FIRST TIME HEARING James Taylor - Handy Man REACTION

[@geneaikenii1092]

james taylor is a national treasure

[@mizzwinter28]

Agreed 💯💯💯❤❤❤

[@juliewhite7469]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@carolmartin4413]

Yup

[@MrsColumbo823]

Without question.

[@sunnystormy4973]

-#cheers-- !-

[@ianmitnick8245]

James Taylor is a musical Genius - end of story.

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

Just to let you know…. All these James Taylor songs you react too were radio staples back in the 70’s he owned the airways ❤️

[@Jacob_D4433]

First non-British artist signed to the Apple label. Kudos to Paul McCartney for quickly seeing this man's talent!

[@UncleRhemus1]

Wasn't Paul... It was Peter Asher doing a favor for Koocth.... Then he came back to America and signed JT and Linda R

[@thomastimlin1724]

@@UncleRhemus1 As Ed McMahon would say: "You are correct sir."

[@TimmyJones-ek1fv]

Awesome

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, You'll love his "Fire And Rain", "How Sweet It Is"(To Be Loved By You)", "Your Smiling Face" and many more. He's one of the great singer/songwriters and guitarist. edit- Leah Kunkel and James Taylor on backing vocals. This is a cover, written by Jimmy Jones and Otis Blackwell.

[@jeanstrickland2445]

Yes please , you have so many great suggestions 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@jacqueline4514]

All greats! Fire and Rain can be a tear jerker on the right day 😊

[@marciabee]

Yes! Yes to all!!

[@TracyfromNC]

He has so much more to hear!

[@mooning23]

"Your Smiling Face" is my favorite.

[@reneerocha1796]

Never get a bad James Taylor song. Ever. ❤❤❤him

[@Marcus-Oh-really-yes]

Beautiful voice! You might also like James's songs "Shower the People (You Love With Love)" and "Carolina on My Mind."

[@juliewhite7469]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TheOriginalRick]

"Handy Man" is a song written by singer Jimmy Jones and songwriter Otis Blackwell in the late 1950s. Jones had a substantial hit with it in 1960, going to #2 on the Billboard Charts, falling just short of a #1 song. His version was much faster and well in the R&B genre. Taylor slowed it down and put a whole different vibe on the song. Goes to show that a great song can handle multiple styles and still have people love it.

[@jeffreyjacobs8382]

I thought I remember listening to Casey Kasem when this was on America's Top 40 and he claimed that the "comma, comma, comma" was thrown in by the original writers as a reference to the 50,000 watt KOMA-AM radio station in Oklahoma City. Their coverage was pretty big when they cranked it up in the evening and the story went the artists did it to try to get more air time with a big audience. I can't find any mention for that on the internet.

[@jessieball6195]

@@jeffreyjacobs8382 Imo, Taylor's slowed-down version is MUCH better than Jones version.

[@Noelle0026]

That whole album is great. Back in the 70s I won the album from a radio call in contest. That’s Carly Simon singing harmony.

[@littleogeechee223]

That’s Leah Kunkel on backing vocal.

[@liberaljag]

Leah Kunkel, the drummer’s wife.

[@michellem3127]

When James was auditioning for the Beatles' Apple Records, he played his song Something in the Way She Moves. This later inspired George Harrison to write the song Something which begins with the lyrics *Something in the way she moves*.... I highly recommend you give both songs a listen. They're beautiful songs. Amber will love them.

[@stevetournay6103]

Ah, so there IS a connection between those two lyrics...

[@debibailey2968]

James Taylor is just flat out cool!!! His music just gives you a chill vibe! You probably already know that he and Carly Simon were married at one time. And you need to check out their Mockingbird song!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mellenbecker56]

classic !

[@cassyharrison3592]

I agree with you on their Mockingbird song. It's a good one, with so much energy!

[@legionkahn]

Their son Ben Taylor sounds so much like his dad. He did a cover of the Beatles "I Will" for a movie, and it's fantastic

[@granthosier8518]

Yes, "Mockingbird" would be a great follow up. Shows a more playful and upbeat side to JT's music.

[@susanbrashear7555]

Yes, find the Mockingbird live version. He and Carly tear it up.

[@jacqueline4514]

James Taylor is one of the greats. “Shower The People”, “Steamroller”, “Mexico”, SO much more. Saw him in concert many years ago; we had lawn seats and my husband laid on the blanket and fell asleep!! 😡😂

[@vrvaughn]

Mexico…one if my favorites!

[@savageman2194]

He is my absolute favorite. I have many that I love, but James Taylor is my all time favorite.

[@alphajava761]

He's like 'the rebound guy' that comforts broken hearts. This song was such a monster hit. It doesn't matter what type of music you listened to back then, you heard this song.

[@lynneblacketer6479]

Definitely need to check out him and Carly Simon performing Mockingbird and James live doing Steamroller Blues. Copperline is another great one as is Angel's of Fenway. Honestly, anything he does really is fabulous.

[@1177kc]

Be careful with Steamroller- there’s a live version where he drops the F word right at the end. Great song though

[@stevetournay6103]

My mom, a huge baseball fan, detested the Red Sox. Never really knew why that was so. But oh man, I love Angels Of Fenway...

[@stevetournay6103]

​@@1177kc There are at least two like that. One of them he goes in and out on the mic so you can't be quite sure! He usually does (probably because it's now expected by the crowd) drop the F bomb when he does that song live... In one of his own lyrics he also makes fun of his old megahit Fire And Rain... "...pay good money to hear Fire And Rain again and again and again..." Great writer, great interpreter too.

[@violettompkins206]

Love James Taylor, he's got a lot of great music ✌❤🎶

[@dorothystorry1733]

Happy belated birthday Jay.. James Taylor singing… Up On The Roof…. Is a must….😊

[@jmo7547]

I remember him singing it as an outro on Sesame Street...loved it!

[@mspfinney]

Sweet baby James. Love this man. ❤❤

[@markfadness9204]

"Handy Man" peaked at #4 in 1977. The female back-up vocal is by Leah Kunkel (wife of session drummer Russ Kunkel at the time) and sister of "Mama" Cass Elliott.

[@blackprix]

James Taylor iconic storyteller… A singer, songwriter was so many wonderful songs😊

[@bradsullivan2495]

"Your Smiling Face" is one of his later gems.

[@stephenwrouton]

James Taylor is my all time favorite singer. I've never heard a song by him I didn't love. Also, he's one of the few singers who has gottten better with age. It's rare to say that about a singer, but James Taylor's voice has definitely aged like a fine wine.

[@steveandtammyb]

So true!

[@michlkwitz]

James has a couple of great duets that you should check out -- "Her Town Too" with J.D. Souther, and "Bartender's Blues" with George Jones.

[@colibri1]

He was married to Carly Simon for years and there's footage of them in 1977 doing a live duet of his "You Can Close Your Eyes" that is just beautiful. Y'all would really like it.

[@steveandtammyb]

Oh yeah, I LOVE that song!!

[@blade3184]

Funny that you mentioned Jackson Browne. Jackson Browne was recently the opening act on James Taylor's tour.

[@josephcox736]

This is a deceptively sweet song. Listen to the lyrics again. Handyman is very promiscuous. "I whisper sweet things. You'll tell all your friends. They'll come running to me. Here is the main thing that I want to say. I'm busy 24 hours a day..."

[@larrywilliams5014]

So many great songs. "Fire and Rain" is a must.

[@larrywilliams5014]

I see you have done "Fire and Rain." I suggest "Shower the People," or "Your Smiling Face."

[@kimkovaly2393]

This was my Moms favorite James Taylor song. He's such an amazing singer and song writer ❤️

[@rs-ye7kw]

Yes he is, but he didn't actually write this one.

[@dionysiacosmos]

Y'all have to react to Mockingbird, a duet with Carly Simon back when they were married. Totally new take on the old lullaby!❤❤❤

[@jacquiadams6741]

Do the live Grammy performance-makes me smile every time. James rockin out and a barefoot Carly-what more can you ask for?

[@kimbie_5]

YES!

[@christinaaurandt9358]

A classic! Love anything James Taylor!! ♥️

[@kmach1000]

Me too. Love him! James Taylor and Elton John were my good companions throughout my youth.

[@truckrboat]

Copperline needs to be a follow up for James taylor. One of my favorite of his

[@georgestone680]

I love everything by James Taylor! Haven't found a bad song in the entire time I've been listening to him. If you need a good laugh, something to make you smile or something to help you get a good cry out, he is able to tap into all of your emotions.

[@ronfoskey2417]

His younger brother is great too. They sound similar. Livingston Taylor.

[@gildahattabaugh4342]

At 69, my favorites were John Denver, James Taylor and Dan Fogleberg. I was fortunate to see them all live. Great memories!

[@annheiner8775]

Three great ones!

[@stevetournay6103]

Very good taste. James is the only one left of those three and the only one I've seen live. Good on you catching all three...

[@steveandtammyb]

I’m 65 and like you, these guys were my favorites and I did get to see all three of them as well!! Two of them I saw twice! They were great! I only got to see John Denver once.

[@donnalawrence4666]

If you like this one, you should do his duet with Simon and Garfunkel called it’s a wonderful world. The harmonies are amazing, and the three voices blend so well together.

[@terrywalker8589]

He is just the best..not a bad song on any album. I even have him on my playlist for songs for the wife. "How Sweet It Is"

[@aks4204]

Great song Happy Belated to you. I hope you enjoyed your special day. Wishing you many more to come.

[@dougburlingame6768]

James is my all time favorite. He still tours and if he comes within 5 hrs of you, i would highly recommend taking in his show. Hes amazing live. I cant even make suggestions because his catalog is so huge. His newer albums, October Road and Hourglass are both crazy good. Jay we share a birthday!!! I turned 53 yesterday so Happy Birthday!!!

[@stevetournay6103]

Second the recommendation to see James if you can. The best overall concert I've been to was James in Hamilton, Ontario (my hometown) only about five or six years ago.

[@RebeccaMidyette]

Had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a couple of years ago...he hasn't lost a beat. Love sweet baby James

[@debbiemccain5850]

James Taylors voice is like Karen Carpenters voice...just clean & pure!!🎶💜🎶

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

Comparing his voice to Karen Carpenter, are you tone deaf ?

[@debbiemccain5850]

@@jameswiglesworth5004 my opinion...and we both can have one!😄

[@2Cambourne]

Originally performed in (1960) by Jimmy Jones. He took the song to #2 on Billboards top 100. In 1977 James Taylor slowed the song down and once again became one of his biggest hits. This is a Player and womanizing song. Down smoothly and masterfully by James Taylor. Awesome!

[@mizzwinter28]

Shower The People next; it's a MUST, y'all. Momma might cry. 😭 Heck, Jay might cry, too! 😅 This video, to me, is the absolute BEST version of this song. I DID cry when I first heard/saw this performance many years ago. 😭❤️😭❤️ Y'all are about to get taken to CHURCH. Enjoy! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZetiKSgpMqepdk

[@leec5170]

You REALLY need to do more James Taylor. I think you might be missing a large part of 70's music. You all are the best, and we need more JT, and America.😊

[@steveandtammyb]

James Taylor is the 70s to me! He has always been my favorite. That is a rabbit hole you should definitely dive deeply into!!! He has SO many great songs!!

[@keithcarper8809]

James and Jackson actually had a tour together recently. Two of the best singer-songwriters. ☮❤🎶

[@BigBull45]

One of the greatest artist of all time. Some other James Taylor hits you might want to check out are: 1. How Sweet It Is 2. Your Smiling Face 3. Mexico 4. Shower The People 5. Steamroller 6. Carolina In My Mind 7. Something In The Way She Moves 8. Walking Man 9. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Thanks for your great reaction videos. You always keep me smiling! 😊

[@kaspinet]

This arrangement is so drastically different from the original 60's song that it makes it even more amazing that Taylor saw this as a ballad.

[@tammiec4937]

One of the greats. Mexico is a must listen 🎧

[@juliewhite7469]

Yes!!!!

[@Zebred2001]

A couple of James Taylor's great songs were Sweet Baby James and his cover of Marvin Gaye's How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).

[@michaelparsons5299]

Jay is all over it. Yes James and Jackson are very much cut from the same cloth and are both wonderful singer/songwriters who I absolutely love. I saw James and Carole King a few years ago performing here in Australia. It was absolutley magnificent to see two superstars performing together. Jackson Brown is coming to Australia in December and he will be playing in a vineyard. I can't wait to see him!

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

Carole King and James Taylor "So far away", live at the BBC 1971

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Really nice cover of the 1959 hit by Jimmy Jones and Otis Blackwell. Recorded by Jones in 59

[@DougRayPhillips]

I remember Del Shannon also covered it, in '64.

[@chrisoakley5830]

He also did a great cover of... Up On A Roof.

[@pjg58x]

Yes James Taylor was a great songwriter but he also did several good covers too.

[@sailcrouch]

So many great songs by JT. Mexico, Is That tha Way You Look, You've Got a Friend, Sweet Baby Jamesn Blossom, Machine Gun Kelly, Carolina On My Mind, Something In the Way She Moves, Country Road, Fire and Rain, You Can Close Your Eyes. I could go on and on. Where to start. Still sings as well as when he was young. Amazing.

[@KayentaMoenkopi]

"you can close your eyes" is another great tune. Too many to choose from really. His catalogue is amazing. Anyway, so glad you are checking him out.

[@sallym1171]

Love everything James Taylor. Next can you do How Sweet It Is? 😘

[@tommytoms5445]

You can catch him live June 3, 2023 performing in Las Vegas at The Cosmopolitan. An American treasure and GOAT.

[@RitaBowen1]

James Taylor makes his home in NC now and we couldn't be more proud.

[@chrisoakley5830]

He lived in Chapel Hill for a while in his youth also. The songs Carolina in My Mind and Copper Line are his tributes to the state.

[@RitaBowen1]

@@chrisoakley5830 live them both top of my Playlist

[@Looneyintheboonies]

I wish my mom was here tonight to watch your channel! She played the 45 rpm record of "Handy Man" and also "Sweet City Woman" by The Stampeders over and over! I loved them too, especially Sweet City Woman. And I LOVE Chris Cornell and Show Me How to Live is one of my favorites from Audioslave! Do "Cochise" by Audioslave next! I was lucky enough to get to see him with his solo band in a small, intimate venue when I lived in Nashville. He made the hair stand up on the back of my neck singing "Steel Rain" and others. You guys definitely made me smile tonight, and I sure needed it, love ya'll ❤️

[@robrobertson4619]

“Sweet Baby James” or “Carolina In My Mind” for your next James Taylor tunes😉👍

[@ML-jk3sz]

Hearing that vinyl crackle while this plays brings back many memories.

[@thechefsoffice]

I first saw/heard him live at Tanglewood Massachusetts when I was 14 at summer camp down the road and they brought us to his concert. 34 years later and it seems like yesterday. We didn't have seats and we were out in the pouring rain but it didn't matter.

[@johnwinnie6265]

Speaking of blues. James Taylor's Steamroller is a banger.

[@stingray69691]

Good Evening Jay and Amber! Happy belated birthday, Jay! May you always have many more! Here is some info on James Taylor, and hope you enjoy the rest of the evening! James Taylor (born March 12, 1948, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.) American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who defined the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. Bob Dylan brought confessional poetry to folk rock, but Taylor became the epitome of the troubadour whose life was the subject of his songs. Among the experiences that shaped Taylor, who grew up in an upper-middle-class North Carolina family, were voluntary stays in mental institutions-once as a teenager and later to overcome heroin addiction. Having played in bands with his brother Alex and friend Danny Kortchmar, Taylor traveled to England, where he released his largely unnoticed debut album in 1968 on the Beatles’ Apple label.

[@tammydommel3039]

This is his best. I love his voice in this. His range is incredible.

[@gs8191]

This is from his 1977 JT album, my favorite of his. Every song is great from this album including Your Smiling Face, Honey Don't Leave LA, The Secret of Life and Bartender Blues, his great honky tonk duet with Linda Ronstadt.

[@1234uz]

Happy Birthday !!! And JT is one of the best ever and his backing band " The section " are also one of the most Talented group of Musicians ever Shout out to Lee Sklar on that bass

[@lorinelson7401]

JT has a treasure trove of wonderful songs. Shower the People you love with Love, Carolina in my Mind, Walkin’ Man, How sweet it is. And so many more

[@jeffchampagne5587]

Your smiling face by him is so cheery and upbeat, and will make you both smile all day. Shower, The People is also a beautiful, soft song he did about loving the ones in your life while you have them. And finally, I think for a female Friday you should play the duet between James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt and it’s an R&B/rock song that was originally done by Ike and Tina Turner but James and Linda knock it out of the park and it’s called I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine

[@Dorelaxen]

I remember listening to this on my mom's 8 track player when I was little. It's stuck with me through the years. My playlist is truly eclectic. Everything from the hardest metal to, well, James Taylor.

[@MyPancho1]

One of the best voices ever One of the top ten songwriters as well ... Please y'all GOTTA react to " his song 'Sweet Baby James (One Man Band, July 2007)' Please put it right near the top of y'all's list Thanks

[@legionkahn]

One of my all time favorite singer/songwriter. You have to give Sweet Baby James. Mexico, Only a Dream In Rio, How Sweet it Is, and Your Smiling Face. All classics

[@jen043066]

Happy Belated Birthday, Jay! James Taylor was married to Carly Simon. Should listen to them together in Mocking Bird!

[@munkongwoo751]

You’ve got to check out James & Carole duet “You Got A Friend”. A song sang by the songwriter and the singer who made it his own… that’s iconic.

[@jasonvulgamore7414]

Just to repeat myself, Sweet Baby James is an amazing song, and my personal favorite.

[@jeffthewhiff]

This is one of my favorites from James and he has had such a fantastic career and he is still going strong!

[@jameseyman9078]

James Taylor was the first conert my mother took me to at the age of 7. His song "Sweet baby James" was the lullaby my mother sang to me and I was also named after him.

[@reneestes6254]

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) is soooo good. Such fun! Your Smiling Face is another one that you guys would love.

[@garygoodrich7495]

Happy belated birthday, Jay!!! Here's to many, many, many more!!!. Love me some JT!!!

[@hippiemama52]

James covers many other songwriter's songs and always manages to somehow make them his own. He's backed by his usual band on this song. Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Leland Sklar on bass, Russ Kunkel on drums and Russ's wife Leah on backup vocals. Fun Fact: Leah Kunkel is Mama Cass Elliott's sister. For one of James newer songs I highly suggest "Copperline"

[@gtrgar4561]

Danny, Leland and Russ were part of group of LA Session musicians known as The Section. The appeared on a lot the hit's in the 70's. Leland often plays on Phil Collin's records and Phil's tours. RSR - you have seen Leland when you reacted to the live version of "In the Air Tonight" (July 2021) - the guy with the long white beard. Danny, Leland and some of the other members of the Section went on to form their own band "The Immediate Family" and they have been touring in support of a Documentary by the same name. 🎸😎

[@markzalubas5793]

James Taylor says so much with so little. Few words, but the right ones. Few instruments, but just enough. A warm storytelling voice. That's all he needs to create a great song.

[@pagemeredith4532]

I haven't heard this song in a long time. He's a great songwriter and has a nice calm soothing voice.

[@suzannejeziorski2751]

Steamroller. James will show you his range & surprise you at his soul in his voice

[@scottzappa9314]

I do believe he's one of the nicest men who is a "rock star" going. Always very accommodating to fans I learned when I saw him live way back. Very focused yet very humble. God Bless The Beatles. One of his latest things I love he did in 2018, "Before This World". All of his stuff is great but also must check out "Hourglass" from a bit earlier.

[@randyblankenship4000]

Y'all just took me back to around 10 th grade. This song was super popular back then. You would hear this in every kids car that drove to school and on Friday nights just cruising the loop, this would be one of the songs you would hear. Great reaction.

[@peterkelley4346]

I play 5 songs by James "Fire and Rain" "Sweet Baby James" "BSUR" "Handy Man" and "Is That The Way You Look" People will always sing along with James at our May camp outs !!!! Thanks for reminding me i play this song !! : )

[@childcrone]

You mention he has a cozy, sittin' by the fire voice.. then the first vocal in the song is "Hey girls, gather round..."

[@sylvialopez5928]

One of my favorite sweet baby James ❤❤❤

[@rogerwalker-wheatley9962]

James Taylor, YES! Also, when you love smooth voice and song perfectly blended, check out Dan Fogelberg singing "Hickory Grove" or "Souvenirs" or a duet with Emmylou Harris "Only The Heart May Know." And if you haven't yet encountered Jimmie Spheeris, his songs "Sighs In A Shell," "I Am The Mercury" and "In The Misty Woods" will have you ready to listen to more at first opportunity!

[@stevetournay6103]

Seconding, loudly, those (or any) Fogelberg songs. Dan's Old Tennessee is deliberately in Taylor's style, so, in this context, especially that one from the late great DF...

[@dii6266]

OMG - before even hearing your review, soo many years since I heard this song. Thank you. He has many good ones worthy of your reaction.

[@musicgrl100]

My husband and I saw James Taylor and Jackson Browne together not long ago, and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to! I agree with everyone who suggested Mockingbird with Carly Simon....you will love it! Two of my favorites are Sweet Baby James and Carolina In My Mind.

[@mizzwinter28]

Aww, Happy birthday Jay!! 🎉🎉🎉 This is actually my FAVORITE James Taylor song! I used to play it over and over and over on my big bro's record player, and just stare at the album cover...💕💕💕😘😘😘

[@tomaroni6670]

..."Class of 76"...In the middle of the time that Rock n Roll dominated...James Taylor and Carol King were 2 8-tracks that was a must for the easier moments...

[@davidphillips4476]

Sweet Baby James; Definitely one of the greats.

[@kaafromoz]

The lesson here is if you work with talented musicians you get superb results, backing vocals on all his songs were exceptional singers like Carly Simon on this one, J.D.Souther (The Eagles) on others etc. james is a wonderful songwriter musician and all round gentleman. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘🎶🎶🎶🎶💖💖💖💖

[@danglin-bc5zl]

I came across your page the other day and I have been binge watching every since. I love y'alls positivity and love and I love watching the joy and surprise on your faces as you discover all the different types of music and artist. Just wanted to say great job and you've got a new friend and family member.

[@ThePierce5144]

James Taylor and Carol King are good friends. “In My Mind I’m Going to Carolina!” A good by JT

[@roxannemckee1335]

I love James Taylor. Always have.

[@Ziliman802]

My favorite song of his! Thank you

[@snyderdarlene]

This is a great cover by James Taylor. "Handy Man" is a song written by singer Jimmy Jones and songwriter Otis Blackwell. It was released in 1959 by Jimmy Jones.

[@RaySawhill]

Sweet reaction. The song was produced by Peter Asher, who was a big name in the ‘70s. He’d been part of Peter and Gorden (well-known in the ‘60s), then helped shape the mellow folkie-rock sound of the ‘70s - he produced not just a lot of James Taylor but also Linda Ronstadt. Fun fact: that smooth easy folk sound was part of what the punk people reacted against. They wanted something crazier and rawer.