The beauty of James Taylor is that he treats each song as sacredly as when he’d first composed it. Not all artists do this. Over time, many artists (who’d sung the same song thousands of times in concerts) lose the sacredness of the song & sing it irreverently or blasé, but James never does this, which is such a profound gift. He knows how much the song means to the audience.
My husband and I have always said this, and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see someone point this out in an elegant and articulate public comment. James framed it himself: "Pay good money to hear Fire and Rain, again and again and again- That's why I'm here." Unlike so many, he has never forgotten. Grace and fidelity. Can't thank you enough for shining a light on this. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
James is soooo classy in the way he treats his music and the appreciation of other artists. His music helped me through depression years ago. And...I got a chance, through a musical acquaintance, to do vocal background work in a session with him. Made my life. Bless him!
Yoyo and James, how awesome. I am 71 and cannot remember when i haven't been listening to him. I still listen to him to this day. That smooth gentle voice.
Mr. Taylor is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history, and Mr. Ma is probably the greatest Cellist of the Modern age. to hear the two of them together is one of the greatest honours of my life.
TONY RICE AND YO YO MA WALKED IN TO TIFFANY TAVERN LATE ON A SATURDAY AFTER APPEARING AT THE KENNEDY CENTER IN WASHINGTON D.C. THEY TUNED UP AND SAT IN WITH OLD FRIENDS A BLUEGRASS GROUP VERY FONDLY REMEMBERED BY ME SUCH A NIGHT IT WAS THEN!
James Taylor wrote this song for his namesake baby nephew, James Richmond Taylor, the son of his older brother Alex and his wife, Brent Taylor. What a baby gift! 💖
I was there. It was an evening that united all of the people in the audience. I sat with a dying friend, who has since departed this earth. It was privilege to be with her. It was good to see YoYo Ma who was once my neighbor.
We also were there that evening to celebrate a family birthday. What a magical night! If I recall, there was as a delay due to parking or something, but everything was worth the wait! I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I myself was in the midst of chemo treatments then, and felt the healing effects of the caring community there that night. I’m sorry for your loss but I’m so glad your friend shared in the joy that night, and shared it with you.
"With ten miles behind me, And ten thousand more to go." Gets me every time. It's been 50 years I've been listening to it, still brings a tear to my eye. The respect that these two great artists have for each other is so beautiful to see. We need this, we need ART more than ever right now.
I have loved JT from my youth and now at 71 it remains the same. He is an American icon and there will not be another sound as his....what a pairing was this! Bravo!!
amen sir to those sentiments. I first heard JT at about 14yo and am 62 today. I relish every opportunity hear JT these days..why...? because his music is relatable...his music is verbally understandable...and most of all his music has heartfelt lyrics that draw in every one who ever turned a radio on...maybe old school here but at least we're true to ourselves and our roots in music ... peace love and R&R, thx...
My, oh, my, I have not heard this song for more than three decades. This song reminds me of my young and carefree college days, when life was about exploring, dreaming of the future and making memories. We used to have house parties and have James Taylor's songs playing. And to have Yo-yo Ma adding richness to the music makes it even more poignant. I love it! God bless you gentlemen.
Bravo, the music of young Yo Yo Ma reverberates and still dazzling in challenging December 2024, Admiration to the Genius that he is, a triumph of the human spirit - Yo Yo Ma!
I'm 65, and have sung this song to my Grand chidren when I put them to bed when baby sitting. Thank you James Taylor for this lullaby and also all your songs. I will never forget you 💕💜
Amidst the heartbreak and chaos of the pandemic, music has the power to make the world beautiful again. Support the arts with a donation if you can. We need them more than ever.
absolutely no disrespect but my current income is $923/month. Finally got healthcare last Oct. and a food card this week. I MYSELF HAVE always been a giver and not a taker! sorry Can't help right now like millions of others.
While I have no money to buy food to eat and slowly dying from starvations, music feed my soul as my body digest the few muscle clinging to the bones of my skeleton. Yes, music is life. Give all the money to musicians.
Thank you, both of you. James I am leaving this world soon or so thé Drs say mostly I wanted to share my memories of my life following, flowing around your beautiful heart made music. We have never met , each concert I tried to get tickets to I some how missed, you sellout so fast , I live in Canada so it is not too likely that you would frequent here . In truth I just kept buying your work and playing it. I even sang some of your songs to my daughter rocking her to sleep. This is a strange goodbye to a dear friend whom I never met. I want to thank you for sharing a part of your life with me and to say God Bless.
I am sitting here, listening once again to this beautiful song performed by two remarkable musicians, nearly a year after I sat in the Tanglewood audience on that August night. I feel so fortunate to have been there and will treasure the memory always.
I was lucky enough to attend this in person. I've loved Yo-Yo Ma for years, and Sweet Baby James was what my parents sang me at bedtime as a child. Simply a magical time, as well as being one of the last truly happy memories from the Before Times.
How sweet it is to be loved by youuuuu guys, fans love youuuuu back...let only music caress your hearts & never let any evil dare to harm you, let's dedicate your gorgeous tracks all victims of California fire disasters, earthquake in Tibet and never ending wounds in Sudan. Let's invite everybody stay strong and resist, reborn from the own ashes and shine like diamonds 😢😢😢big loving hug gorgeous music stars that are saving our lives from losing minds for good 🎉❤🎉
Thank You Yo Yo MA, James Taylor, and Tanglewood. From Puerto Rico in the beautiful Caribbean Sea and like the whole World, going through the coronavirus pandemic.
There are many talented artists out these days. If you are a JT fan, check out Ed Sheeran, for one. The man is amazing! I'd personally love to see the two of them collab.
National Treasures, both of them. They are so gracious and thrilled by music, all of it and anytime. I have learned so much about collaboration and songwriting from both of these great human beings and artists.
That was beautiful, and yes, it made me cry. James Taylor's voice still sounds fabulous, and hearing Yo Yo Ma play the cello along with James on guitar was something very special.
Hands up, guilty, I cried! I grew up in the 70s & with this kind of gentle, warm, thoughtful music, it made me want to go back to being 12 again, when life was less complex & people were more grateful for what they had, not what they didn't have.........
I have been to the Proms concerts in London but have always wanted to see Tanglewood and the Boston Pops ! James Taylor and YoYo -Ma..What a combination! Music from the musical gods! David UK 🇬🇧
JT's concert in Edmonton was one of my favorites. Just him, his band and his wonderfully simple yet complex music. No pyrotechnics. No flash. No multiple costume changes. No intricate choreography. Loved every second of it.
This song is getting me through my second semester of college. You have no idea what a positive impact you and your music have on my life, Mr. James Taylor.
I closed my eyes and I could see me cruising on Route 66 going Westbound just before sunset with no other cars on the road... JT's music is transcendental. He transports and elevates me to another world. What a joy to listen to him again.
Aw -- that was beautifully performed. And the roar of the crowd had me pulling my earphones out. So appreciative! They know a class act when they see one.
I'm 🇫🇷 🇦🇲 I saw James Taylor in Paris (France) often at OLYMPIA Theater. My brother was a great fan. He introduced James T to me. I like his voice a lot, he makes me cry from time to time. Very emotional.
I'm 78 now... I feel the same. I used to carry a 33 that James cut in England around with me...long before he was played here in the states... That was in the early 60's... I was a lost soul for a long time. I am a Rock later became my anthem.
JT is such a kind and humble man that even after half a century of performing he mentions that he is not worthy to be on the same stage with Yo-Yo Ma. You can hear his voice quiver as he is clearly nervous to be performing with a man he truly admires. I've seen JT perform live and his humble nature is palpable as he sings and performs. The Pull Over tour was recorded and released on DVD. It was done at the Rosemont Theater just outside Chicago on a July night in 2001. The band played flawlessly and there were no stops or re-starts. They only played the theater for one night so there was no editing or splicing of the best performances. What you see on the DVD is exactly the show I saw that night. A truly professional and class act.
@@jamestaylor I've seen James perform live maybe 30 times over the last 3 decades and the gentle vibrato in his voice in the earlier parts of this beautiful classic was unexpected and welcoming. Somehow this song always takes me back.
James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma on the same stage would be a dream to watch live
I'm 62 and can't remember my life without his music I know every word of EVERY SONG...4EVER YOUR JT
he has a special place in my heart too, and I'm only 19. Just turned 19 today.
The first two albums I bought were, Mud Slide Slim & Tapestry. Still two of my favourite albums.
Thanks JT.
Me too! So glad my parents loved him first
The beauty of James Taylor is that he treats each song as sacredly as when he’d first composed it. Not all artists do this. Over time, many artists (who’d sung the same song thousands of times in concerts) lose the sacredness of the song & sing it irreverently or blasé, but James never does this, which is such a profound gift. He knows how much the song means to the audience.
My husband and I have always said this, and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see someone point this out in an elegant and articulate public comment. James framed it himself:
"Pay good money to hear Fire and Rain, again and again and again- That's why I'm here."
Unlike so many, he has never forgotten.
Grace and fidelity.
Can't thank you enough for shining a light on this. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
That's beautifully stated. So apt for James Taylor
Love James
Love Yo
I know a young singer-songwriter who has that passion you describe.
The Torch is Passed...
@@moonharp 😘🥀❣️👍
Well said, he's a treasure...
JT’s music makes me cry…cry over the beauty of his voice and his words and for my youth, 74 years gone
74 years LIVED !
Yo-yo ma and his cello are treasures. Those liquid golden notes.
"And so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston..." The best turn in pop music. Ever.
James is soooo classy in the way he treats his music and the appreciation of other artists. His music helped me through depression years ago. And...I got a chance, through a musical acquaintance, to do vocal background work in a session with him. Made my life. Bless him!
this is what kindness and generosity looks and feels like, people
Yoyo and James, how awesome. I am 71 and cannot remember when i haven't been listening to him. I still listen to him to this day. That smooth gentle voice.
Mr. Taylor is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history, and Mr. Ma is probably the greatest Cellist of the Modern age. to hear the two of them together is one of the greatest honours of my life.
Check them out with Mark O’Connor and Edgar Meyer on the Appalachian Journey album.
And the instrument that JT started out on was the cello. How apropos was this?
Two giants
TONY RICE AND YO YO MA WALKED IN TO TIFFANY TAVERN LATE ON A SATURDAY AFTER APPEARING AT THE KENNEDY CENTER IN WASHINGTON D.C. THEY TUNED UP AND SAT IN WITH OLD FRIENDS A BLUEGRASS GROUP VERY FONDLY REMEMBERED BY ME SUCH A NIGHT IT WAS THEN!
James Taylor is apart of our human fabric...
...Sweet Baby James.
James Taylor wrote this song for his namesake baby nephew, James Richmond Taylor, the son of his older brother Alex and his wife, Brent Taylor. What a baby gift! 💖
Angela Blackthorne ❤️🌹💝
Love it!
Absolutely beautiful. My god I will bawl like a baby if I am still alive when this precious man dies.
I was there. It was an evening that united all of the people in the audience. I sat with a dying friend, who has since departed this earth. It was privilege to be with her. It was good to see YoYo Ma who was once my neighbor.
How COOL!!!
It must have been a wonderful experience-- but, so sorry about your friend.
So sorry for your loss 😟
Wow - that is so interesting to hear that he was a former neighbor and I am glad your now departed friend was able to see this!
We also were there that evening to celebrate a family birthday. What a magical night! If I recall, there was as a delay due to parking or something, but everything was worth the wait! I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I myself was in the midst of chemo treatments then, and felt the healing effects of the caring community there that night. I’m sorry for your loss but I’m so glad your friend shared in the joy that night, and shared it with you.
"With ten miles behind me,
And ten thousand more to go."
Gets me every time. It's been 50 years I've been listening to it, still brings a tear to my eye.
The respect that these two great artists have for each other is so beautiful to see. We need this, we need ART more than ever right now.
AMEN
Awe... I am with ya
The version made me sob!
I have loved JT from my youth and now at 71 it remains the same. He is an American icon and there will not be another sound as his....what a pairing was this! Bravo!!
amen sir to those sentiments. I first heard JT at about 14yo and am 62 today. I relish every opportunity hear JT these days..why...? because his music is relatable...his music is verbally understandable...and most of all his music has heartfelt lyrics that draw in every one who ever turned a radio on...maybe old school here but at least we're true to ourselves and our roots in music ... peace love and R&R, thx...
His graciously teaching the world how to play well with others harmonically!
My love is enduring...way stronger than the physical...Love you my "sweet baby.."
Absolutely the same I too have loved and enjoyed JT for ever BUT having seen Yo Yo Ma at a live concert in UC Davies several years ago I love him too
Yes! Such an amazing human being that JT 🙏
My, oh, my, I have not heard this song for more than three decades. This song reminds me of my young and carefree college days, when life was about exploring, dreaming of the future and making memories. We used to have house parties and have James Taylor's songs playing. And to have Yo-yo Ma adding richness to the music makes it even more poignant. I love it! God bless you gentlemen.
Bravo, the music of young Yo Yo Ma reverberates and still dazzling in challenging December 2024, Admiration to the Genius that he is, a triumph of the human spirit - Yo Yo Ma!
I'm 65, and have sung this song
to my Grand chidren when I put them to bed when baby sitting. Thank you James Taylor for this lullaby and also all your songs. I will never forget you 💕💜
Amidst the heartbreak and chaos of the pandemic, music has the power to make the world beautiful again.
Support the arts with a donation if you can. We need them more than ever.
Say it again for the people in the back! I've been saying exactly this all over my FB and getting nothing but pushback. It's so sad.
absolutely no disrespect but my current income is $923/month. Finally got healthcare last Oct. and a food card this week. I MYSELF HAVE always been a giver and not a taker! sorry Can't help right now like millions of others.
While I have no money to buy food to eat and slowly dying from starvations, music feed my soul as my body digest the few muscle clinging to the bones of my skeleton. Yes, music is life. Give all the money to musicians.
One of the best musicians of our time. Endless and priceless.
You simply do not see talent like this any more. This music is timeless.
National treasures, both of these incredible men❤️❤️
Thank you, both of you. James I am leaving this world soon or so thé Drs say
mostly I wanted to share my memories of my life following, flowing around
your beautiful heart made music. We have never met , each concert I tried to
get tickets to I some how missed, you sellout so fast , I live in Canada so it is
not too likely that you would frequent here . In truth I just kept buying your
work and playing it. I even sang some of your songs to my daughter rocking
her to sleep. This is a strange goodbye to a dear friend whom I never met.
I want to thank you for sharing a part of your life with me and to say God Bless.
My favorite cellist & one of my favorite voices. I still get the chills when listening. You raise me out of my troubles for a short time...
I am sitting here, listening once again to this beautiful song performed by two remarkable musicians, nearly a year after I sat in the Tanglewood audience on that August night. I feel so fortunate to have been there and will treasure the memory always.
I am so glad James Taylor made it through his drug demons. It is such a joy to see him talking and still singing. Brings back so many great memories.
Not merely a supreme musical, Yo Yo Ma embodies all that is good in humanity.
It moves me so deeply to hear how deeply James is being moved while singing this song here with great and loveable Jojo Ma 🌺
How lucky are we, living in the Berkshires to experience these two every summer!
Do you want anything THAT special and superb? Don't look any further. Here it is. Masters of their craft.
This is the America I love.
Endless admiration for two of the greatest musicians in their fields, always experimenting, collaborating, growing and sharing. Wonderful.
I almost cried when Yo Yo played the cello. James is brilliant. You can never miss the magic when the master plays the cello.
I cried, how could anyone not be moved by this, especially in the disconnection of lockdown.......
James Taylor singing "Close Your Eyes" at the 9/11 memorial was unforgettable & tearful
I was lucky enough to attend this in person. I've loved Yo-Yo Ma for years, and Sweet Baby James was what my parents sang me at bedtime as a child. Simply a magical time, as well as being one of the last truly happy memories from the Before Times.
How sweet it is to be loved by youuuuu guys, fans love youuuuu back...let only music caress your hearts & never let any evil dare to harm you, let's dedicate your gorgeous tracks all victims of California fire disasters, earthquake in Tibet and never ending wounds in Sudan. Let's invite everybody stay strong and resist, reborn from the own ashes and shine like diamonds 😢😢😢big loving hug gorgeous music stars that are saving our lives from losing minds for good 🎉❤🎉
Down memory lane with two gentle souls painting pictures with music , thanks for sharing
Thank You Yo Yo MA, James Taylor, and Tanglewood. From Puerto Rico in the beautiful Caribbean Sea and like the whole World, going through the coronavirus pandemic.
I love that they encourage young people in developing their musical talents.
I can't express the pleasure JT's songs have given me over many decades. It was good to see him again.
Amen
Me too...one of my favourites ever!!! What we need to listen to during the pandemic!
James Taylor’s voice is one of the finest in music ever, period! Thank you JT AND YYM
Interesting too Norris, just you know Taylor would never agree.
JT’s voice is sincere and very heart felt (greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark🇩🇰)
I Agree ☝️
Sweet sound so calming had the pleasure of seeing James Taylor I felt like one page of my life had been written thanks Jt
The sweetest
I like this rendition more than any that I've heard. Beautiful.
I was there and such a wonderful surprise. I'll see Yo Yo Ma this summer but so disappointed James won't be there.
Just thinking James Taylor is like fine wine he appreciates with age ,trubudor for the ages
I can remember listening to this album over and over(and over again). My father thought he was depressing. My Dad loved polkas.
The sweetest lullabye, ever.
That was a little piece of heaven
I'm so lucky to live here where they both have homes. I've seen them perform, along with others over the years at Tanglewood. Not taken for granted...
So beautiful it brings tears to my eyes
You are two of my all-time favorites. I will tell the world everything this means to me if I can ever find the words.
I sang this to my children at night more times than I can possibly count. What a treat to hear these two together.
What a wonderful duet! Greetings, successes and blessings from Guayaquil - Ecuador 🇪🇨 We love you here James🙏🏻
What an awesome collaboration. This is what music is missing today. TALENT!!!!!
I totally agree...
Bingo!
There are many talented artists out these days. If you are a JT fan, check out Ed Sheeran, for one. The man is amazing! I'd personally love to see the two of them collab.
there's plenty of talent out there if you look for it
awww... two kind gentle men sharing their talents in a very humble way...
A couple of national, nay, world treasures
Genius musicians are humbled by their own talent... as are James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma
I absolutely adore Yo-Yo Ma; his ability to play and love every kind of music is phenomenal!
Two profoundly talented musicians. I am so very humbled by their respect for one another.
i could listen to this song a million times 👍🏼👍🏼
Precious to my heart and my ears 💞
Wow! That’s the most beautiful version I ever heard of that with Yo Yo Ma!
James, I love you and always have. You got me through the 70’s with your songs in my heart. Thank you for all eternity.
Touches my heart and soul like no other song...for my sweet baby James
"Old friends...old friends...sharing a park bench like book-ends...." (Paul Simon/Art Garfunkel -- same generation). LOVE THIS! Thank you!
Margaret Blank I love that song, too. We have been so fortunate to live in the time of these exceptional artists.
So emotive in these disconnected times, thanx I needed a cry to remind me I'm not a robot...
My nose is stuffed up tears caused by beauty and sentiment....💜💕and beautiful music🙏🏼
The truth that is James always shines through
When great musical talent comes together, it builds bridges between generations and genres until there is only music, pure and universal.
Wow, 2 of our favorite musicians, on my Dad's birthday, who happens to be partially, eternally staying at Tanglewood! Thank you and miss you Dad.
His voice is untouched, just like before . . . brings up lots tears and years.
😊
Aw COOL!!!
Indeed @Shechai Yah, indeed
I remember when Sweet Baby James came out. Can it be 50 years? And here we all are. Still brings a tear to my eye, too.
I have loved James Taylor for 45 years +, yet I’ve never, ever heard him called Jimmy. How sweet it is ...
National Treasures, both of them. They are so gracious and thrilled by music, all of it and anytime. I have learned so much about collaboration and songwriting from both of these great human beings and artists.
Sentimentality personified for me... I am a baby boomer who has loved JT's music since my teens. Bittersweet.
JT just exudes Peace. Ole yoyo well he can play relaxed like an old coat, hes a graceful blanket on tunes like this.
What a gift to come across this just looking for some JT on a Friday night.
What an unbelievable moment. James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma! I have chills and a huge smile on my face.
That was beautiful, and yes, it made me cry. James Taylor's voice still sounds fabulous, and hearing Yo Yo Ma play the cello along with James on guitar was something very special.
Anyone who wouldn't become emotional while listening to this unique performance doesn't have a heart.
Hands up, guilty, I cried! I grew up in the 70s & with this kind of gentle, warm, thoughtful music, it made me want to go back to being 12 again, when life was less complex & people were more grateful for what they had, not what they didn't have.........
I have been to the Proms concerts in London but have always wanted to see Tanglewood and the Boston Pops ! James Taylor and YoYo -Ma..What a combination! Music from the musical gods! David UK 🇬🇧
JT's concert in Edmonton was one of my favorites. Just him, his band and his wonderfully simple yet complex music. No pyrotechnics. No flash. No multiple costume changes. No intricate choreography. Loved every second of it.
This song is getting me through my second semester of college. You have no idea what a positive impact you and your music have on my life, Mr. James Taylor.
My father would sing this for me himself at bedtime. Thank you Daddy.
They are su full of LOVE!!!💖🩷❤️💖🩷❤️
I closed my eyes and I could see me cruising on Route 66 going Westbound just before sunset with no other cars on the road... JT's music is transcendental. He transports and elevates me to another world. What a joy to listen to him again.
Yes, Too beautiful, nothing to say
Nothing wrong with celebrating
some of the best music around!
Aw -- that was beautifully performed. And the roar of the crowd had me pulling my earphones out. So appreciative! They know a class act when they see one.
I'm 🇫🇷 🇦🇲 I saw James Taylor in Paris (France) often at OLYMPIA Theater. My brother was a great fan. He introduced James T to me. I like his voice a lot, he makes me cry from time to time. Very emotional.
So love! James Taylor’s voice and songs and music got me through some tough and lonely times during my late teenage years. Bless you, JT! 🙏✨
I'm 78 now... I feel the same. I used to carry a 33 that James cut in England around with me...long before he was played here in the states... That was in the early 60's... I was a lost soul for a long time. I am a Rock later became my anthem.
JT is such a kind and humble man that even after half a century of performing he mentions that he is not worthy to be on the same stage with Yo-Yo Ma. You can hear his voice quiver as he is clearly nervous to be performing with a man he truly admires. I've seen JT perform live and his humble nature is palpable as he sings and performs. The Pull Over tour was recorded and released on DVD. It was done at the Rosemont Theater just outside Chicago on a July night in 2001. The band played flawlessly and there were no stops or re-starts. They only played the theater for one night so there was no editing or splicing of the best performances. What you see on the DVD is exactly the show I saw that night. A truly professional and class act.
.. simply master will accompany master respect...this tune is perfectly performed...
Sorry James was not nervous...40 years of doing this you dont get nervous
James still gets nervous, and has talked about it in interviews.
@@jamestaylor I've seen James perform live maybe 30 times over the last 3 decades and the gentle vibrato in his voice in the earlier parts of this beautiful classic was unexpected and welcoming. Somehow this song always takes me back.
James Taylor For those of us who read comments 👍
Love love LOOOOOVE Yo-yoma and James.
Sweetly, thoughtfully they play and join hands. I wish the rest of the world behaved like this.
Thanks, Gracias, Gracie I could go on but Yo yo strokes this once and gives JT’s classic a touch of grace.
As always JT is always humble
Absolutely beautiful!!
I was lucky enough to be in the audience that night, to hear my favorite musicians perform together. It brought tears to my eyes!
thats super cool... has to be a super memory for you...
I was there live witnessing two legends’ collaboration. What a treat! It was a day I’ll remember for a very very long time.
I sang this lullaby to both of my children and now to my grandchildren. Thank you so much
Two great musicians side by side! And both genres fit well beautifully.
Being there for this moment is something I will always remember. Two humble titans.
Jodi Neufeld Gimeno 🌹