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I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This song has always made me tear and choke up thinking of different times of my life that could be relatable. Gordon Lightfoot is another singing storyteller that I love so much.
I agree. Also, I like some of Dan Fogelberg’s lyrics ("Leader of the Band"). And, especially, Harry Chapin, the 20th century’s version of the troubadour.
When James Taylor sings, it's like a Lullabye. You feel warm, romantic, nostalgic, and safe and warm. Every time I have seen him live, you just want to be next to a loved one under a blanket. It is my understanding that he has perfect pitch. His guitar technique is unique to him, and he posted his guitar-style lessons on RUclips at one time. You can recognize his picking style right away.
We saw James Taylor in 1974 at a small venue and the show was magical. He can mesmerize an audience like no other performer I have ever seen. He can make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. He can take you to any place he wants with his voice and exceptional skill on the guitar. I play rock guitar but he also influenced my playing. I learned several of his songs and I still play some of them today.
My wife did a ton of babysitting as a teenager and claims that James Taylor is the only artist with a 100% success rate at getting babies to fall asleep.
Your face speaks volumes. The admiration that you show towards him is genuine and lovely. It shows how you really enjoy his music and style. Glad you reacted to this. His music is something special. Thank you!
James is such a great writer, singer and musician. His guitar is so distinctive, immediately identifiable. He has dealt with a lot and has written some very heavy stuff. But he is also, hands down no contest, the funniest person in the music biz. He could have been a comedian. He had a hysterical bit on Stephen Colbert's show, skewering this song. He said when he wrote this song, he hadn't experienced much, pretty much just fire and rain. But since then, he had experienced more, so he had updated the song. Then he and Stephen started singing lines like "I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in" and "I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends."
This is a beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. I haven't heard it for a very long time. It makes me think of what I went through when my son was violently taken from us in 2002. His name meant fire and I see the rain as my tears. Carole King is another singer I loved. Thank you ❤
When i was a little boy my father and i used a line from this song to say goodnight to each other. He would say sweet dreams and i would respond with and flying machines.
The natural response to your question about artists who do music at their own pace is Carol King - who just happens to be good, good friends with James Taylor. They share songs from each other's catalogs and they played together frequently. If you are looking to pass some relaxation time, you might find the DVD of James Taylor and Carol King together at the Troubadour where they sing together - it's a great way to pass an evening!
This is one of my very favourite songs from this era. I can't even begin to guess how many times I've heard it, along with a mix of others that were constantly in my rotation over the years. I finally got to see James Taylor in concert a year or two ago (with Jackson Browne as his opening act!) and it's remarkable how well his voice has held up.
For me, coming of age at 16, working my first job in late '74 (as a dishwasher/bus boy at a fine dining restaurant) the album 'Sweet Baby James' and most significantly, this magnificent song, 'Fire and Rain' anchored the soundtrack of my life. You see, every Saturday morning, me and all the 'junior staff' were required to spend 3-4 hours performing the primary weekly cleaning and reset. The 'management' trusted their young staffers with the most seniority to 'get the job done' without any 'adults' present, so some liberties like ample volume may have been taken when using the facility's 'sound system.' For so many Saturdays our crew replayed, and replayed the song, from the singer we just couldn't get enough of - The Great James Taylor and 'Fire and Rain'!
Great song, great singer, great reaction, who could ask for more? Beth's typically perceptive, thoughtful and well-researched diligence are on full display here. For many, this is a truly iconic voice that helped define the 70s. Ol'JT could really belt it out when the music required it too Top-notch as always, Beth.
I have been fortunate to see JT live twenty years apart. The first was in Bangor, Maine, USA, where there was three feet of snow outside. Somehow they didn't cancel the show. He was with Carole King that night. A great concert. He is truly one of the world's best singer/songwriters/musicians. He has valued the quality of his work. Thanks for the great reaction. I loved the Simpson's skit! You are one of the very best reactors, and you can really sing! Thanks!
My favorite artist of all time. My best friends took me to see him for my 30th birthday, 11th row center at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, and it was the greatest night of my life still to this day. He's even more amazing in his older age. Thank you for all the JT trivia too. It's always nice to hear. ❤
Very insightful reaction to a song I’ve appreciated since it came out. I’m seventy five, dealing with cancer and it possibly resonates with me more now than ever before.
I first heard of James Taylor when my eldest sister came home with this album. At first his nasal tones held no appeal to me, but I soon learned to appreciate his voice. Certainly his writing was amazing and he was one of the biggest names for a time. Writing a song about a lost loved one is so difficult and I have great respect for anyone who can hold themselves together enough to write, sing, record and, especially, perform such a personal song live. I'm one of the writers for my band and have tried to put to music about losing my little brother and simply can't get past trying to find the words. Not even just for myself. Another singer/songwriter who conveys incredible imagery in his work is Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. He's not the only one, though. Beth, I cannot recommend enough checking out the amazing Stan Rogers. He was another Canadian who could make you feel a part of the story in every song he wrote. From the love song to his wife, 45 Years, to the aging rancher's wife in Lies to the unfortunate soul in the sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, and so many others. Rogers is an overlooked talent. who deserves to be more known.
Eyes closed and I can sing this song along. First time I heard this song was on the CD of Red, Hot and Country and performed by Sammy Kershaw. Both are hitting home, I've lost friends, brothers and sisters (veterans) and still see and hear about suicide in my line of work almost every day. Be open about your demons, talk to somebody, mental illness and/or addiction is a fight you don't need to fight alone. There is no shame in being vulnerable and open to somebody you want to trust. I know it's hard to do so and the steps to go and ask for help are big but they're worth every step. You are loved and you wil be missed. Never judge, show compassion and listen.
Taylor was a part of a new era in the music industry. The 60's and 70's birthed the era of the singer-songwriter which until artists such as Dylan, The Beetles, the Stones and yes, James Taylor, was almost never a thing. At that point in time it was most common for artists to perform songs that were written for them. The reason Taylor's songs feel so personal is because they were a part of him. Taylor's music without this is something I could never imagine. Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" was written with James in mind. There is a wonderful video of a live performance of her with James on stage. It's an cement watch, particularly if you know the story behind its making.
The best concert I ever went to was James Taylor in Kennebunkport, Maine. The venue was beautiful, an amphitheater in a pine forest, the acoustics were amazing, and James was excellent. I will never forget that night, it was a wonderful experience!
A great deep reaction to a great deep song. Thank you. Looking forward to getting your album. Thanks for doing this channel and sharing your experience and expertise with us.
James Taylor wrote this classic in 1968. The three parts of the song refer to a childhood friend (Suzanne) who committed suicide, about JT's addiction to heroin, and the third refers to a band he started called The Flying Machine which did not succeed. As poignant as this song is, it takes me back many years, to some good memories of dear friends and family who are gone, and places that are no longer the same today. Edit: The "fire and rain" reference also alludes to the forging process of iron - the heating, melting and cooling. Life often brings us those moments of tempering that ultimately makes us stronger - like steel - and hopefully, more humble and appreciative of these experiences. JT's guitar playing style is unique - more like playing a piano. he uses both hands, all fingers in a dynamic coordination - a little bit of jazz guitar also combined with perfect finger-picking. By the way, I have attended more than a dozen JT concerts through the years and he get more refined like vintage wine!
I started listening to James Taylor when these songs came out in the 70s, and I was a child. Fast forward, I was in New York in 2001 and he was live on Good America America a few blocks from my hotel, and I could have walked over and seen him sing a few minutes. But I was tired, and it was early, and I watched it on TV instead. I still kick myself. I'm old now and have few regrets, but when I hear James Taylor now, I have to say that's one regret.
James Taylor was so important to me wanting to sing. I don't have the most technically brilliant voice, but when I heard how much he achieved with notes that I could actually reach, it made me feel free to express myself through song. A truly wonderful singersongwriter.
Having been around a good while....I first received money for singing in 1958.....I naturally have more admiration for individual skills seen in some singers more than others. The finest, simple, male storytellers of the past 75 yrs must be: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Arlo Guthrie, and Sting.
I really love John Denver's cover of this song. Just by the way John sings it changes the setting and meaning in the song. John has a way to add a sadness and melancholy, where James is more upbeat and about remembering the good times. John did it again with his cover of Mr Bojangle. It is up there with Johnny Cash's Hurt cover for being so emotional.
James Taylor just headlined a concert for charity with several other entertainers to help the victims of the Hurricane caused flooding in Ashville North Carolina and other places there on Oct 26, 2024. He live in North Carolina. He's 76 and still a very active force in music, and as a human being a very positive bad ass. It was the Beatles that discovered when in England, helped him do his first album on the Apple label. 2 years later his album Fire and Rain with the title song as the hit single was his breakout song that put him on the musical map in 1970. James has conquered drug addiction. One time, his dad, who was a doctor, saved his life, getting him to the hospital on time. He had a song/album called Walking Man, but he should named it Walking Miracle...
Susan Katherine Soldan, 1953-1980. I met her in 1977 at an open mic night in a dive bar in Tacoma. She played guitar and performed captivating Joni Mitchell covers. I was young and brash and asked her to accompany me while I tried to sing Taylor's 'Carolina in My Mind.' We married six months later.
James Taylor - Fire And Rain !!!! Fantastic .... I assume by now you know that he is singing about real life events. {"The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame."} James was over seas recording his 1st album and they did not want to interrupt it so they didn't tell him until later. He was in an institution for heron addiction, and the the Flying Machine was the name of a short lived band he was in. I 1st heard this song done by Blood Sweat & Tears. before I heard the original and loved it. I have both versions.
This was the epitome of what was derisively called " identity crisis rock" by the cynical critics of the day. I felt it was more akin to the East Coast/Upstate N.Y./Berkshire Hills school of folk/soft rock . Troubador love song about lost love and premature death. Simply brilliant.
This is such a nice reaction to James Taylor. I had no idea that he had vocal chord surgery to at a young age. I’ve long known him a “sophisticated” singer-songwriter-the guy who created complicated guitar arrangements and then, with great talent, sung over the top of them. I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of his guitarist virtuosity.
Gregory Alan Isakov to me feels like one of those artists who moves at his own pace, owning a sustainable farm and making music for the love of it no matter how long that takes. It shines through in all his songs.
I never realised the subject matter of the song, even though it's probably my joint favourite JT song (along with Close Your Eyes - another one that floors me every time). Damn, knowing this is going to make holding back the tears even harder when I hear this song!
You asked if we knew any other artists that did their own thing and still made it. The first two that come to mind is "Enya" with her breakthrough album "Watermark". It was different from anything else I'd heard at the time. The second band is "Enigma" with their epic album "MCMXC a.D." and their song "Sadness (Part 1)." Those two bands did their own thing and made an impression on countless fans as a result. James Taylor was amazing to see live. I got to see him once and his voice was just as incredible as it is in this video. I'm rather typical in that I love his song, "You've Got A Friend".
I've always loved this song! You should review Steamroller Blues, for choice, the version from this particular concert. I think it was the preceding song. Don't pass up the spoken intro though! It makes stuff he does in the song even funnier!. BTW, Steamroller Blues became a concert staple that his fans loved. It's also on the Sweet Baby James album.
James is without a doubt one of, if not thee, greatest singer song writers of his generation. No one else has/had the ability to write such poignant lyrics and his guitar playing is amazing. His work w/ Carol King & Joni Mitchell are just off the charts. Truly a legend. [Edit] Beth I'd love to hear your analysis of Eva Cassidy - passed away from cancer MUCH to early and truly a 'Songbird'.
Wee Bethy. I dinnae ken if I can tell ye how much this reaction hear means to me. Im from Glasgow, now stateside fer the summer. Thanks so much fer this. Haste ye back, wee lass.
There is a young lady music artist you may have heard of by the name of Putri Ariani who is very independent about her music and choice of music. I believe she is a major rising Star. All her music she is very involved in and likes it her own way. She just recently came out with a new song, But if you don't already know about her check out her Golden Buzzer audition appearance on AGT 2023. ❤
Warner Brothers took chances on artists like James Taylor for a long while. They deserve so much credit for allowing artists like him to breathe and grow.
@@marmotsongs Yes, they did, but they dropped him. Warners is the label that stuck with him as they did many artists who were not commercial juggernauts from the jump.
Great reaction, as always, Beth. As a JT fan from the beginning, I've noticed that, in just a few years from the time of this performance, James seems to lose a bit of that 'nasality', but not all. I've always assumed that it was just a progression of style, mixed with aging and experience. James has always been more of a troubadour and less of a 'singer's singer'. However, I've always derived great comfort from the sound of his voice and his, sort of, easy going style, even when he's singing an uptempo song. He's a true original, and I wouldn't change a thing. His songwriting, both lyrically and musically, has always captured my imagination. His songs are honest. As a guitar player, I admire his highly melodic, finger picking playing style. When you hear a JT song, there is absolutely no doubt who is playing the guitar. I'm happy to say that I've seen him in concert three times, and I even met him once. Even though I was rather dumbstruck at the time of our meeting, he could not have been more gracious.
One of the best acoustic players out there. Expressive but not over the top - similar to Paul Simon. Beth - if you ever get the chance to see him - GO!
I saw James Taylor for the first time in college in the 1980s. I’ll see him for the 4th time in June… It would be the 5th but Covid took one away. One of my favorites was in 2010 with Carole King. 💞 His catalog is amazing. At his concerts, people sing along as if with an old friend. Sweet Baby James Carolina in My Mind Shower the People Something in the Way She Moves How Sweet It Is Your Smiling Face Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight . . . so many great songs.
Harry Chapin was an example of an artist and story teller musician extraordinaire who made art at his own pace. I recommend a deep dive, past just Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner are two brilliant examples of lesser known tunes by Harry that were brilliant.
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Carole King answered the line "I could not find a friend" by writing "You've Got a Friend".
Love them both.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This song has always made me tear and choke up thinking of different times of my life that could be relatable. Gordon Lightfoot is another singing storyteller that I love so much.
Totally agree with you
So deep...tears, yes, at the beauty, shared sadness.
Tears in my eyes now as I listen to this again...
I agree. Also, I like some of Dan Fogelberg’s lyrics ("Leader of the Band"). And, especially, Harry Chapin, the 20th century’s version of the troubadour.
@@mattp422you got it! Those are two of my absolute favorites also. Great music from the best time of my life. 👍💯✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
There are musicians who perform songs and there are musicians who are in a category of their own
Taylor is just incredible.
When James Taylor sings, it's like a Lullabye. You feel warm, romantic, nostalgic, and safe and warm. Every time I have seen him live, you just want to be next to a loved one under a blanket. It is my understanding that he has perfect pitch. His guitar technique is unique to him, and he posted his guitar-style lessons on RUclips at one time. You can recognize his picking style right away.
We saw James Taylor in 1974 at a small venue and the show was magical. He can mesmerize an audience like no other performer I have ever seen. He can make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. He can take you to any place he wants with his voice and exceptional skill on the guitar. I play rock guitar but he also influenced my playing. I learned several of his songs and I still play some of them today.
My wife did a ton of babysitting as a teenager and claims that James Taylor is the only artist with a 100% success rate at getting babies to fall asleep.
Nice !
I can believe that. I was born in May 1970. My Mother told me she would play this to calm me down when I was a baby.
James Taylor is a master at lyrics, song writing, guitar and vocals. The complete package.
Growing up with this, it is memorable! And a BIG YES to hearing Carol King from you !!!
Thanks, we needed that !
Your face speaks volumes. The admiration that you show towards him is genuine and lovely. It shows how you really enjoy his music and style. Glad you reacted to this. His music is something special. Thank you!
James is such a great writer, singer and musician. His guitar is so distinctive, immediately identifiable.
He has dealt with a lot and has written some very heavy stuff. But he is also, hands down no contest, the funniest person in the music biz. He could have been a comedian. He had a hysterical bit on Stephen Colbert's show, skewering this song. He said when he wrote this song, he hadn't experienced much, pretty much just fire and rain. But since then, he had experienced more, so he had updated the song. Then he and Stephen started singing lines like "I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in" and "I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends."
And for me, he have the most beautiful ‘flat’ voice of folk singers….
This is a beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. I haven't heard it for a very long time. It makes me think of what I went through when my son was violently taken from us in 2002. His name meant fire and I see the rain as my tears. Carole King is another singer I loved. Thank you ❤
So sorry for your loss.
Taylor was my late Uncle’s favorite artist. Miss him ❤
Your uncle had great taste 👍RIP
Operator - Jim Croce
A talent lost way too soon. If he had the career length, Jim would have been Icon.
A great voice, beautiful lyrics, and wonderful guitar work. That’s all it takes for a great artist.
When i was a little boy my father and i used a line from this song to say goodnight to each other. He would say sweet dreams and i would respond with and flying machines.
I love his, “Something In The Way She Moves”
Just saw him in concert here in New Zealand 2 weeks ago. 76 years old and fantastic !
His sweet baby James album is one of the must haves
The natural response to your question about artists who do music at their own pace is Carol King - who just happens to be good, good friends with James Taylor. They share songs from each other's catalogs and they played together frequently. If you are looking to pass some relaxation time, you might find the DVD of James Taylor and Carol King together at the Troubadour where they sing together - it's a great way to pass an evening!
I would also suggest Kate Bush who creates no timetable but her own.
@ianreed9364 absolutely agree! 100%
This is one of my very favourite songs from this era. I can't even begin to guess how many times I've heard it, along with a mix of others that were constantly in my rotation over the years. I finally got to see James Taylor in concert a year or two ago (with Jackson Browne as his opening act!) and it's remarkable how well his voice has held up.
Amazing song, amazing artist. I'm glad my era was the 70s, so many great songs and artists, we will never see the likes of again. Cheers!
Another artist who wrote introspective music. The late Dan Fogleberg, a true genius.
I think Jackson Browne and Don McClean (sp) are also somewhat that way.
Yes, listening to this song I thought of Dan.
Sweet Baby James is another one of his songs that is just fantastically written
As is the story he tells of how and why he wrote it .
For me, coming of age at 16, working my first job in late '74 (as a dishwasher/bus boy at a fine dining restaurant) the album 'Sweet Baby James' and most significantly, this magnificent song, 'Fire and Rain' anchored the soundtrack of my life. You see, every Saturday morning, me and all the 'junior staff' were required to spend 3-4 hours performing the primary weekly cleaning and reset. The 'management' trusted their young staffers with the most seniority to 'get the job done' without any 'adults' present, so some liberties like ample volume may have been taken when using the facility's 'sound system.' For so many Saturdays our crew replayed, and replayed the song, from the singer we just couldn't get enough of - The Great James Taylor and 'Fire and Rain'!
I saw James Taylor sing this song live in 1971. The concert was at the HIC in Honolulu, Hawaii.
I had the 45 when I was fourteen, back in 1971/1972. God, I loved it--and I still do . . .
Wonderful reflection on an iconic song in many Gen X lives.
Great song, great singer, great reaction, who could ask for more? Beth's typically perceptive, thoughtful and well-researched diligence are on full display here. For many, this is a truly iconic voice that helped define the 70s. Ol'JT could really belt it out when the music required it too Top-notch as always, Beth.
Thank you!
I have been fortunate to see JT live twenty years apart. The first was in Bangor, Maine, USA, where there was three feet of snow outside. Somehow they didn't cancel the show. He was with Carole King that night. A great concert. He is truly one of the world's best singer/songwriters/musicians. He has valued the quality of his work. Thanks for the great reaction. I loved the Simpson's skit! You are one of the very best reactors, and you can really sing! Thanks!
This song always makes me smile and cry at the same time. An artist who always took her time between records is Lucinda Williams. ❤️🎶
My favorite artist of all time. My best friends took me to see him for my 30th birthday, 11th row center at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, and it was the greatest night of my life still to this day. He's even more amazing in his older age. Thank you for all the JT trivia too. It's always nice to hear. ❤
I'm old enough to remember when this was a new song. Beautiful
Very insightful reaction to a song I’ve appreciated since it came out. I’m seventy five, dealing with cancer and it possibly resonates with me more now than ever before.
I first heard of James Taylor when my eldest sister came home with this album. At first his nasal tones held no appeal to me, but I soon learned to appreciate his voice. Certainly his writing was amazing and he was one of the biggest names for a time.
Writing a song about a lost loved one is so difficult and I have great respect for anyone who can hold themselves together enough to write, sing, record and, especially, perform such a personal song live. I'm one of the writers for my band and have tried to put to music about losing my little brother and simply can't get past trying to find the words. Not even just for myself.
Another singer/songwriter who conveys incredible imagery in his work is Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. He's not the only one, though. Beth, I cannot recommend enough checking out the amazing Stan Rogers. He was another Canadian who could make you feel a part of the story in every song he wrote. From the love song to his wife, 45 Years, to the aging rancher's wife in Lies to the unfortunate soul in the sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, and so many others. Rogers is an overlooked talent. who deserves to be more known.
Eyes closed and I can sing this song along. First time I heard this song was on the CD of Red, Hot and Country and performed by Sammy Kershaw.
Both are hitting home, I've lost friends, brothers and sisters (veterans) and still see and hear about suicide in my line of work almost every day. Be open about your demons, talk to somebody, mental illness and/or addiction is a fight you don't need to fight alone. There is no shame in being vulnerable and open to somebody you want to trust. I know it's hard to do so and the steps to go and ask for help are big but they're worth every step. You are loved and you wil be missed.
Never judge, show compassion and listen.
Taylor was a part of a new era in the music industry. The 60's and 70's birthed the era of the singer-songwriter which until artists such as Dylan, The Beetles, the Stones and yes, James Taylor, was almost never a thing. At that point in time it was most common for artists to perform songs that were written for them. The reason Taylor's songs feel so personal is because they were a part of him. Taylor's music without this is something I could never imagine.
Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" was written with James in mind. There is a wonderful video of a live performance of her with James on stage. It's an cement watch, particularly if you know the story behind its making.
The best concert I ever went to was James Taylor in Kennebunkport, Maine. The venue was beautiful, an amphitheater in a pine forest, the acoustics were amazing, and James was excellent. I will never forget that night, it was a wonderful experience!
“Sweet dreams and Flying machines, in pieces on a he ground” refers to his earlier band James Taylor and the Flying machine and their break up.
A great deep reaction to a great deep song. Thank you. Looking forward to getting your album. Thanks for doing this channel and sharing your experience and expertise with us.
I am so glad I got to see him and Jackson Browne together in concert a year ago. He is so good live!
James Taylor wrote this classic in 1968. The three parts of the song refer to a childhood friend (Suzanne) who committed suicide, about JT's addiction to heroin, and the third refers to a band he started called The Flying Machine which did not succeed. As poignant as this song is, it takes me back many years, to some good memories of dear friends and family who are gone, and places that are no longer the same today.
Edit: The "fire and rain" reference also alludes to the forging process of iron - the heating, melting and cooling. Life often brings us those moments of tempering that ultimately makes us stronger - like steel - and hopefully, more humble and appreciative of these experiences.
JT's guitar playing style is unique - more like playing a piano. he uses both hands, all fingers in a dynamic coordination - a little bit of jazz guitar also combined with perfect finger-picking.
By the way, I have attended more than a dozen JT concerts through the years and he get more refined like vintage wine!
Didnt expect to learn so much from a reaction to a song I've listened to for years... thanks!
My best friend played this song on his guitar at our wedding. It's a sad song, but it happened to be my wife's favorite song.
Thanks for the back story on this song...your research adds great value!
I started listening to James Taylor when these songs came out in the 70s, and I was a child. Fast forward, I was in New York in 2001 and he was live on Good America America a few blocks from my hotel, and I could have walked over and seen him sing a few minutes. But I was tired, and it was early, and I watched it on TV instead. I still kick myself. I'm old now and have few regrets, but when I hear James Taylor now, I have to say that's one regret.
James Taylor was so important to me wanting to sing. I don't have the most technically brilliant voice, but when I heard how much he achieved with notes that I could actually reach, it made me feel free to express myself through song. A truly wonderful singersongwriter.
Having been around a good while....I first received money for singing in 1958.....I naturally have more admiration for individual skills seen in some singers more than others. The finest, simple, male storytellers of the past 75 yrs must be: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Arlo Guthrie, and Sting.
This song always made me cry. My best friend was at Mcleans near the same time as Suzanne
Hi Beth i hope your doing well. As always awesome Reaction
One of my favourite songs ... JT 💙☮
I really love John Denver's cover of this song. Just by the way John sings it changes the setting and meaning in the song. John has a way to add a sadness and melancholy, where James is more upbeat and about remembering the good times. John did it again with his cover of Mr Bojangle. It is up there with Johnny Cash's Hurt cover for being so emotional.
Love James Taylor, thanks for sharing
A beautiful review~ Thanks Beth!
James Taylor is the greatest singer-songwriter in the history of the universe.
Ohh I've been waiting for you to do this one! A great singer in his prime.
You can’t tell from this performance, but, saw him in concert, about 9-10,000 people there, and this guy was so funny. Wasn’t expecting that.
James Taylor just headlined a concert for charity with several other entertainers to help the victims of the Hurricane caused flooding in Ashville North Carolina and other places there on Oct 26, 2024. He live in North Carolina. He's 76 and still a very active force in music, and as a human being a very positive bad ass. It was the Beatles that discovered when in England, helped him do his first album on the Apple label. 2 years later his album Fire and Rain with the title song as the hit single was his breakout song that put him on the musical map in 1970. James has conquered drug addiction. One time, his dad, who was a doctor, saved his life, getting him to the hospital on time. He had a song/album called Walking Man, but he should named it Walking Miracle...
Love this song
Susan Katherine Soldan, 1953-1980. I met her in 1977 at an open mic night in a dive bar in Tacoma. She played guitar and performed captivating Joni Mitchell covers. I was young and brash and asked her to accompany me while I tried to sing Taylor's 'Carolina in My Mind.' We married six months later.
The only James Taylor song i really like and this is a great performance of it, just a man and his guitar.
James Taylor - Fire And Rain !!!! Fantastic .... I assume by now you know that he is singing about real life events. {"The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame."} James was over seas recording his 1st album and they did not want to interrupt it so they didn't tell him until later. He was in an institution for heron addiction, and the the Flying Machine was the name of a short lived band he was in. I 1st heard this song done by Blood Sweat & Tears. before I heard the original and loved it. I have both versions.
I love the backstory and the additional info. Thanks!
This was the epitome of what was derisively called " identity crisis rock" by the cynical critics of the day. I felt it was more akin to the East Coast/Upstate N.Y./Berkshire Hills school of folk/soft rock . Troubador love song about lost love and premature death. Simply brilliant.
A true virtuoso on the guitar........
Great reaction to one of my favorite artists from my youth.
This is such a nice reaction to James Taylor. I had no idea that he had vocal chord surgery to at a young age. I’ve long known him a “sophisticated” singer-songwriter-the guy who created complicated guitar arrangements and then, with great talent, sung over the top of them. I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of his guitarist virtuosity.
One of my favorite tunes as a teenager in the 70's. Enjoy! ✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Gregory Alan Isakov to me feels like one of those artists who moves at his own pace, owning a sustainable farm and making music for the love of it no matter how long that takes. It shines through in all his songs.
I never realised the subject matter of the song, even though it's probably my joint favourite JT song (along with Close Your Eyes - another one that floors me every time). Damn, knowing this is going to make holding back the tears even harder when I hear this song!
If you like James Taylor, you need to react/analyze some Jim Croce. He was taken from us way too soon.
React to James Taylor and Carly Simon singing and dancing to Mockingbird
My favorite live song of his is Steamroller Blues, it’s shows a different side to him, he’s got a nasty streak which is surprisingly so damn good
His autobiography audiobook tells the story of how and why he wrote this song. It’s really worth listening to.
Beth , this was the soldiers song during the later part of the viet nam war , the feeling of the time and place .
You asked if we knew any other artists that did their own thing and still made it. The first two that come to mind is "Enya" with her breakthrough album "Watermark". It was different from anything else I'd heard at the time. The second band is "Enigma" with their epic album "MCMXC a.D." and their song "Sadness (Part 1)." Those two bands did their own thing and made an impression on countless fans as a result.
James Taylor was amazing to see live. I got to see him once and his voice was just as incredible as it is in this video. I'm rather typical in that I love his song, "You've Got A Friend".
One of my favorite songs.
I've always loved this song! You should review Steamroller Blues, for choice, the version from this particular concert. I think it was the preceding song. Don't pass up the spoken intro though! It makes stuff he does in the song even funnier!. BTW, Steamroller Blues became a concert staple that his fans loved. It's also on the Sweet Baby James album.
James is without a doubt one of, if not thee, greatest singer song writers of his generation. No one else has/had the ability to write such poignant lyrics and his guitar playing is amazing.
His work w/ Carol King & Joni Mitchell are just off the charts.
Truly a legend.
[Edit] Beth I'd love to hear your analysis of Eva Cassidy - passed away from cancer MUCH to early and truly a 'Songbird'.
Beautiful
I forgot Carol King played piano on this. They always sounded good together.
Sad song in 1970, sad song in every generation. James Taylor tells the story so succinctly. Love his mellow voice. Happy summer. 😊 BTW...Bob Dylan
Wee Bethy. I dinnae ken if I can tell ye how much this reaction hear means to me. Im from Glasgow, now stateside fer the summer. Thanks so much fer this. Haste ye back, wee lass.
it was a wonderful time for music :)
For all the reasons that most everyone visiting this loves James Taylor is the reason he is held in total contempt by tens of millions of Americans.
There is a young lady music artist you may have heard of by the name of Putri Ariani who is very independent about her music and choice of music. I believe she is a major rising Star. All her music she is very involved in and likes it her own way. She just recently came out with a new song, But if you don't already know about her check out her Golden Buzzer audition appearance on AGT 2023. ❤
Warner Brothers took chances on artists like James Taylor for a long while. They deserve so much credit for allowing artists like him to breathe and grow.
The Beatles first took a chance on him. He was the first artist signed to Apple Music.
@@marmotsongs Yes, they did, but they dropped him. Warners is the label that stuck with him as they did many artists who were not commercial juggernauts from the jump.
Great reaction, as always, Beth. As a JT fan from the beginning, I've noticed that, in just a few years from the time of this performance, James seems to lose a bit of that 'nasality', but not all. I've always assumed that it was just a progression of style, mixed with aging and experience. James has always been more of a troubadour and less of a 'singer's singer'. However, I've always derived great comfort from the sound of his voice and his, sort of, easy going style, even when he's singing an uptempo song. He's a true original, and I wouldn't change a thing. His songwriting, both lyrically and musically, has always captured my imagination. His songs are honest. As a guitar player, I admire his highly melodic, finger picking playing style. When you hear a JT song, there is absolutely no doubt who is playing the guitar. I'm happy to say that I've seen him in concert three times, and I even met him once. Even though I was rather dumbstruck at the time of our meeting, he could not have been more gracious.
Garth Brooks lists James Taylor as his favorite artist. His musical hero. He named his daughter Taylor.
One of the best acoustic players out there. Expressive but not over the top - similar to Paul Simon. Beth - if you ever get the chance to see him - GO!
He is a virtuoso guitarist as well.
I saw James Taylor for the first time in college in the 1980s. I’ll see him for the 4th time in June… It would be the 5th but Covid took one away. One of my favorites was in 2010 with Carole King. 💞
His catalog is amazing. At his concerts, people sing along as if with an old friend.
Sweet Baby James
Carolina in My Mind
Shower the People
Something in the Way She Moves
How Sweet It Is
Your Smiling Face
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
. . .
so many great songs.
Silar life experiences from the wonderful Beth Hart "Leave the Light On"
I've always said if butter had a voice it would be JT. Icon!!
True classic 👌
Ren comes to mind first as making art at his own pace. I know you've reacted to him several times.
Fable is awesome btw. I love James Taylor I think I have most of his music.
Harry Chapin was an example of an artist and story teller musician extraordinaire who made art at his own pace. I recommend a deep dive, past just Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner are two brilliant examples of lesser known tunes by Harry that were brilliant.
Colin Hay's Maggie deals with the subject matter in a equally power way.
I really like your analysis first and foremost. But truly love your ginger hair! I am a sucker for gingers!