Fire and Rain - James Taylor | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@becksullivan4796]

A poet. A musician. A singer. All on another level. Just sit back a listen.

[@LeannWebb61]

James Taylor has the most comforting voice on the radio.

[@garymaidman625]

Carole King wrote the song You've Got A Friend after hearing this song as a response to the line 'I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend'.

[@jmhh5434]

I love that

[@brigitte9999]

Thanks! I didn’t know that. That makes both songs better.

[@henkgaas9446]

And James played his guitar on it.

[@sallyphillips9175]

Never knew that!

[@ShibaMomma143]

That's beautiful. 🌼

[@twist2723]

Everyone talks about how poetic he is and how sweet his voice sounds ….. but he’s an even better guitar player. Completely unorthodox in his playing. His “walks” between chords are nearly impossible to duplicate because he uses his fingers almost completely backwards in the chord formations. He’s truly one of the best.

[@GTelles]

"Sweet Baby James" should DEFINITELY be your next song by him. No question.

[@WyattWinters]

Will also add “Mexico”, “Copperline”, “something in the way she moves”, and “you can close your eyes”

[@dpixvid]

Yeah rock-a-bye sweet baby James...

[@maggieshevelew7579]

I second that!

[@tessesmom]

Yes!!

[@murrayspiffy2815]

Deep greens and blues are the colors I chose...

[@sherryarflin726]

One of the best story tellers of our generation.

[@yogarose255]

The lyrics inspired by 3 events: “One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine.” NPR, Jun 26, 2000

[@fredinaz]

Huge bonus points for the bibliography!

[@lisadowney6777]

Thank you for that!

[@alanhynd7886]

The bar-room aquired version that I heard was that Suzanne was his ex, and she might have overdosed. James was in London at the time and no one told him she was dead until after he had completed a series of recording studio visits, as people were worried that he might have just walked away in distraction before the recording sessions were finished. Always willing to be wrong though.

[@jenniepenny2967]

Friend in mental hospital. They tried to keep watch over her but eventually, she found a way. Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you. Fire and rain refer to the electrical shocks and ice bath treatments done in the hospital. Smile a Little smile for Me was the song from Flying Machine. I once heard a DJ explaining the lyrics to this song. He was kind of annoyed that other singers would sing this song and not know the true and personal meaning.

[@marygoodson4920]

James Taylor was the first artist The Beatles signed to their new Apple Records label.

[@mjw2440]

Ah, the "singers and songwriters" of the 70s. Incredible artists, songs, and stories.

[@susanrobinson9489]

This was my high school years. Always on the radio and making young people think

[@thefoss5387]

You guys HAD heard James Taylor before this. He was the male voice singing backup on Carole King's Tapestry album. This song was autobiographical. As mentioned, Suzanne was an ex girlfriend that committed suicide. Verse two was a plea for help for his various addictions. Flying Machine, in the 3rd verse, was a failed band from before he hit big.

[@loosilu]

He's also sung background vocals for Neil Young, but I can't remember which songs.

[@disston1]

@@loosilu Harvest & Harvest Moon albums. Banjo on Old Man.

[@DougRayPhillips]

There's a live version of this song on YT, just him and his guitar. Vocals are just as good as the studio version, and the guitar work is excellent. Yeah, he got the addiction stuff and everything out of the way BEFORE he became famous.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

To me this is S TIER all the way. I would follow it with One Man Parade also by JT. Then from the same year That's the Way I've always Heard it Should Be by James Taylor's future ex- wife Carly Simon. Alex is right, the drums on FAR are perfect as is everything else on that iconic song. I was 24 when it came out! Great memories of Ripple and motorcycles.

[@invisibledooley]

And he played banjo and provided backup vocals on Neil Young's song "Old Man".

[@diannelevy3303]

It's called melancholy guys. I am old enough to be your grandmother but love you guys. When you get older you will have these feelings and have them more often and stronger.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

James Taylor was probably younger than both of them when he wrote this song.

[@LadybugLuv]

You don't have to be a certain age to feel a certain way, i.e. melancholy an being pensive can happen at whatever age you are.

[@diannelevy3303]

@@LadybugLuv absolutely - I meant that as you age there are more memories - probably more loss and transitions in your life - but yes I agree any age can experience it

[@LadybugLuv]

@@diannelevy3303 I should have replied to Fuchsia Swing directly. I was referring to their comment. You and I are in agreement. Sorry for the confusion.

[@diannelevy3303]

@@LadybugLuv all good

[@mattiefee]

James Taylor is such a great storyteller! I put him up there with the likes of Jim Croce, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver... Etc

[@loosilu]

His annual summer concerts are legendary.

[@tomward6689]

Add John Prine to the list, Also Jason Isbell in the current era.

[@mattiefee]

@@loosilu I have never been there. I bet they are incredible.

[@joelliebler5690]

Beyond Jim Croce because over the many decades he wrote and performed so many hits that Jim, unfortunately never had that opportunity!

[@badkitty4922]

Yes! I feel the same way! Some singers, even a few bands, are awesome storytellers.

[@heathermackinnon9527]

This song took on brand new meaning for me after September 11, 2001. Mere days after 9/11, Taylor sang it at the Concert For New York-- there were a lot of first responders and surviving loved ones in the audience. The opening lyrics "Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone / Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you..." made me cry like a baby, although I'd heard them a thousand times before. It was as if the song was written about that actual event.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Good Lord….how searing it would be to hear that song then….

[@catleeper]

I felt the same way 😢

[@pattyliedel6485]

How prophetic!

[@stevemd6488]

I remember that, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when JT sang.

[@jamestaylor3805]

Truth of experience transcends both time and location.

[@johnseverson6604]

For me, this is one of those songs that just feel like it’s always been. Even before James wrote it, it was already there. Timeless in every way.

[@steve55sogood16]

Yeh, well put!

[@BRLaue]

You are right and I think Elton’s ‘Your Song’ is one as well.

[@johnseverson6604]

100% agree B.R.

[@jhamler1]

Weirdly/Nicely/Enough said.

[@mizzwinter28]

Beauuuutifully stated. 👏👏👏

[@peeweeguypeeweeguy]

"In my mind I'm going to Carolina" IS A MUST DO if you liked Fie & Rain. He has a million hits and is a great guitarist as well as singer.

[@ChicoEscuela]

Yes!!!

[@scottboyle4596]

My fav JT song by a mile!

[@nlpcarolinas]

That song reminds me of every reason that I moved to NC.

[@debrabeck9630]

Might be my favorite James Taylor song.

[@rickpaul4216]

One of my favorite lyric lines ever is in this song. "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground." This album and song are a masterpiece. "S" tier for me. I still spin it regularly although I've heard it literally thousands of times. You'll agree with me 30 years from now.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Amen, Rick.

[@Boblw56]

The first act signed by the Beatles for Apple records. Recorded first album during Beatles studio breaks during “White” album.

[@steveullrich7737]

Exactly Rick, an S tier if there ever was one! I guess its kind of understated but as you said I also think that the music and beautiful heartfelt lyrics will grow on them with time. They also have gotten away from reading the lyrics so they miss out on so much of a song's meaning.

[@wicky4473]

Agree wholeheartedly

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

For me it's, "Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around." Brings tears to my eyes every time. Agree 100% with the rest of your post.

[@imocchidoro]

The line "But I always thought that I'd see you again" hits me really, really hard.

[@meggert2360]

As we age we find ourselves saying/thinking that more and more.

[@jeffreyes6236]

Same here. I also love the line "Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around."

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

Excellent choice guys! James Taylor doesn't get the recognition he deserves, but he's well worth listening to.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Jane's Taylor gets huge recognition. Kennedy Center Honors , grammy's etc etc

[@stocksgoupward5922]

James Taylor doesn't get the recognition he deserves?? sure he does get the recognition. he is so big everyone knows this song and all his songs except these 2 guys. its funny how Alex says i could just listen to 3 more of his songs. but LOL he isnt supposed to I guess for this genre of never hearing these songs. JT as he is called has so many hits. its just nuts that someone could hear this song and be blown away by it. and the normal thing to do is listen to his next 15 hit songs. we all know the hits i dont even have to list them. JT is the best

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

@@jgsrhythm100 Sweet. Glad to see I was wrong. I'll own it for not listening to him as much as I probably should.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@stocksgoupward5922 I’m blown away by this song every time I hear it. Have been since I heard it as a 5 year old in 1970.

[@lilpoohbear653]

@@jgsrhythm100 Indeed...one of the finest, singer, composers and performers of all time

[@tommathews3964]

"Mexico", "Carolina In My Mind", "Country Road", "Steamroller", Your old friend Carole King playing piano and backing vocals on this fine album. James always surrounded himself with great players through the years, Danny Kortchmar, Randy Meisner, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, etc. You guys are getting a good intro to real songwriters! So glad you're digging into them because it seems to be a lost art by most artists! I look forward to you running across some others: John Prine, Garcia/Hunter, Weir/Barlow, Kris Kristofferson, Willie, Guy Clark, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Jeff Walker, to name a few, but so many more of our generation!

[@jamessweet5341]

I saw Carole backing JT live in concert way back then. Back then James had hair. Beautiful night all around.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

@@jamessweet5341 There's some great videos of them singing together over the years on both of their KZbin channels.

[@disillusionedanglophile7680]

Lot of those musicians also played on Joni Mitchell's "Hissing of Summer Lawns". Joe Sample plays as well, super! Great album. give it a listen.

[@tommathews3964]

@@disillusionedanglophile7680 Those guys show up on a LOT of folks' records! Yes, "Hissing" is a truly fine album! Not my favorite Joni, but way up there!

[@geoffreybonham3802]

JT's a great guitarist too. I remember once reading in a guitar mag: "easy listening doesn't mean easy playing"

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

This song makes me cry every time. It's about James Taylor's friend named Susan who passed away while he was in London recording his album as well as James' experience with addiction, fame and depression. The Sweet Baby James album is a beautiful album, 1970 was his breakthrough to success. He actually finished writing this song in rehab. The lyrics are beyond, "Sweet dreams and Flying Machines in pieces on the ground" refers to his band, the Flying Machine, that had failed. So the song is about many things happening in his life. Thank you for playing this gem, I love it even though it makes me cry every single time.

[@lisaharrod8386]

Suzanne was Taylor's sister...

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

@@lisaharrod8386 thank you, I didn't know that.

[@mattlong7962]

Thx for that. I lived that period and I believe he and Susan were both in a mental ward after some issues . Ultimately Susan committed suicide which prompted him to write this beautiful song.

[@hackermusic3355]

@@lisaharrod8386 No, it was Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend.

[@citizenghosttown]

I'm glad you pointed out the great drumming. Russ Kunkel is one of the top L.A. session guys --- he played on many great 1970s tracks including the best songs by Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon. Most people don't notice the drumming on "soft" rock tracks, but he had such a good touch and was a master at making very good songs into great recordings.

[@uncledenny2570]

I once read a review of a Steve Winwood concert in the the late 80's. When they described his band they had two words - 'Russ Kunkel'.

[@davidaziz1957]

Russ is playing with the Immediate Family with Leland Sklar, Danny Kotchmer, Waddie Wachtel

[@torgeirbaadsvik6919]

Russ Kunkel is a great, great drummer! Notice that he is using brushes on this - not drumsticks. To get that soft, yet full and dynamic effect. A true master.

[@citizenghosttown]

@@torgeirbaadsvik6919 Here's a great video which deconstructs what Russ was doing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2K2kJRqfp2EaJY

[@WoefulMinion]

@@davidaziz1957 And Steve Postell.

[@JimReuterskiold]

James Taylor is a deceptively good singer. "Deceptively" because he sounds so relaxed, but his pitch is perfect. You can hear the pain building as the song progresses. Russ Kunkel on drums.

[@sjcaraga]

russ playing brushes on this song as well.

[@rickyprice7597]

Thanks for saving the google search for the drummer's name here. I was seriously going to look it up.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Spot on. The dynamic you’re accurately describing about his voice and how it seems like it would be easy and not take much talent typically surfaces during karaoke night.

[@Kim-hc5si]

He’s touring RIGHT NOW. He’s wonderful live. Just a master. 👏👏👏

[@BaseballMom523]

I got to see him and Jackson Browne last October. Took me right back to high school.

[@Noelle0026]

Yes! I got to see him last Fall with Jackson Browne. It was so good!

[@brucewatts8447]

Suzanne was a friend who Oded, JT was rehabbing when he wrote this, Flying machine in pieces on the ground refers to his band breaking up.

[@JamieDavisBooks]

A powerful song that hits even more when you know the background of losing someone suddenly. This speaks to me when I think of those in my own life who’ve left this world behind. Thanks for visiting this one.

[@merylschoenbaum319]

Finally... James Taylor. One of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend" (written by the great and prolific Carole King) are quintessential and essential JT songs to listen to. They inspired many a teenager to sign up for guitar lessons back in the day. So much sauce to get lost in!

[@surlechapeau]

A & A, you'll love his "You’ve Got A Friend", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and "Your Smiling Face!!!!

[@christikirk7265]

I agree...just too many good songs 🎵 this rocking Southern Belle also loves Carol King.

[@calguy3838]

Agree. Also, "Carolina in my Mind".

[@zenclover8468]

Did we just become best friends? Lol you nailed it, all great feel good tunes but im gunna say lets add "MEXICO", maybe "handyman" and the short but puncy"traffic jam" to the list as well.

[@surlechapeau]

@@zenclover8468 lol. go Bills!

[@sallybannister6224]

James Taylor, Carolina in my mind, it will blow your bloody socks off...it is just so so beautiful . .. He has that effect on everyone, just sublime stupid fantastic 👏🏼

[@trblemkr1d106]

James Taylor is the most soulful and incredible sonwriter next to Leon Russell .Both of them walk on the water with me . Mud Slide Slim is my favorite album of his . I can't even begin to describe how these two artist intertwine into my life ...absolute musical magic from the late sixties on . PK

[@Mona.555]

Leon is one of my favorites also. Hearing this took me back to 1970 and my 17 year old self, buying this album and playing many times. Tapestry also…

[@jgsrhythm100]

If you want to hear a brilliant singer songwriter and most soulful cat that ever lived, who never got credit deserved check the blind Paul Pena 1) Jet Airliner (original ) 2) Wait on What You Want 3) A Bit of Alright

[@richardhooser5096]

I feel exactly the same way. 52 years of listening to his magic and counting for me.

[@richardhooser5096]

My life would have been so much less without James Taylor’s artistry. Something In The Way She Moves and SO many others. Singer songwriter extraordinaire. Yeah, James is S tier for me. 52 years and counting of loving what he does. I even researched the brand of strings he prefers in an attempt to make my guitar playing sound better. His playing style is hard to replicate but after half a century of trying, I’m about half way there. 😁

[@aliwantizu]

My (step) brother passed away suddenly 1 week ago today and we laid him to rest 2 days ago. Today is my (full) brother's birthday. I talked to my Mom and mentioned how odd it was to celebrate the life lived by one brother and 2 days later celebrate the continued life of another. This song really hits today, as he was only 48 and had no known issues (other than that he was a smoker.) All of us thought we'd be seeing him again for birthdays and holidays and graduations and other events, but for now we only see him in photos and memories, and in the faces of his children. Thank you to you both and to "the Universe" for having this be the song for today. ~Be Blessed

[@andyandalex]

Our condolences 💐

[@andyandalex]

Loss is always tough

[@ingrid8994]

Sorry for your loss 🥀

[@aliwantizu]

@@andyandalex Thank you. Hearing some of those lyrics...really took on a different meaning than before. Thank you for all that you 2 do for all of us!

[@irishgrl]

James Taylor flourished during an era that saw Jim Croce, John Denver and other folk-tinged singer storytellers dominate the airwaves.

[@Daisy_982]

And they were in the pieces of their flying machines on the ground.

[@EricHenning]

And Harry Chapin.

[@agresticumbra]

Do y’all think we can toss Dan Fogelberg into that grouping?

[@EricHenning]

@@agresticumbra a thousand percent!

[@dennisoconnor4767]

I think the word you're looking for, Alex, is "evocative." That is what James Taylor does. He evokes feelings with his songs.

[@ed.z.]

Perfect descriptive word. Evocative.

[@myownchannel247]

James’ voice is a true gift that has served as a cure for so many of us throughout the years, he’s a living legend. One thing I’ve noticed is his uncanny ability to accompany himself se well on acoustic guitar.

[@mizzwinter28]

Welcome to James Taylor, fellas. ❤️❤️❤️ Lots of sweet, sad, lovingly warm, melancholy, and contentedly happy sauce to get lost in. 😊😊😊 I think the feeling about him y'all might've been attempting to find/define is "organic " or "natural".. It's like, "Yes, trees exist and grow from the ground up.", and also yes, "James Taylor writes songs." 🤗🤗 🏁🏎️🏁🏎️🏁🏎️ See y'all in Indy!!! 🏁🏎️🏁🏎️🏁🏎️ Ohh, SHOWER THE PEOPLE!!! Really so beautiful it has on occasion brought tears to my eyes. 💕💕💕

[@dominicbiondi4097]

Carol King plays piano on this, and her song, "You've Got A Friend" (which Taylor later covered) was a response to Taylor's lyric, "There were times when I could not find a friend."

[@allenlunde7908]

I believe James Taylor’s version came out first.

[@rgoers]

@@allenlunde7908 You've got a friend? Carole wrote it but James heard her play it. Both versions came out almost at the same time. From wikipedia - " The two versions were recorded simultaneously in 1971 with shared musicians."

[@wnsafford1854]

Some trivia; In 2020, James told Andy Cohen, Carole didn't initially tell him she'd written You've Got A Friend in response to Fire & Rain. He found out years later. Also-in a 2009 joint interview; Carole & James recorded the song at nearly the same time, in the same place. Both were recording albums at the same studio, she Tapestry (released Feb.71), he Mud Slide Slim & the Blue Horizon (released April 71). They said, they & some of the musicians just went back & forth between the rooms, working on each other's albums (James plays acoustic guitar on Carole's You've Got A Friend). Carole said "to me, it felt like we were just recording 1 massive album."

[@rgoers]

@@wnsafford1854 That sounds right. I was a young teen back then. I recall hearing at the time that Carole came into the studio and heard James' version and she loved it so much she started to cry. No idea if that is true however.

[@warrenator1000]

"Carolina in my Mind" should be your next one from Taylor. He wrote it while living overseas working with Apple Records to produce his first record. There are references to the Beatles in it and has become an unofficial school song for UNC-Chapel Hill.

[@sharenwhitlock7737]

One of my favourite live artists - this is exactly how he sounds live. Absolute master 👌👌

[@fredinaz]

Agreed. I saw him a year ago and was still amazing!

[@jeffreywong3155]

Yes, his voice really hasn't changed at all, nor much of his energy.

[@loosilu]

I went to his shows at Tanglewood with my sister for several summers in a row. What a vibe.

[@alexjbennett1017]

I saw him 20 years ago, a Bridge School benefit concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre. Just him and his guitar. People were yelling for Fire and Rain. He stopped and pointed down at the set list on the stage floor. "It's there! We'll get to it!" he said, as if talking to a child. When he got to it, I was instantly shattered by his perfect guitar-playing. His performance stood up 100% to how it had become idealized in my mind back in college.

[@Noelle0026]

He sounds amazing love! Saw him last year with Jackson Browne and it was so good.

[@thegreatskinkpriest8104]

This is one of my mom’s favorite songs. She was in the hospital earlier this year recovering from colon cancer surgery, and I learned how to play this for her. The first night she was home I sat at the end of her bed and sang with her and it was such touching moment.

[@mikewoodrow5878]

A&A nice instalment. JT is one of the great 70s singer/songwriters. The LP Sweet Baby James is one of his best. An outlier song would be the bluesy Steamroller. Hope it’s a great day

[@SaverioP]

Forgot all about "Steamroller". Great tune. Gonna roll right over you.

[@frankmerris8821]

saw him many times and the one time i think in the 80s at hershey park in pa in a pouring rain outside he went crazy doing STEAMROLLER .will never forget that nite

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Steamroller Blues 💗

[@bigmac9940]

My all-time favorite James Taylor song. A stunning piece of music that I’ve been listening and playing for 50+ years.

[@adamplace1414]

Saw him in concert a couple weeks ago, great show. Very funny, self-deprecating personality and still sounds great.

[@sobrietyisoverrated]

Taylor’s first album was on the Apple label, founded by the Beatles. In his live shows, he tells the story of a fresh-faced young man from North Carolina being flown to London to basically audition for them. It’s a wonderful story and an interesting part of musical history. My wife & I see him every time he comes here. Amazing music catalog.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

And he’s touring now! Will you get to see him?

[@jeffmartin1026]

I was 18 when this song came out. "But I always thought that I'd see you again" becomes more and more real as the years go by. So glad you are watching A Hard Day's Night this month - one of the best R&R movies ever made.

[@stpnwlf9]

The use of cellos makes the atmosphere of this song so resonant. I love the arrangement and production. Like all James Taylor, it takes multiple listens to truly appreciate the depth of the song.

[@Meandmymirror]

Perfect song when you’re missing someone. The person u thought would never leave you 😢

[@PhoenixRisen63]

Or when you feel like everything you once held dear has been stripped away from you, even your dignity and your hope, and the hits just keep coming. Nothing left to give. Broken.

[@dianegoldeneye7363]

😢

[@keepgrindingup7661]

One of the most gifted songwriters to ever grace the planet and his acoustic guitar technique is phenomenal and so underrated

[@chrisjohnson3694]

The production on this song is incredible, especially the drums. The sound is magic...and the fills are just tremendous.

[@johnthegreek5836]

James Taylor is a great singer, songwriter and musician, his music is classic gems and will be listened by many generations

[@waltw4537]

This song was done by James at the memorial concert in NYC after the 9-11 attack. Think about these lyrics in THAT context. "Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone." "Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you" Or "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground". Ya could not help but get emotional... Getting 'chicken skin' on the arms as I listen. Thanks for the reaction.

[@Every_Day_islike_Sunday]

Yes! I cried so hard during that.

[@jlsage4059]

A perfect song. Eight simple words, evoked all those personal feelings and memories from you. Songwriter.

[@JenaOhJena]

Now you're listening to one of the greatest song writers of all time. 👏 👏

[@joeycarter8846]

This song still brings tears to my eyes; I don't know why. It's brutal.

[@jbellinger99]

"Sweet Baby James" is a great song too. Taylor is also behind Neil Young on "Heart odf Gold"

[@kentocco7059]

I am a really old guy who has been listening to this song for over 50 years. I still get choked up when I think about the back story mentioned by others below. So heartfelt and honest.

[@allisonreed7682]

Beautiful, heartbreaking song! James Taylor has a unique way of touching the rawest, deepest emotions we carry with us. "Carolina in My Mind" would be a great next pick. It's a song about reminiscing and longing and totally evokes the kinds of memories that you both described after "Fire and Rain." I also love "Her Town Too," a song about the pain and awkwardness of navigating life after a break-up.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Carolina in my Mind always takes my heart to Home. It is a quintessential, soulful masterpiece.

[@wordstowordlessthings]

Absolutely, goosebumps every time

[@johnhughes3214]

I really love "Her Town Too" as well. Great vocals with J.D. Souther. Remember, it's not about Carley Simon ; )

[@mariabryant6582]

James Taylor grew up in Chapel Hill, NC where his father was dean of the UNC School of Medicine. It is amazing seeing him there with everyone in the audience singing every note. It is our unofficial state song in NC.

[@allisonreed7682]

@@harriotteworthington3147 it's really impactful. And no matter where home is, it immediately takes you there!

[@markmurphy558]

What you are hearing is one of the most acclamed acoustic guitarists and vocalists of the 70s. He led a tumultuous and crazy life, and was not afraid to open his failings and disappointment to public view. He was a giant in the day.

[@emmakaplan7508]

Fun fact: He and Carly Simon were married ( sadly it didn’t last) and share a son!! Also the Suzanne he refers to was an ex girlfriend of his that tragically died by suicide

[@garymaidman625]

Fun fact: their son is also a musician.

[@debrahirshfield6997]

They share a daughter, too, and a grandson.

[@loosilu]

​@@garymaidman625 And his voice sounds like James.

[@rollomaughfling380]

Childhood friend, not an ex.

[@Yippity68]

Copperline, Carolina in my mind, Walking Man, Shower the People, Secret of Life, Everyday. So many more. Enjoy. Life back then was so much more because of Sweet Baby James. Wouldn't trade those days for anything. James Taylor (Live at the Beacon Theater) is a great concert.

[@stillstanding8286]

The drummer on that track is Russ Kunkel, he played with Taylor for years (as well as a whole bunch of other artists, too). Also, that’s Carole King on the piano.

[@jgsrhythm100]

I went to school with Cass Elliots daughter Owen. Her Aunt Leah Kunkle(Russ was like her stepfather) took care of her after Cases passed away,

[@jpmnewyork]

Russ Kunkel is one of the most respected session drummers ever. And that hard-hitting drumming Andy and Alex talked about was accomplished by using brushes.

[@chaitea7592]

James Taylor’s rendition of “You’ve got a Friend “ is also Beautiful.

[@jimreadey4837]

Impeccable reaction, guys. I appreciate the vulnerability of your sharing’s, how it made you feel, etc. I, personally, burst into tears. I’m not sure exactly why, but I strongly sense it has to do with looking back on over my lifetime, and feeling all the missed opportunities for connections. Feeling the sadness of it all, compressed into a couple minutes of my life as I watched you getting lost in the sauce of James Taylor‘s beautiful song. Very cathartic. Thank you. 😇 🙏🏻

[@flor9389]

Saw this live summer after my grandma died unexpectedly from complications of a routine procedure. He hit the chorus and I was crying. It just hits your heart like that

[@loosilu]

Your next song should be Something In The Way She Moves, which is the song James Taylor played when he auditioned for George Harrison and Paul McCartney, and they signed him as one of their first acts on Apple Records. George stole the title and used it as the opening line of a song you might have heard from him.

[@michaelp.7893]

"Something In The Way She Moves" is my favorite JT song. It contains one of the greatest lines in a love song ever, in my opinion: "She has the power to go where no one else can find me".

[@loosilu]

@@michaelp.7893 Agreed! Can't blame George for being enraptured by the lyrics.

[@Fuphyter]

Love the song. Then again, I love most JT songs. I stopped buying his albums after Flag

[@terriemartinez9989]

SteemRoller..lol..any JT

[@mobanewman7139]

Nice guitar work on it.

[@skwervin1]

I have the 45 of this and when I move into a new home its the first thing I play on my record player. It has a special place in my heart.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

He wrote this when he found out about a friend of his committing suicide. To comfort and show support, friend and fellow singer songwriter Carol King wrote You Got a Friend. Both had recorded the song

[@detlefmorrison3316]

This simplicity is talent. He was able to convey so much with so little. He hit this one out of the park.

[@JamesRea2]

This song deserves a deep dive into the lyrics like you did for Cat Stevens’ Father & Son.

[@tracycampbell3060]

The world was such a different place when this song came out. For those of old enough, we have witnessed a technology revolution that has changed the world like the industrial revolution changed the world. All we had was the radio and the great music that was available at music stores. TV was way more limited back then too before MTV. I remember hearing great music in the radio in my parents car, the radio was on at home too, our stereo, my mom loved music. Hearing the top 40 when I took my skating practice. When I got older my own clock radio was a gem. But we had great music that was easily heard on our free radios, the current top 40 which was always excellent music. A much more simple time with family that was loving before divorce is my memories of this era.

[@scottingram7634]

Those are the memories that will carry you through.

[@tracycampbell3060]

@@scottingram7634 exactly I agree

[@jpmnewyork]

TV was WAY more limited, you're exactly right. Which is why the exceptional moments were truly memorable. The first time I saw James Taylor was on The Dick Cavett Show. He did this song, and because I'd heard it on the radio, I was excited to see him (must have been 15 at the time) and set up my reel-to-reel tape recorder and recorded off the tinny TV speaker. He did this song. That tape is still around someplace, but have no idea if it's still playable (and I certainly don't have anything to play it on).

[@tracycampbell3060]

@@jpmnewyork I have most of my cassette tapes too.

[@michaelgoldberg7127]

This song spurs many emotion's and memories. In 1970, the year this came out, my good friend died in a car crash. He was 16, and I was 15. The line "Sweet Dreams and Fine Machines in Pieces On The Ground" gets me every time. To this day, I honor his memory. I did "Always Think I'd See Him Again."

[@dariaiannitti488]

Sweet Baby James 🥰 He was once married to Carly Simon, and they had two kids who are both musicians. Love him.

[@Fuphyter]

OMG I was going to suggest James Taylor today. I've seen him live 5 times. Obviously, a major fan here.

[@loosilu]

It's not summer unless you're sitting on the grass at a James Taylor conert.

[@Fuphyter]

@@loosilu he's awesome live, right Lucie? 😁 The first time I saw him was the "JT" album tour. Completely blew me away. The "Section" was his band, those guys are incredible!!!

[@lynnecurrie7561]

The Man. The Legend.....Sweet Baby James Taylor!!! This is a rabbit hole you need to go down. One of our greatest singer-songwriters!!!

[@emmakaplan7508]

Also you should hit Carolina in My Mind next!!

[@spidertoes26]

Karen, she's a silver sun You best walk her way and watch it shine Watch her watch the morning come ❤❤❤

[@christikirk7265]

Yes...as a North Carolinian...not being biased...but he is soo damn good! I recommend Carol King! I wasn't even around when this came out...but his songs never get old.

[@allenlunde7908]

Well you gave this an A+ and Carly Simon’s “You’re so Vain” an S. The next logical song to do would be “Mockingbird” which is a collaboration between the two of them.

[@zzzzzach]

I like it except for JT's backup vocals during Carly's turn "Yes indeedo, oh yes indeedo" just sounds like a dorky white guy, but then gets down and dirty when his turn comes around.

[@vickeyadkins1481]

Here is the link! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoiwkIVja6Z-fqc

[@ChristopherMmmm]

My first time hearing this, too. It definitely packs an emotional gut punch.

[@cyndybensema7189]

FINALLY! My singer, songwriter, psychologist, JT! What an amazing talent he is! I'm sure someone has told you the meaning of the song. I can't wait to hear your reaction! You are so close on what happened to make him write this song. This song also is one of the songs that could not be played on the radio after 9/11 due to the "fire" and "rain" and other parts that was too close to the turmoil of the twin towers, Pentagon, etc. James Taylor is freaking amazing!

[@justineapril7922]

I remember hearing this song in the summer of 1970 when I was 11. Even after all these decades, "Fire and Rain" is still my favorite JT song. It reminds me of sitting in our neighbor's screened in patio playing canasta with the transistor radio tuned to an AM station. It's been over FIFTY YEARS and yet I can see, smell and hear everything. And 1970 was the year of my parents' divorce. Bittersweet....

[@javamama4270]

This song has been in my world since my teen years in the 1970s, but today was the first time I realized that the heavy drums and cymbal coming into the chorus evoked the thunder that went with the "rain". Thanks for shining a light on James Taylor's music and hope you enjoy a deep dive into his catalog.

[@hongchen2554]

JT has some incredible tracks. "Handy Man" or his versions of "You've Got a Friend" or "What a Wonderful World" are good follow-up choices. His voice is not as dynamic as the soul singers who originated these songs but, darn it, his versions still work.

[@lyallbenjamin1045]

James Taylor is one of the truly great American songwriters.

[@daveking9393]

I'm so happy for you guys and finding this artist there's a lot to explore here

[@jfox9126]

He is such a treasure - has such a soothing familiar voice. I’m so glad you guys listened! Some other hits of his are: Carolina on my mind, sweet baby James, and shower the people. All are sweet gentle songs. I also love the more rockin Steamroller Blues. He also did Takin’ It To the Streets with the Doobie Brothers, which is a great song if you haven’t heard it. ✌️

[@robertthomson5485]

That’s right Foxy

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorites from him

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Mom had the album

[@barbarastewart603]

James Taylor is an American treasure and still at it. Check out his cover of " Handyman "....Classic! Has a really unique tone to his voice. It shaves the edges off!

[@robindick2802]

I don't think JT has a bad song. He has a voice like butter and this is an S tier song. Thanks for the reaction guys!

[@alloralou4722]

The first time I heard JT I thought his voice was honey. The more I listened to him I thought his voice was home. He is perfect. Edit-Steamroller live is so much fun. This was one of my favorite reaction of yours. Both of you talking about things this song reminded you of were beautiful.

[@andykuhn9798]

JT is amazing! So glad you guys are finally catching up.

[@joekennedy4662]

So, Alex, the name "James Taylor" made you think he might be a "singer/songwriter." You'll find that he's that and so much more. He's also a great arranger, guitarist and performer. One of his greatest strengths, l think, is his ability to cover other people's song and make them his own. (And, from what l hear, he's a pretty nice guy, too.) The whole "singer/songwriter" genre, especially from the 1970s, included many men and women who not always rocked out, but wrote some beautiful, timeless and thoughtful music. Some of my most favorite and inspirational are Neil Diamond, John Denver, Cat Stevens, Don MacLean, Jackson Browne, Gordon Lightfoot and Elton John/Bernie Taupin. You've listened to some of them, as well as Carole King, Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell. Keep digging, boys. There's gold in them thar hills.

[@bretttiesmaki981]

The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame.

[@moniqueleroux2198]

Last verse is about Jim Croce's death, I believe.

[@nyrocks5580]

@@moniqueleroux2198, this song was written years before Jim Croce died. It's actually a reference to a pre-solo-fame band he was in called The Flying Machine.

[@wnsafford1854]

Just a little thing, "Suzanne's" last name was Schnurr. Somewhere (maybe in a book) it was spelled Schnerr & now everybody has that. Actual name; Susan Una Schnurr. James (& maybe others) called her Susie & Suzanne. She stepped in front of a subway train, in NYC, May 14, 1968 (age 19). James was in England & said he wasn't told till he finished recording with the Beatles, which was Oct.68.

[@brachiator1]

@@wnsafford1854 I knew that Suzanne had committed suicide, but I did know the circumstances. A very tragic loss.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

But wasn’t this his first album? 1970? How could he be writing about the effects of fame when it was this album that made him famous? Just asking….

[@geoffreycarter2686]

One of the most beautiful, elegiac songs ever written. If that doesn't move you then you have a heart of stone.

[@johndef5075]

This song will be S tier to me always. A Hard Days Night is an incredible movie. And the soundtrack is just icing on the cake.❤

[@WyattWinters]

7:00 “Carolina in my Mind” is that feeling in a song. Makes me long for summer days driving down a North a Carolina back road

[@aileenturrietta7553]

After listening to several head bangers in a row, James Taylor was a great way to give your head a rest. A Charity Livestream sounds great. I'm down. Great rating great reaction 🎵🎶🎵

[@arkyokie1]

The backstory makes it even better.

[@lorrilewis2178]

I remember one of my classmates bringing this album to class in junior high. One of my absolute favorites and the song has a sad backstory. See the story in James Taylor's words below: "“Fire and Rain” has three verses. The first verse is about my reactions to the death of a friend. The second verse is about my arrival in this country with a monkey on my back, and [Won’t you look down upon me,] Jesus is an expression of my desperation in trying to get through the time when my body was aching and the time was at hand when I had to do it. The third verse of that song refers to my recuperation [beating the heroin addiction] in Austen Riggs which lasted about five months.” In terms of the “death of a friend” this verse of the track refers to Suzanne Schnerr - a friend Taylor met while he was performing with his old band “The Flying Machine” in New York in 1967. In Taylors biography written by Tim White, Taylor discusses Schnerr’s tragic death: “[Suzanne] committed suicide sometime later while I was over in London. At the time I was living with friends, and all three of them were really close to Susie Schnerr. But Richard and Joel and Margaret were excited for me having this record deal and making this album, and when Susie killed herself they decided not to tell me about it until later because they didn’t want to shake me up. I didn’t find out until some six months after it happened. That’s why the ‘They let me know you were gone’ line came up. And I always felt rather bad about the line, ‘The plans they made put an end to you,’ because ‘they’ only meant ‘ye gods,’ or basically ‘the Fates.’ I never knew her folks but I always wondered whether her folks would hear that and wonder whether it was about them.” storyofsong.com/story/fire-and-rain/

[@jenndavin]

Saw JT at the University of Utah back in the 80s. Major snow storm kept his hand from getting to town. JT and offered the fans who made it to the show refunds or the option of just listening to him solo all of his show...just him, his guitar, and a mic. We, who were there, were caught up in the simplicity of his music. There were tears in the crowd, it was so moving when he played Fire and Rain. Everyone was singing along. Really good memory, and Andy and Alex are reliving those emotions in a small way.

[@randyguidry4958]

Here's a little insight on what this song is about from James himself. "The song has three verses. One is about a friend who committed suicide, another is about Taylor's addiction to heroin, the third refers to a mental hospital and a band Taylor started called The Flying Machine"

[@scottsnyder934]

One of the songs for which so many know every single word! Simple, powerful, personal and timeless

[@stevemd6488]

JT signed to the Beatles' Apple Records, McCartney loved him. George took the line something in the way she moves from him, Taylor said sure it's yours. This song is about a girl he lost, I forget all the details someone will explain it in more detail I'm sure.

[@langdale55]

This song was played at the funeral of a friend who died suddenly at work. Heard the song many times before but only heard the lyrics that day and will now always remind me of him. RIP Donald