berkshires, and old -fashioned throwback sanitarium, one of only a couple still operational. He was there to be treated for heroin addiction. He allegedly had a habit that would make Lou Reed look like an amateur. But that is far behind him now, he's very happy. I've seen him a few times at Tanglewood, he generates mega-good vibes. Miles Davis said of JT: "He sings like a blind man, from deep inside himself."
I love love James Taylor, his music formed such a vital backdrop to my teens, twenties, thirties…now in my sixties he’s still with me in my soul. Timeless talent and heart. We played his song ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ at my son’s funeral because he loved that song and was always such a loyal supporter to all his friends in their struggles.
James Taylor was the first artist I ever saw in concert. I saw him in Boston around 1972 and Carole King was the opening act! Wow! The tickets cost around $4.50. Unbelievable! What a time to be young. 🌺✌️
What a singer/ songwriter of my youth . More please. He was married to another talented singer songwriter named Carly Simon.both rabbit holes are amazing. And there is Carole King❤❤❤❤❤
One of the best
Sorry about your Dad. This song is so beautiful. I always cry.
JT's albums were a constant presence on my turntable, all through the 70's. All the feels of CSN&Y, distilled down to one voice, one guitar, one heart. Thanks for sharing the memories with another old soul❤
Great silent reaction to a great song. I was a senior in High School when this song came out and the reactions were similar to yours. Knocked out by the "Fire and Rain" and it's presentation, record includes piano, drums, bass. His voice and lyrics were stunning and 2nd or 3rd time hearing everyone in the car would be singing along. But my recollection of the basis for the song was Suzanne was someone James had a long, perhaps romantic, relationship and she was from a wealthy family and wasn't living her life properly. They had her institutionalized, she was not 21, she committed suicide while at the clinic. James wasn't told till he had finished the album @ Apple . Tragic.
I agree w earlier response requesting a JT tune, 'Suite for 20G' the last track on the album is killer, a jam by James. Story is they needed a song to fulfill the LP and his contract. So they pulled it off in the studio kinda off the cuff and it's unique for him IMO. Definitely worth a deep dive is his follow up "Mud Slide Slim + the Blue Horizon" w
'You've Got a Friend".
James Taylor's catalog is one of the deepest rabbit holes you'll ever come across.
He played this for the First Responders a few weeks after 911 attack. Half the audience had smoke and debris covering their clothing. The tears flowed like a storm, The Who also were also amazing doing a verification Love Reign On Me that is impossible to watch without tears ☮️
I’d seen him live 4 times and had tickets to a concert for the 5th! I was mowing my lawn for a prom photo for one of my daughters! I was in a hurry and tripped somehow! To make a short story long I pulled the lawnmower over my foot and lacerated two digits. I left the hospital with 1/4 of my big toe(maybe) and a very mangled 2nd toe! I still wanted to catch the show but was persuaded by my family to sit this one out!
Same here on the loss. My mother started it when she passed very suddenly in her sleep from liver failure when I was 10. I remember laying in bed, listening to this just two short years after. And, of course the laundry list of friends that come with addiction, and then the loss of my forever 32 year old son just six years ago. So much to say with no words. Anyway, JT is top shelf. His voice and guitar playing are just so pure and perfect! Thanks for doing this!!
James wrote this song in reaction on the suïcide of a childhood friend, his struggle with heroïn addiction and how to deal with fame and fortune.
In response at the line "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" the famous songwriter Carole King wrote the song 'You've got a friend'. She sung it herself but also handed it to James who had a big hit with the song. I saw you've never listened to her music and I think you would like it.
There will be more weddings. And births, birthdays, graduations and all other sorts of milestones. A good long life I wish for you and yours.
One of the most beautiful voices ever to sing. His voice is like a lullaby. His guitar playing is immediately recognizable. His technique is very unique. He even has a series of TH-cam guitar lessons to learn how to play like him. His catalog is endless. He is always touring, and still is. This song is about losing someone to addiction. He himself struggled with addiction earlier in his life.
I love James Taylor, he always made me feel!
Sweet Baby James...yet another of the astounding folk singer/songwriters of the 60s/70s.
Saw him live in Seattle the day after 09/11. He helped us get through the night.
Song 🔥. Great reaction! Thanks! 😊
Dude, he's one of those guys that is almost permanently on tour. Saw him a couple times through the years, always a good show
A staple tune back in the mid seventies for my streetcorner gigs. Southern folk... he has so many beautiful songs.
Carolina On My Mind
Mudslide Slim
Yes, they are passing away .... my best man, my dad, my mother's twin brother, father in law, 4 old friends in the last 3 years...
Masterpiece!
It doesn't matter if I heard it in 1976 or yesterday...it still makes me cry....and the feelings are sadness but more joy...that's what JT's does to you.
From the internet...["Taylor wrote "Fire and Rain" in 1968. The song has three verses. One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine."]... It was months before he was told about the suicide of his friend since childhood. He was away recording his 1st album and they didn't want it to interfere. Also he wrote at least part of it while in an institution. Carol Kings ...You've Got A Friend ...is directly in response to it.
One voice one guitar- what else do you need.
This past year at the Newport Folk Festival, they had a band pull out at the last minute, so they called James (who lives in nearby Jamestown RI) and he literally got on a boat with his family, headed to Newport and played an impromptu set. There are videos on TH-cam. Amazing man.
Being from the UK, to me James Taylor is the voice of middle America. His songs make me feel nostalgic for places I’ve never been. John Denver is similar in that regard. My parents would listen to their records, among others, when I was growing up.
I've loved his music for more than 50 years. One of the best singer /songwriters of all time, like a fine wine he got better with age. Try "Shower the People"
Kindess matters...take the good and leave the bad behind.❤
Nice critique, Lee. One of my all-time favorite songs. Such a beautiful song. No matter how many times I hear this song it never fails to bring tears in my eyes. Not only was just beautifully written, but his guitar work is superb. James Taylor is it national treasure. Thank you for doing this song for all of us. Much success on your channel. You’re doing a great job! ✌️🎶🎶
You make excellent musical choices.
Sweet Baby James.
Taylor said the song was about several incidents during his early recording career. The second line "Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you" refers to Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend of his who died by suicide while he was in London, England, recording his first album. In that same account, Taylor said he had been in a deep depression after the failure of his new band the Flying Machine to coalesce (the lyric "Sweet dreams and Flying Machines in pieces on the ground"; the reference is to the name of the band rather than a fatal plane crash, as was long rumored). Taylor completed writing the song while in rehab.” - Wiki
James Taylor's version of Carly Simon's tune “You’ve Got a Friend” is another beautiful tune.
James Taylor and Don McLean are unrivaled alone on stage with just a guitar. I had the privilege of seeing them both in surprisingly the same relatively small intimate venue in Cincinnati about 6 months apart in the early 70's. My wife of 52 years and I still talk about it. I proposed to her in the car right after the James Taylor show. The Lord smiled down on me when she accepted.
Neil Young belongs in that category.
I'm happy now again!😊❤
He has so many great songs. One that I don’t hear much of is
Hey Mister, That’s Me Up on the Jukebox.
Sweet Baby James was written for his nephew who was named after him. I listened to him a lot when I got my first apartment when I was 17.
he is a tremendous guitarist as well
I cry every time I watch this 😢
More James please! “Your Smiling Face” is a serious feel-good song!
I've lost a couple of friends to suicide. This song always gets to me. So glad that he is still alive & well. He is a survivor.
Amazing singer-songwriter and an iconic song. There's so much more from James Taylor you'll love. Just a few to consider...Sweet Baby James, Mexico, Mockingbird (with Carly Simon), Her Town Too (with J.D. Souther), Steamroller. One that I especially love lyrically is My Traveling Star. There's a live version that I think is from a performance at The Beacon Theater that's wonderful.
His live performances are always great !
From what you said I understand why that song had special meaning for you. Hope you have mostly sunny days from here on.
Great reaction Lee. I'm 58 and I haven't lost nearly as many close to me as you have. I'm sure your losses will make you stronger and wiser than me. James Taylor is great.
Going to see him next month in Australia.😊
YASSS!!!!
My favorite solo artist of all time. He meets you where you live, touching your spirit with his every time
James battled his own drug problems. He got through it.
Caught James with Carole in the Troubadour tour. He went to Lewiston, ME with his guitar and sang the Star Spangled Banner at the local football game after the tragic shooting had postponed the game. Who does that? James Taylor that's who. We are so lucky.
J.T. was the last concert I went to. Still good music.
Went to see JT at Illinois State University when I was a sophomore. Took a girl-Taylor wasn’t really my first choice of act but, you know. Settled into our seats. He comes out, sits down on a wooden kitchen chair. Acoustic guitar and a microphone. What happens next was 2+ hours of mastery. My jaw hit the floor. It felt like 20 minutes. To this day, I’ve never witnessed anything quite as shocking as that performance. Not out of Jordan… or Tiger… nobody. Just 2 hours of being amazing… straight through… and entertaining, too. Mind-boggling skill and mastery of it. Consummate.
A lessee known song from James is "Steamroller". The live version is exceptional.
I was just about to write that!
Please go see him live if you get the chance. He is just as compelling in concert as he is on video. We have lost a horrible amount of our musical artists over the years, it's so heartbreaking......😢 💔
An all time fav of mine. I saw him about 14 years ago in Boise. I was 12 first time I heard this song in '70. It's been my go to genre all my life. He, like me, struggled with bipolar and addition for years. He was married to Carly Simon, who you might also check out, but you can't, can't, can't !! go wrong with any of James' music ❤❤❤ Thank you Lee and thanks to your alpha who requested this.
This song is a compilation of 3 different events in James life,with each verse reflecting it's own event. He added each verse along the way initially inspired by the death of Suzanne.a childhood friend who committed suicide in a rehab facility. . The 2nd verse refers to his own ongoing struggle with heroin addiction (my body's aching and my time is at hand). Verse 3 deals with his newly formed relationship with Apple Records (hours of time on the telephone line,to talk about things to come) and the break up of his group "the flying machine".As he says the song was partially written while he was in England, and it was after the end and break up with Apple Records that Lee Adler went back with him to the US and ended up producing the album Sweet Baby James...
This one always gets me right in the feelers. Another favorite of mine is the title track from his WALKING MAN album (1974) - not sampled by any reactors I've seen.
So sorry for your losses, and so happy you've come out the other side of trauma.
Another artist produced by Peter Asher (Peter&Gordon, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), whose sister dated Paul McCartney who lived in family home where he debuted new songs after writing them. Saw JT 4 times. Never disappoints.
He is a National treasure but a hometown boy. For a time he and Carly Simon were a thing and we LOVED it. Listen to Terra Nova from the JT album. A beautiful song but with an ending featuring Carly and James harmonies that is borderline angelic.
But from the album you’re on, try Sweet Baby James and Anywhere like Heaven. Mexico is great. You Can Close Your Eyes is a gorgeous song.
Man, I really appreciate your genuine reactions. Here’s a few artists for you to beat the reaction reviewers to, ok, here goes…The Fugs, The Residents, Pere Ubu, Public Image Ltd. (PIL), Donovan, The Slits, Glen Branca, Tim Hardin, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jandek…..
I’m sorry you have lost so many people dear to you already - I hope you can keep your head up!
Alot of people -musicians did not survive H back then ..James did and so did you....He talks of his story you should check it out... please do more JT the best of the best..
so I don't normally comment like this but because you've talked about your history, James Taylor used to be a heroin addict and he did make a full recovery. he's amazing he's a super super talented he's beautiful
in fact the second verse of this song is about getting through that.
I didn't even know till the chat but it makes total sense. I get it even more now. It looks like Kurt Cobain took a lot of inspiration from this man
YAY!!! **Luv** James Taylor **Beautiful** **ManyPixieHugz&Luvz**
This song was a major hit, lots of radio play. The studio version has great drumming. I suggest you listen to it on your own.
Saw him 1973 second row.
I believe he was the first American artist signed to apple records by the Beatles.
I'm sorry to make so many comments on this one video LOL but I'm listening to your after video comments.
James Taylor touches my soul.
just maybe that's kind of what you started to feel today.
Sheeit, I almost feel young again.
People die all of the time.
When you are young, you just don't expect it to be any of your friends.
As you age, it ends up being all of your friends.
Sweet Baby James. All the ladies were in love with James. So sweet and so cute with a pretty bad heroin habit. Hew was married to Carley Simon.
Great music
Lee...James Taylor is an extraordinary talent. His catalog of beautiful songs is rich and deep. Furthermore, he is an outstanding guitarist, though not in the Eddy Van Halen vein, but rather more in the subtle acoustic stylings of someone like Paul Simon. JT's guitar technique is not easily copied, although it sounds doable. He has perfected unusual chord voicings and harmonies that only a fingerstylist with his ability can pull off. You might want to listen to, from the same concert, his lovely "Sweet Baby James". Also, there is quite a nice version of his early 1970s song "You Can Close Your Eyes" that he performs with his then wife Carly Simon. It's on TH-cam..and you can really see his intricate guitarwork close up. His 1970s album Gorilla is chock full of exceptional acoustic guitar work on songs like "Mexico", "Lighthouse", "Wandering", "Love Songs", and so on. All of his albums contain many gems!
I live in NW Oregon and I've been seeing more and more of those stink bugs. I hate them. Also, this one of my favorite songs by anyone.
Love this performance! I really gotta recommend Shades of Cool video by Lana Del Rey, Nothing Compared by Sinead’O Connor and Sunday Afternoon by Racheal Yamagata ❤
More adult music...it got us through hard times. It will do the same for you, little bro. Peace.