I was 15 years old when Fire and Rain came out shortly after my mother's suicide. I felt like someone finally understood my pain. I have resonated with James Taylor's take on love and life ever since and have enjoyed several of his concerts. Thank you, James!
God bless you, sweetheart. I can't imagine the pain you felt as a teenager, and how you coped with that trauma in your formative years. It seems that we have songs that will immediately transport us back to a particular time or place in our lives, no matter how old we get. Sending you hugs from Texas!
James didn't write the entire song Fire and Rain in rehab. He actually started it in England. His girlfriend from the time he was in NYC 1966-67 was Suzanne Schnerr. Summer of 1967, JT returned home to dry out and by Jan 1968, he picked up and travelled to London where he met Peter Asher head of A/R for Apple records (The Beatles) and signed on to create his first album "James Taylor". Suzanne tragically took her life in May 1968. None of JT's NY friends wanted to tell him at the time as he was in the opportunity of a lifetime recording with the Beatles and his susceptibility to drugs and depression. After the album was completed in October, JT celebrated the end of the recording and I believe it was his drummer Joel O'Brien, who was connected to the friends in NYC, that finally told him of the fate of Suzanne. James went back to his flat in Nottinghill Gate and wrote the opening verse to the song... Now soon after JT returned to the states in first of 1969 and did check into Austen Riggs in western Massachusetts where he wrote the songs for his "Sweet Baby James" album as well as completed Fire and Rain.
Thank you you're good wasn't just wrong his voice irritates the fk outta me I never watch his stuff happened to roll up on it twice to see how wrong he is booo to him you get a , 👍😻💕💪
The newspaper clipping at the time said the New York City Transit Authority Police reported that Suzanne either jumped or fell into the path of a New York City subway train. It is not really known if she committed suicide or fell or maybe was pushed into the path of a subway train. Considering that New York City was a dangerous place at the time, and crazy people have been pushing people to their deaths in front of subway trains for like 120 years now, it's a possibility that her death was not suicide after all.
Everything he wrote here is true. In a documentary about the singer where the entire thing was an in depth interview, he spoke about the girl, the story and his struggles with heroine. How he was in a room in some dive in NY and his father called him and said he was driving down from Mass to get him. He saved his life. At the time his girlfriend was struggling with addiction too but her family either had her committed to a mental hospital or were trying to have her committed (instead of rehab) and she took her life over it. This was why the line “Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you” was penned. He felt terribly guilty but her death wasn’t because of him.
I have always loved James, and he has, with his music, brought me through a lot of fire and rain. Yes, I did think he lost his love Suzanne in a plane crash…..I’m sorry to know it was a suicide situation….I have been blessed to see the emotional, wonderful transformation of James since the early seventies. I grew up in Conn. and he did several concerts close to there. I went to everyone. Sometimes he would be barefoot, wrinkled pants, and cigs. Rolled up in his sleeve of a tshirt…..but he was personable, and would sit on the edge of the stage including and engaging himself right into he audience.I remember a concert I cried at, just after he and Carly broke up, and the audience continually called out for Carly. I saw the pain in his eyes, but he just kept singing….never saying a word about carly. When he was done, he sweetly waved and walked off.I’ve felt his lyrics every time I listen to him.I last saw him at the Tampa forum in Florida…….I was seated next to what I thought was an exit, and sure enough, when Carole and James walked out from that under, exit, I was thrilled to be that close to both of them. I waited until the halftime part of the show when they both walked hand and hand back under the exit, and told the lady in front of me…you should have shook his hand. She laughed. When they left the stage at the end of the show, I leaned over the rail with my arm out to try to get his attention. He saw me, walked past, and then stopped, dropped carols hand, and turned and came back and took my hand in both his large, sweet, soft hands and with a light of love in his eyes, he looked me straight in the eyes, and smiled. All I could say was thank you, thank you so much…his nod of the head was an acknowledgement that he felt my heart and sincerity.I appreciated him taking the time, and caring enough for one girl in an audience of thousands, to make my hearts desire to thank him for helping me through some very hard times to come true. I will turn 65 this April, and James is playing wherever I am, even in the car. He has a very healing effect in my heart and my soul. Thank you James……you are an important human being in my life and always will be. Jesus did look down upon you, and He helped you make a stand……he helped you through another day…and brought you to where you are now. You are humble and quiet spirited..and gentle of heart! God bless you, and I am one soul that’s forever grateful for every song you’ve written and sung!❤jane holmes, west virginia
Yes, that was an awesome story you told. Thank you for sharing. I am 65 too and remember quite well with my ex husband and I always listened to James Taylor, a very talented person. My ex and I still talk and remember James Taylor music.
I had a portable 8 track player as a child. I would plug in his greatest hits to go to sleep by and those lyrics are now forever engrained in head and my heart.
Fun stuff, thank you so much for sharing your life story. We're very happy to know that you're a fan of James. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
I was happy, as a hippie, in the latter part of th 1960s. I constantly listened to James Taylor, when I was in my van. Driving around with my 10 speaker 8-track player; Bob dylan and CSA
I was in the backseat, my cousin from California driving and a few "hippy" friends, I was 15. The song Fire and Rain came on the radio, and I will never forget the sound, the experience of that day. It is a moment that if I were holding an artists brush, I could recreate in detail. I, not an artist, have captured it in words to share someday in the wind. Thanks for triggering a memory that is normally held to the song!!
The album, Sweet Baby James played over and over again in my room as a 15 year old. Now 68 I’ve unfortunately gone deaf. But I can listen to his beautiful music in my mind…and I do. ❤️🇨🇦
I admire James Taylor for all of his struggles and all of his hardships. But I also admire him for being such an inspiration for me to play guitar. Thank you, James Taylor for All of your wonderful music.👍👍❤️🎼🎶🎸
Thank you James Taylor. I have been listening to your songs for decades. Looking forward to your concert later this year at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Tickets have already been bought. :) Side note…I have spent all of my adult life singing your songs in my car on road trips, traffic jams, and sometimes just for some relaxing when running errands. You have given so much happiness, peace and now nostalgia to so many. Simply thank you. You made a difference in my life.
I was blessed to see James Taylor in 1971 at Dayton's Hara Arena. Carole King opened for him. At that time I had no idea what glorious talent I was witnessing.
As one of James's greatest fan, I still listen regularly to his music till my present age of 61. A very inspiring bio of the man who I've considered an unbeatable icon till today.
My Favorite song Is Shower the People You Love. Thanks for the Clarity on his friends Suicide, I heard she was on her Way to see his concert and her Plane Crashed!
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter, and musician....one of my best songs from James Taylor is Shower The People...this song became a hit in 1976...from James Taylor's Album In The Pocket...a very meaningful song, yet powerful song
I truly admire James Taylor for his enormous musical talents 0:40 . When you’re young and impressionable, you can easily get lost. I thanked the guidance and discipline my parents imposed upon us their children and I came out of those turbulent years if thr 70s and 80s, unscathed. Yes, I’m a great fan of James Taylor and most of the music icons but I knew, at a young age, how to discern from right and wring. Thank you Mom and Dad and may you rest in peace.
I think he was saying I’ve seen so much, good and bad and out of all he’s seen he always thought he’d see Suzanne again- but now he won’t. It will rain again but Suzanne is gone.
The band badlands with Ray Gillen singing and Jake E Lee playing guitar covered this song on their second album and it was a very great surprise, excellently done with taste and respect. A timeless song that mirrors much of my own life story. Thank you James, glad you sought help.
Like so many others who have left comments here, I discovered James Taylor with Sweet Baby James. In my case, as a freshman in high school in 1971. His music impacted me greatly as a young man and inspired me to write and perform m own music which I still do to this day. I wore out that album because I listened to it constantly, as I did with most of his albums that followed. Hope that someday I can thank him personally for giving me his gift of music…
@@FactsVerse That’s a very tough question. Fire and Rain is iconic and I love it. II also love Shower the People and Never Die Young. Perhaps the most evocative for me is Walking Man. For some reason, it takes me back to my senior year in high school - one fall day in particular, riding a school bus on our way from Toronto to Stratford, Ontario, to the Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Lots of farm country along the way. Strange what we sometimes associate with a given song…
Thank you so much for this very candid view of James. I'm 68 years old & from Tasmania Australia & I've been a huge Fan of James Taylor since I was 15 years old. I lost my 36 year old Son 12 months ago, so Fire & Rain has an even more profound effect on me now, more than ever. I wwon a Talent Quest 30 years ago singing Fire & Rain & I'm also a big Fan of Carol King & have performed Classic Songs of both James & Carol when I was in a Band many years ago. Thank you James Taylor for all of your incredible Music through the years, it has helped shape the life I've had, in many ways. Fire & Rain will always have a place in my heart. Thank you also, FactsVerse for the information & background that you have provided regarding this most Iconic Song. Warmest Regards, Zoe 🙂
I’m 69 now and have been a big JT fan since I was 15. I always found his songs very well crafted, beautiful and interesting. I knew a lot about him but I have learned more from watching this video. Thank you.
"Knocking Round The Zoo" is a part of all that. Having had his girlfriend Susan dying, losing a couple of band members (The Original Flying Machine) to drug overdoses and his breakdown and institutionalization are all explored in his early works. The entirety of the Taylor clan had addiction problems. His father attended Harvard Med and being the Dean of the medical school in in Chapel Hill. His father was a functional alcoholic and each and every member of his family had emotional and addiction problems. Livington Taylor didn't have the success that James had, but it was not for lack of talent. His older sister Kate had problems and more than one sibling had treatment for depression. Oddly, his family was well off and he married Carly Simon (whose father was the head of Simon and Schuster Publishing) and was also from a well-off family. Carly Simon has admitted that the end of their marriage after ten years was due to his addiction. His second marriage also lasted ten years. Just one more person with demons, which he (at partially) defeated.
His band members didn’t OD during this time. They just broke up. JT’s friend from his early teen years and co founder of The Original Flying Machine Guitarist Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar was the person who introduced JT to Peter Asher in London via a phone number. Asher was part of the famed Peter and Gordon duo. When they came to the US to perform the US promoter hired a US band to back them up. That was Kortchmar’s band The King Bees. Danny and Peter became life long friends …and remain to this day. Kortchmar’s musical bio includes playing on , writing and producing many hits and albums. He was on most of JT’s albums at least through Flag including the famous Troubadour Reunion Tour. Kortchmar was a very important part of JT’s career including introducing Carole King to JT. (Danny played on Carole’s early songwriting demos through many hit albums and tours for some of the top artists in the industry (example Don Henley) They remain close friends through the present time. 😂Bass player Zachary Wiesner while not playing with JT again, co wrote/wrote several songs reordered by JT including Never Die Young. 🎉 Joel “Bishop “ O’Brien was the drummer on early JT albums as well as a few songs on Carole Kings hit album Tapestry He was also a member of Kortchmar s The King Bees and Jo Mama bands. No Mama made 2 albums and often backed Carole King’s early solo career. While he Imodium credited by some of drug use with JY, Joel died of cancer in 2004.🎉
I first saw him at a place called Tanglewood. God I must’ve been 17 that was years ago and he still lives all about 40 miles away to me in Massachusetts. Anyways, you can listen to JT anytime and enjoy it.
Me too! We saw him in Great Woods, which is called the Xfinity Center now. The spot in Western Mass where he lives is beautiful, although getting up there is not for those who have issues with heights as the vistas right along the roadway are stunning but a bit scary!
I was going to make a comment , changed my mind until I saw yours. I saw James Taylor at Tanglewood also, in the summer of 1974. A bunch of us girls got wasted( one was SICK). Then James started the opening chords of “ Mockingbird”… and out of the back of the stage came Carly to sing it with him. She had on the outfit I’ve seen a few times( might have been same night) it was a skintight body suit that was a dark green & darkblue with some white . We went wild !! My poor GF who was puking never got to see Carly. She kept insisting she wasn’t there until we found an article that said she had joined her husband on the stage. I was all of 18 at the time.Fond memories of being a teen when music was REAL.😊
I thought I read or heard somewhere that "fire" referred to electroshock therapy and "rain" referred to a follow up cold shower treatment while he was institutionalized. Regardless, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful with multiple deep meanings.
His father Taught in Colleges as Professor, he took a job at UNC CHAPEL HILL College N. Carolina .... when James was young. His brother Livingston also played and sang ..... was also a heroin addict and did not survive it. James and Harry Chapin are the two very most talented American troubadours .... incredible talents in composing, singing and playing music ! GBjj
To be honest, the creative mind needs time to reflect. It is emotion that brings on the creative spark. As for abuse I can only venture a guess and that is the need to quiet the mind. I am thankful for the comforting medium reached.
Not surprised at all it makes sense. I always thought there were 2 or 3 stories in that song. English is my second language so for years I listened to it trying the get the meaning. Specially on my own depression days as closet young guy in a small backwards religious town. The song for so e reason Even being sad left me with a sense of better times to come. That it could overcome things. Now many many years later it makes total sense and also why even being a sad song leaves you with a warn light at the end of the tunnel sensation. Thank you!
1976 after moving out of the house prior to getting a divorce in Okinawa, i drove around the island on my motorcycle listening to JTs Gorilla and In The Pocket albums... Wandering, love song, shower the people... at 76 years old my favorite is Mean Old Man...
Yeah I always heard the song is very different from the original rough demo. Lyrics were I mean. I think the final mastered recording is broken into three separate stages of his life. His experience losing his old friend to suicide, his recovery from addiction, and his spiritual and personal struggle to sort of come into his own. I think I even remember hearing he was a Christian post rehab. I'm not an expert tho these are just things I've heard from others and I love his songs. Especially Fire And Rain. James Taylor is seriously the f**king man for writing that absolute masterpiece of a song.
No I was not surprised I knew much about it and him. I lived in Stockbridge and have friends that are nurses at Riggs. He lives here now in Lenox and is a kind man.
James Taylor holds a heartfelt memory of sadness and better times ahead ❤ I remember Bob Dylan and others the same way. Neal Young also comes to mind ❤
The only hit song that I am aware of that contains a prayer to Jesus whose name is not used mockingly. Don't know that James Taylor is a Christian but it does show that when all is lost you might see the light.
It was over-played so much and for so many years, it makes it difficult for me to like it. I love Brother James, and always will. But please don't play this song! He has so many wonderful songs, but everyone thinks of Fire and Rain (sigh)
It turns out that at least a few of his siblings appear in his video of It's Enough to be On Your Way. The song tells the story of the death of his friend, "Alice". In reality, he's singing about his brother, Alex. You'll see Livingston Taylor walking away from the grave site, to name one. Several of his siblings got together to perform a version of his, Shower The People song. And, James covers a version of brother Livingston's song, Goin Round One More Time, on his That's Why I'm Here album. It's a favorite of mine. I saw Livingston Taylor on a very old TV show, that may have been the precursor to Austin City Limits. He performed some wonderful songs he wrote. I later bought the album. It shows him stepping from a boxcar on the cover. Both the music and lyrics were lovely--something I could imagine his talented big brother producing and performing. We've all heard that life isn't fair. One brother gets tons of accolades and becomes very rich. The other puts his best efforts forward, unfairly languishes in obscurity, forced to come to terms with the difference. If you have a song--sing it, without worrying about comparison, if you are able. "Use what talents you possess; The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke.
back in the 80s when i went to chapel hill high, there was an old cinder block shed in the middle of the woods near a large creek that apparently Taylor partied in when he was younger, I guess in the 60s. not 100% it was true but everyone at the time said it was. we also partied in that shed.
Astrologers say his chart indicates a soldier who died in civil war but he was in love at the time. Many references to civil war in his songs. Its the sorrow of lost love. Sure is.
there's a certain clarity that some artists get while being institutionalized like van Gough painting Starry Night from his hospital room at the asylum.
Flying Machine doesn't refer to an airplane. It refers to a band (Original Flying Machine) he was in prior to his career as a solo artist with Danny Kortchmar (sp?).
In his younger age, "James Taylor" looks a lot like the American actor "Ashton Kutcher." Addiction to alcohol and substance is a very bad thing that could happen to anyone. It always ends in extremely terrible consequences. I'm afraid 💔😢👎
Like his music. Don’t care for him. Very strange man. Comes across as awkward and uncomfortable in his own skin. He is lucky to be alive. My mother was employed at Silver Hill in New Canaan, Connecticut during the time James Taylor was a patient there. She found him polite and humble, with a significant heroin addiction.
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I was 15 years old when Fire and Rain came out shortly after my mother's suicide. I felt like someone finally understood my pain. I have resonated with James Taylor's take on love and life ever since and have enjoyed several of his concerts. Thank you, James!
Very interesting, thanks for sharing your life story! Be strong and enjoy the rest of your evening ♥
So sad but you had the strength to share this. I’m sure that it will help others. You are a kind and decent person.
Well done.
God bless you, sweetheart. I can't imagine the pain you felt as a teenager, and how you coped with that trauma in your formative years. It seems that we have songs that will immediately transport us back to a particular time or place in our lives, no matter how old we get. Sending you hugs from Texas!
James didn't write the entire song Fire and Rain in rehab. He actually started it in England. His girlfriend from the time he was in NYC 1966-67 was Suzanne Schnerr. Summer of 1967, JT returned home to dry out and by Jan 1968, he picked up and travelled to London where he met Peter Asher head of A/R for Apple records (The Beatles) and signed on to create his first album "James Taylor". Suzanne tragically took her life in May 1968. None of JT's NY friends wanted to tell him at the time as he was in the opportunity of a lifetime recording with the Beatles and his susceptibility to drugs and depression. After the album was completed in October, JT celebrated the end of the recording and I believe it was his drummer Joel O'Brien, who was connected to the friends in NYC, that finally told him of the fate of Suzanne. James went back to his flat in Nottinghill Gate and wrote the opening verse to the song... Now soon after JT returned to the states in first of 1969 and did check into Austen Riggs in western Massachusetts where he wrote the songs for his "Sweet Baby James" album as well as completed Fire and Rain.
Thank you you're good wasn't just wrong his voice irritates the fk outta me I never watch his stuff happened to roll up on it twice to see how wrong he is booo to him you get a , 👍😻💕💪
The newspaper clipping at the time said the New York City Transit Authority Police reported that Suzanne either jumped or fell into the path of a New York City subway train. It is not really known if she committed suicide or fell or maybe was pushed into the path of a subway train. Considering that New York City was a dangerous place at the time, and crazy people have been pushing people to their deaths in front of subway trains for like 120 years now, it's a possibility that her death was not suicide after all.
Everything he wrote here is true. In a documentary about the singer where the entire thing was an in depth interview, he spoke about the girl, the story and his struggles with heroine. How he was in a room in some dive in NY and his father called him and said he was driving down from Mass to get him. He saved his life. At the time his girlfriend was struggling with addiction too but her family either had her committed to a mental hospital or were trying to have her committed (instead of rehab) and she took her life over it. This was why the line “Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you” was penned. He felt terribly guilty but her death wasn’t because of him.
@@jillian7636 yeah I was hip to that when sweet baby James hir the streets . Like this is redundant
I thought he went to McLean hospital outside of Boston. Maybe that was another time.
I have always loved James, and he has, with his music, brought me through a lot of fire and rain. Yes, I did think he lost his love Suzanne in a plane crash…..I’m sorry to know it was a suicide situation….I have been blessed to see the emotional, wonderful transformation of James since the early seventies. I grew up in Conn. and he did several concerts close to there. I went to everyone. Sometimes he would be barefoot, wrinkled pants, and cigs. Rolled up in his sleeve of a tshirt…..but he was personable, and would sit on the edge of the stage including and engaging himself right into he audience.I remember a concert I cried at, just after he and Carly broke up, and the audience continually called out for Carly. I saw the pain in his eyes, but he just kept singing….never saying a word about carly. When he was done, he sweetly waved and walked off.I’ve felt his lyrics every time I listen to him.I last saw him at the Tampa forum in Florida…….I was seated next to what I thought was an exit, and sure enough, when Carole and James walked out from that under, exit, I was thrilled to be that close to both of them. I waited until the halftime part of the show when they both walked hand and hand back under the exit, and told the lady in front of me…you should have shook his hand. She laughed. When they left the stage at the end of the show, I leaned over the rail with my arm out to try to get his attention. He saw me, walked past, and then stopped, dropped carols hand, and turned and came back and took my hand in both his large, sweet, soft hands and with a light of love in his eyes, he looked me straight in the eyes, and smiled. All I could say was thank you, thank you so much…his nod of the head was an acknowledgement that he felt my heart and sincerity.I appreciated him taking the time, and caring enough for one girl in an audience of thousands, to make my hearts desire to thank him for helping me through some very hard times to come true. I will turn 65 this April, and James is playing wherever I am, even in the car. He has a very healing effect in my heart and my soul. Thank you James……you are an important human being in my life and always will be. Jesus did look down upon you, and He helped you make a stand……he helped you through another day…and brought you to where you are now. You are humble and quiet spirited..and gentle of heart! God bless you, and I am one soul that’s forever grateful for every song you’ve written and sung!❤jane holmes, west virginia
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
Yes, that was an awesome story you told. Thank you for sharing. I am 65 too and remember quite well with my ex husband and I always listened to James Taylor, a very talented person. My ex and I still talk and remember James Taylor music.
@@sherrimartin1057same
Beautiful
Still listen to JT on Sirius Radio. Every day👍🎶🎵
I had a portable 8 track player as a child. I would plug in his greatest hits to go to sleep by and those lyrics are now forever engrained in head and my heart.
Fun stuff, thank you so much for sharing your life story. We're very happy to know that you're a fan of James. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
Him and Joni Mitchell kept my head above water as a teenager I’m 68 now and still love their songs ❤❤❤
Music, álbum Gorila do ano de 1975. Uma música imortal.
A música mais linda dele. Adoro ouvir e tocar no violão... Music.
I was happy, as a hippie, in the latter part of th 1960s. I constantly listened to James Taylor,
when I was in my van. Driving around with my 10 speaker 8-track player; Bob dylan and CSA
I love Mr. Taylor's vocal style. He makes you feel so calm when he sings.
Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel, things are gonna work out fine, if you only will.
Like a small soft waterfall
Us too! What is your most memorable song of James?
His music has always been so calm and soothing ❤
@@FactsVerse handyman...the best song ever
I was in the backseat, my cousin from California driving and a few "hippy" friends, I was 15. The song Fire and Rain came on the radio, and I will never forget the sound, the experience of that day. It is a moment that if I were holding an artists brush, I could recreate in detail. I, not an artist, have captured it in words to share someday in the wind. Thanks for triggering a memory that is normally held to the song!!
I’ve seen him in concert several times. He’s extremely talented and humble. Sweet baby James helped me get through high school and my teens.❤
To me, growing up at that time, is a song that hits me hard. We never got the chance to say good-bye..I'm a COVID widow. Rip JOHN 💔
Though I don’t know you, I am so sad and sorry for your loss. Carry on as im sure your husband would encourage you to do.
The album, Sweet Baby James played over and over again in my room as a 15 year old. Now 68 I’ve unfortunately gone deaf. But I can listen to his beautiful music in my mind…and I do. ❤️🇨🇦
❤
😢🙏💕
I admire James Taylor for all of his struggles and all of his hardships. But I also admire him for being such an inspiration for me to play guitar. Thank you, James Taylor for All of your wonderful music.👍👍❤️🎼🎶🎸
I grew up, listening to James Taylor. I have all his songs absolutely love him.
Thank you James Taylor. I have been listening to your songs for decades. Looking forward to your concert later this year at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia. Tickets have already been bought. :) Side note…I have spent all of my adult life singing your songs in my car on road trips, traffic jams, and sometimes just for some relaxing when running errands. You have given so much happiness, peace and now nostalgia to so many. Simply thank you. You made a difference in my life.
When I first started guitar lessons "Fire and Rain" was my ultimate goal, I did get , my love of his music, his honesty and talent have never wavered.
YOU TOO 😄
I was blessed to see James Taylor in 1971 at Dayton's Hara Arena. Carole King opened for him. At that time I had no idea what glorious talent I was witnessing.
We're very happy to know that you had a chance to see James! Thanks for sharing your life story. In your opinion, what is his finest song?
......but I always thought that I'd see you again 💔
As one of James's greatest fan, I still listen regularly to his music till my present age of 61. A very inspiring bio of the man who I've considered an unbeatable icon till today.
My Favorite song Is Shower the People You Love. Thanks for the Clarity on his friends Suicide, I heard she was on her Way to see his concert and her Plane Crashed!
James Taylor is a great singer songwriter, and musician....one of my best songs from James Taylor is Shower The People...this song became a hit in 1976...from James Taylor's Album In The Pocket...a very meaningful song, yet powerful song
Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see?
@@FactsVerse you welcome
" In my mind I'm going to Carolina"😊
One of our favorites too, you've got fine taste! What other types of video would you like to see?
Love James Taylor's music. Own most if not all of his Albums. I'm a life long fan of his his. I hate his politics. Nobody's perfect.
I truly admire James Taylor for his enormous musical talents 0:40 . When you’re young and impressionable, you can easily get lost. I thanked the guidance and discipline my parents imposed upon us their children and I came out of those turbulent years if thr 70s and 80s, unscathed. Yes, I’m a great fan of James Taylor and most of the music icons but I knew, at a young age, how to discern from right and wring. Thank you Mom and Dad and may you rest in peace.
I think he was saying I’ve seen so much, good and bad and out of all he’s seen he always thought he’d see Suzanne again- but now he won’t. It will rain again but Suzanne is gone.
Yes, musicians tend to write songs that reflect their own life experiences, especially tragic ones.
We absolutely agree! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Be safe and enjoy the have a great evening!☺
The band badlands with Ray Gillen singing and Jake E Lee playing guitar covered this song on their second album and it was a very great surprise, excellently done with taste and respect. A timeless song that mirrors much of my own life story.
Thank you James, glad you sought help.
Like so many others who have left comments here, I discovered James Taylor with Sweet Baby James. In my case, as a freshman in high school in 1971. His music impacted me greatly as a young man and inspired me to write and perform m own music which I still do to this day. I wore out that album because I listened to it constantly, as I did with most of his albums that followed. Hope that someday I can thank him personally for giving me his gift of music…
Fun stuff, thanks for sharing your life story. In your opinion, what is James' finest song?
@@FactsVerse That’s a very tough question. Fire and Rain is iconic and I love it. II also love Shower the People and Never Die Young. Perhaps the most evocative for me is Walking Man. For some reason, it takes me back to my senior year in high school - one fall day in particular, riding a school bus on our way from Toronto to Stratford, Ontario, to the Stratford Festival to see Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Lots of farm country along the way. Strange what we sometimes associate with a given song…
The live version, from 1970 at the BBC, is the best song I've ever heard. Magic.
Thank you so much for this very candid view of James. I'm 68 years old & from Tasmania Australia & I've been a huge Fan of James Taylor since I was 15 years old. I lost my 36 year old Son 12 months ago, so Fire & Rain has an even more profound effect on me now, more than ever. I wwon a Talent Quest 30 years ago singing Fire & Rain & I'm also a big Fan of Carol King & have performed Classic Songs of both James & Carol when I was in a Band many years ago. Thank you James Taylor for all of your incredible Music through the years, it has helped shape the life I've had, in many ways. Fire & Rain will always have a place in my heart. Thank you also, FactsVerse for the information & background that you have provided regarding this most Iconic Song. Warmest Regards, Zoe 🙂
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“Country Road” was my favorite. ❤
Love the song, great album, Don Henley played drums,Carole King on keyboard.
AND WHAT A GREAT SONG IT IS.ITS HELPED ME THROUGH MY FIRE AND RAIN DAYS.
I’m 69 now and have been a big JT fan since I was 15. I always found his songs very well crafted, beautiful and interesting.
I knew a lot about him but I have learned more from watching this video. Thank you.
“You’ve Got a Friend” was written by Carole King.
Love James Taylor. This song and Carolina In My Mind 👌 ❤️✌️🌅
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@FactsVerse All that is less atmospheric influenced yet soul authentic ❤️ James
The legendary JT James Taylor
I remember a DJ in my hometown telling listeners this was about a woman he knew commiting suicide.
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"Knocking Round The Zoo" is a part of all that. Having had his girlfriend Susan dying, losing a couple of band members (The Original Flying Machine) to drug overdoses and his breakdown and institutionalization are all explored in his early works. The entirety of the Taylor clan had addiction problems. His father attended Harvard Med and being the Dean of the medical school in in Chapel Hill. His father was a functional alcoholic and each and every member of his family had emotional and addiction problems. Livington Taylor didn't have the success that James had, but it was not for lack of talent. His older sister Kate had problems and more than one sibling had treatment for depression. Oddly, his family was well off and he married Carly Simon (whose father was the head of Simon and Schuster Publishing) and was also from a well-off family. Carly Simon has admitted that the end of their marriage after ten years was due to his addiction. His second marriage also lasted ten years. Just one more person with demons, which he (at partially) defeated.
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His band members didn’t OD during this time. They just broke up. JT’s friend from his early teen years and co founder of The Original Flying Machine Guitarist Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar was the person who introduced JT to Peter Asher in London via a phone number. Asher was part of the famed Peter and Gordon duo. When they came to the US to perform the US promoter hired a US band to back them up. That was Kortchmar’s band The King Bees. Danny and Peter became life long friends …and remain to this day. Kortchmar’s musical bio includes playing on , writing and producing many hits and albums. He was on most of JT’s albums at least through Flag including the famous Troubadour Reunion Tour. Kortchmar was a very important part of JT’s career including introducing Carole King to JT. (Danny played on Carole’s early songwriting demos through many hit albums and tours for some of the top artists in the industry (example Don Henley) They remain close friends through the present time. 😂Bass player Zachary Wiesner while not playing with JT again, co wrote/wrote several songs reordered by JT including Never Die Young. 🎉 Joel “Bishop “ O’Brien was the drummer on early JT albums as well as a few songs on Carole Kings hit album Tapestry He was also a member of Kortchmar s The King Bees and Jo
Mama bands. No
Mama made 2 albums and often backed Carole King’s early solo career. While he Imodium credited by some of drug use with JY, Joel died of cancer in 2004.🎉
He’s also known for his guitar playing. Maybe that would’ve been worth mentioning.
I first saw him at a place called Tanglewood. God I must’ve been 17 that was years ago and he still lives all about 40 miles away to me in Massachusetts. Anyways, you can listen to JT anytime and enjoy it.
Me too! We saw him in Great Woods, which is called the Xfinity Center now. The spot in Western Mass where he lives is beautiful, although getting up there is not for those who have issues with heights as the vistas right along the roadway are stunning but a bit scary!
I was going to make a comment , changed my mind until I saw yours. I saw James Taylor at Tanglewood also, in the summer of 1974. A bunch of us girls got wasted( one was SICK). Then James started the opening chords of “ Mockingbird”… and out of the back of the stage came Carly to sing it with him. She had on the outfit I’ve seen a few times( might have been same night) it was a skintight body suit that was a dark green & darkblue with some white . We went wild !! My poor GF who was puking never got to see Carly. She kept insisting she wasn’t there until we found an article that said she had joined her husband on the stage. I was all of 18 at the time.Fond memories of being a teen when music was REAL.😊
@@maureentrant5588 good times back then
Yes, he has got some wonderful songs! ❤
So true but wait, what is your most memorable song of James?
I thought I read or heard somewhere that "fire" referred to electroshock therapy and "rain" referred to a follow up cold shower treatment while he was institutionalized. Regardless, the lyrics are hauntingly beautiful with multiple deep meanings.
All kinds of myths and tales are born from people who think they can interpret lyrics.
Not unlike the Carpenters, James Taylor, too, defined his very own musical genre.
This is an excellent biographical piece. Well done!
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My wife and I attended a show he did in Dallas. As I remember, it was in the late 1970’s (?)
It was WONDERFUL !
His father Taught in Colleges as Professor, he took a job at UNC CHAPEL HILL College N. Carolina .... when James was young. His brother Livingston also played and sang ..... was also a heroin addict and did not survive it. James and Harry Chapin are the two very most talented American troubadours .... incredible talents in composing, singing and playing music ! GBjj
Going to see him later this month 🎸🎤🎶
What a remarkable life of hope and inspiration.
To be honest, the creative mind needs time to reflect. It is emotion that brings on the creative spark. As for abuse I can only venture a guess and that is the need to quiet the mind. I am thankful for the comforting medium reached.
HE ENTHRALED OUR TÈENAGERS.I LISTENED ANd loved his words and melodies.Glad when I saw him
In Down under.
James Taylor has shown us through his music how to survive and endure life's pain and to find the good and value in living.
He was a big influence on my music and writing along with CSN & Y Bob Dylan 🎵🎶🎸
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'September grass" ....'Angles of Fenway"...masterpieces.
Not surprised at all it makes sense. I always thought there were 2 or 3 stories in that song. English is my second language so for years I listened to it trying the get the meaning. Specially on my own depression days as closet young guy in a small backwards religious town. The song for so e reason Even being sad left me with a sense of better times to come. That it could overcome things.
Now many many years later it makes total sense and also why even being a sad song leaves you with a warn light at the end of the tunnel sensation.
Thank you!
LOST HER IN THE RAIN REMASTERED (C)2006
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I'm a big fan of JT, I really love his music and looking forward to see him in his upcoming concert this April here in the Philippines...lov you JT
1976 after moving out of the house prior to getting a divorce in Okinawa, i drove around the island on my motorcycle listening to JTs Gorilla and In The Pocket albums... Wandering, love song, shower the people... at 76 years old my favorite is Mean Old Man...
Love all his music JT forever
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Yeah I always heard the song is very different from the original rough demo. Lyrics were I mean. I think the final mastered recording is broken into three separate stages of his life. His experience losing his old friend to suicide, his recovery from addiction, and his spiritual and personal struggle to sort of come into his own. I think I even remember hearing he was a Christian post rehab. I'm not an expert tho these are just things I've heard from others and I love his songs. Especially Fire And Rain. James Taylor is seriously the f**king man for writing that absolute masterpiece of a song.
Also not knowing the meaning of this song it was the first song I played minutes after I found out that my sister committed suicide in 75
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Man, sorry about you losing your sister.
So sorry about you losing your sister.
No I was not surprised I knew much about it and him. I lived in Stockbridge and have friends that are nurses at Riggs. He lives here now in Lenox and is a kind man.
Barney Martin......you spoke the truth..... ❤
i’m not surprised Those two decades were very tumultuous but had the best music / artists ever Loved James Taylor & all his music
My favorite singer JT
James Taylor holds a heartfelt memory of sadness and better times ahead ❤
I remember Bob Dylan and others the same way. Neal Young also comes to mind ❤
Great story which confirmed a few things, after all these years! Thanks.
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'Frozen Man"..he gets better and better with time.
I've often wondered who Suzanne was... now I know.
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Bobby Darin did this song as well and you could tell how much he related to this song as well.
It seems like many many musicians become addicted to drugs (aside from depression). Very sad.
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Very very sad and oftentimes, tragic.
@@FactsVerse Just keep up what you’re doing! 😊
The tragic story is not in the video.. It's a bait and switch. You'll not learn anything.
The only hit song that I am aware of that contains a prayer to Jesus whose name is not used mockingly. Don't know that James Taylor is a Christian but it does show that when all is lost you might see the light.
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I love Floyd and Tull and Yes; but I must go back to James for my fix of something you just can't find anywhere else.
It was over-played so much and for so many years, it makes it difficult for me to like it. I love Brother James, and always will. But please don't play this song! He has so many wonderful songs, but everyone thinks of Fire and Rain (sigh)
Was a more beautiful and touching song of the peace generation ever written?
Not only is he an American music legend, he is also to me one of the most hottest, good looking men then n now ❤
His close friends call him, “Jimbo”
your father is a doctor yet you suffer from depression ? almost speechless . . .
And drug addiction 😩
Thanks... No I did not know that.. Good information..
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Good video. What is his son doing these days?
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We just attended his concert last night and his son Henry was singing backup 😊
I can’t believe his talented musical siblings were never mentioned
It turns out that at least a few of his siblings appear in his video of It's Enough to be On Your Way.
The song tells the story of the death of his friend, "Alice". In reality, he's singing about his brother, Alex.
You'll see Livingston Taylor walking away from the grave site, to name one.
Several of his siblings got together to perform a version of his, Shower The People song.
And, James covers a version of brother Livingston's song, Goin Round One More Time, on his That's Why I'm Here album. It's a favorite of mine.
I saw Livingston Taylor on a very old TV show, that may have been the precursor to Austin City Limits. He performed some wonderful songs he wrote. I later bought the album. It shows him stepping from a boxcar on the cover.
Both the music and lyrics were lovely--something I could imagine his talented big brother producing and performing.
We've all heard that life isn't fair. One brother gets tons of accolades and becomes very rich. The other puts his best efforts forward, unfairly languishes in obscurity, forced to come to terms with the difference.
If you have a song--sing it, without worrying about comparison, if you are able.
"Use what talents you possess; The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke.
back in the 80s when i went to chapel hill high, there was an old cinder block shed in the middle of the woods near a large creek that apparently Taylor partied in when he was younger, I guess in the 60s. not 100% it was true but everyone at the time said it was. we also partied in that shed.
I wish jt sun+rain with real old god s promise rainbow - happiness 💖
Astrologers say his chart indicates a soldier who died in civil war but he was in love at the time. Many references to civil war in his songs. Its the sorrow of lost love. Sure is.
there's a certain clarity that some artists get while being institutionalized like van Gough painting Starry Night from his hospital room at the asylum.
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Flying Machine doesn't refer to an airplane. It refers to a band (Original Flying Machine) he was in prior to his career as a solo artist with Danny Kortchmar (sp?).
Then what about the rest of the verse, “and pieces on the ground”?
@@SaabAholicThe band break-up was bitter.
@@BRLaue 👍🏻
Dust In The Wind parallels
In his younger age, "James Taylor" looks a lot like the American actor "Ashton Kutcher." Addiction to alcohol and substance is a very bad thing that could happen to anyone. It always ends in extremely terrible consequences. I'm afraid 💔😢👎
Wish you would have stated why he was crying in the cover photo that grabbed our attention.
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TRIVIA: James Taylor was the first solo artist (as opposed to a band) to be signed to the Beatles new record label ""APPLE RECORDS""
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I heard otherwise In the industry, this guy is no saint, but then who is.
Love JT…!
You've Got A Friend was actually written by Carole King, who was at one time married to songwriter Gerry Goffin.
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Like his music. Don’t care for him. Very strange man. Comes across as awkward and uncomfortable in his own skin. He is lucky to be alive. My mother was employed at Silver Hill in New Canaan, Connecticut during the time James Taylor was a patient there. She found him polite and humble, with a significant heroin addiction.
I am thankful that I came out of the turbulent years of the 70s and 80s , unscathed. Thanks Mom and Dad for your enduring guidance. RIP.🙏
31Alden He’s a genius. And you’re a jerk .
Yes
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Impressive
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Close your eyes is Farr better than fire and rain.
Yes I was surprised & I also didn't know he was married to carly simon.
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Her song "You're so Vain" was about him.
They have a son who is also a singer
You're so vain was said to be about Warren Beatty (sp?)
James was constantly stoned even while performing
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'copperline'
Let’s see most 60,s rock and came from drug and heroine! The mind opens up on them!
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