James "JT" Taylor | Questlove Supreme

[@reeseereece]

JT out here making 71 look AMAZING!! Excellent interview! ❤️✌🏽✊🏽

[@moussetache1815]

WAT

[@mellshell1789]

Sorry yall, I thought a few years back, they said the guy died.

[@TheBbtlegit]

Exactly

[@TheBbtlegit]

​@@mellshell1789 They were wrong

[@mellshell1789]

@TheBbtlegit 👍

[@derrickbrennan1478]

So nice to see JT and hear him one of the best in R&B yes 👏. Rick Brennan from CHANGE N Philly love always peace brother 🙏. 333.Rick

[@RebelBuddha1971]

JT has one of the most indelible and versatile voices in R&B and pop music. Great to see him doing so well (and looking so good)!

[@lueanderson2060]

Thanks for giving him his flowers.

[@QLSProducer]

Our mission.

[@D6EH]

In 1979 this white teenage boy heard Ladies Night and decided this was my music. My first concert the next year was Kool & The Gang, followed by my second and third concerts being Kool & The Gang. I practiced and practiced trying to copy JT’s sound and while I never matched his smooth tone, he gave me the motivation to become a singer myself. Kool & The Gang was an absolutely epic live band and JT was the quintessential front man. Thanks for all the years of excellent music! Thanks Questlove for bringing us this interview. ✌️

[@QuestloveSupreme]

Thank YOU

[@KevinGonzales-j3g]

Check out Hollywood Swingers and Jungle Boogie, that's the old school Funk version of Kool & The Gang! By the way, I don't think they care about you being white, millions and millions of white people love African-American culture!

[@KevinGonzales-j3g]

Check out Jungle Boogie and Hollywood Swingers? That's the old school Funk version of Kool & The Gang!

[@TaylorMadeCori]

The LEGEND!! Oh, I savored this interview. When people talk about great singers - James "JT" Taylor deserves to be in the conversation. Thank you, Questlove.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!

[@michaelwyckoff8121]

Truth be told

[@zuhurakinyanjui7731]

You gotta love JT Taylor. ❤🎉 Grace and Peace be multiplied to JT Taylor. Such an inspiration! Truly the Golden Voice. 💛

[@dustyroze150]

Fresh"1984"timeless! antique! klassic!

[@Carol-si8tf]

JT, took care of his voice!! His speaking voice, sounds just like his singing voice! 🎉 I loved the song Too Hot. His voice was so captivating in that song.🎉

[@myjazzvibes]

my favorite... and his ad libs were top notch!

[@ladye6998]

Yess love the song!!! “ at 17 we fell in love high school sweetheart. Life was so brand new.”😅

[@bencromwell707]

JT in a word #Iconic

[@something2consider783]

Excellent interview. Kool and the Gang should release an extended live CD with JT singing. Blu-Ray would be cool too.

[@PATRICIADUMAS-tq3sh]

Quest thanks for the interview you talk more than the guest let them tell there own stories calm down

[@tanyabrown9200]

Mr.Taylor still looks GOOD🤩🤩

[@kimy.johnson5096]

Wow! One week ago, I was wondering whatever happened to him (JT). And, today 12/30/24 the algorithm had this video popped up! Great interview, and JT still looks as handsome as ever. 🥰

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!

[@ghanagirl7767]

Exactly 💯..had the biggest crush on him..still do..lol

[@asb9502]

JT Taylor! On of my favorite voices. So underrated. It’s great to see him. Been following him on IG for years! Falsetto is sick!! Then, can get down to the lower register. Love his tone.

[@Wondertroy1TV]

Congratulations on the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inception

[@KevinGonzales-j3g]

It's about damn time, there are a lot of great Funk groups that aren't in that so-called Hall of Fame! The Ohio Players, Cameo and Rick James just to name a few!

[@NubianQueen6391]

JT'S voice on Too Hot was so sexy and smooth which makes it my all time Favorite Kool and the Gang song. Loving the interview!! 💜💜💜

[@ladytee3249]

I had the biggest crush on him when I was a little girl. So happy to see him doing well.❤

[@deborahjohnson2736]

Me too 😂❤

[@mahoganybrown6607]

Me three!!!!❤

[@ghanagirl7767]

Me too.He still looks so good!!!

[@carlbenson6412]

Thanks Questlove! It is great to see JT doin' well & looking healthy. I feel like 'Steppin Out' tonight now.

[@lesliebryan9401]

OMG, I had the biggest crush on this man! I loved his voice

[@lornachristian1651]

I did as well

[@sharonlewis2902]

One of my all time favorites ❤️❤️So good to see JT. I hope he will be touring with the group! Mad love for Kool and the Gang with JT❤️❤️

[@michaelwyckoff8121]

K and the Gang Live in New Orleans JT was on his game 1000 %.I had the VHS tape of that concert transferred on to a DVD.I still watch it regularly.

[@tamikabutler3829]

JT was my first Crush and I played their records til they were Wore Out love his voice

[@michaeludeze8470]

Interviewer spoke more than the guest. Let your guest tell their story.

[@dariousharris]

Right, shut da eff up, GOOFY, SELFISH "interviewer". Stop DISRESPECTING your guests. Let THEM speak.😑

[@patricialeonard2748]

Frfr

[@tonianderson9698]

💯

[@devinknight6346]

Quest has always had pretty directionless interviews that ramble but we get good stories out of them eventually. He's not a journalist though.

[@marvinroberson8583]

It's hard to listen to Quest as much as I love him.

[@ARIKIP]

Grew up late 70s and 80s listening to JT and all the Kool & the gang albums from Ladies night to Forever. That Falsetto combined with that Funky Jazz melody took them to their greatest heights. Great interview.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank YOU.

[@terynceparker6992]

Legendary JT Taylor Of Kool Of The Gang👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BridgesBrothersBasketball]

Questlove you did it again with the guest,great interview. JT is always a good storyteller , I had to watch.

[@QLSProducer]

We love that. Thanks for watching.

[@sabrinaburnham4395]

JT looks younger than some 30yr old guys. I still enjoy watching his videos with Kool and the Gang! I love the duet with JT and Regina Belle.❤

[@sherenay3109]

Meeting JT exceeded my expectations. I attended a Kool and the Gang concert years ago and somehow I was able to see him before they left. He was so gracious and kindhearted. He allowed me to give him a kiss on the cheek then disappeared into the night. I will cherish that moment forever.❤

[@leelmag9087]

14 years old with my radio in my room hearing him and Regina Bell, “All I want is Forever.” And recording them on tape. So simple to do. But songs like that is why I love R&B ballads the best… Can transport you right back to those times. Thank you immensely brother!

[@TedAlexandro]

One of the best vocalists in human history.

[@myjazzvibes]

absolutely..

[@shearglory]

I Love JT Taylor So Happy to see JT on The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2024. Everyone in the Rock and Roll Hall Fame was on their feet . Standing ovation.. when JT walked out.❤

[@carlcaola6743]

This italian cat born in paterson nj all time favorite singer for 40 years. Thank you jt you brought alot of joy in my life, and still do ✌️❤Carl

[@minidweeb]

I was unaware of why JT left Kool & The Gang and I don’t blame him at all. He had his reasons, and I would’ve done the same thing. JT made the right decision, and his solo career is MAGNIFICENT! I love his music so much, and this interview truly was a joyous experience! I love learning more and more about JT, I admire him so much!! ❤✨

[@rickjazzfusionbop]

Absolutely terrific interview -- not surprised that JT is a great dude. Not surprised at all. Wonderful.

[@RexxGarvin]

I Love You Quest Love! JT Taylor Is A National R&B Vocal Jewel. It's Amazing The Levels He Took Kool And The Gang. From Funky Stuff To "Too Hot". Amazing. From The Early Days Of A Funk Jazz Band, How Does A Band Transform Like That? That's Amazing. I Remember. "Ladies Night" Was Unique At That Time. Great Job Quest For Putting JT Out There! Underrated. I Like The Nat King Cole Reference. It Makes Sense..By The Way, That Trombone Part On "Joanna" Is Beautiful Man.,Those Smooth Vocals In The Back,"Ooh Joanna". Nice!

[@QLSProducer]

We try! Thank YOU.

[@RexxGarvin]

@QLSProducer Solid

[@carbar3936]

My fav song of JT's is "All I Want is Forever" w/ Regina Belle from the movie "Tap." Quest needs to write his questions down, because he takes too long to form the questions to guestts.

[@jonleonguerrero]

Great interview, amazing history lesson. Definitely an artist who deserves his flowers. ❤

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you. The QLS mission is accomplished...

[@dgf6275]

Season's Greetings 🎉 Get Down On It, Too Hot and Mislead are my jams! This is the most I can recall ever hearing from JT since I first heard his voice. He seems to be such a kind and decent person. His speaking voice sounds so much like Donnie Simpson. Thank you, QL.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you, thank you.

[@ladye6998]

I have been looking for this man. I’m glad to see him looking so good. It’s because of you Mr. JT Taylor. I got to love “Kool and the Gang”I wish you were still with the group. Thank you for your beautiful voice.🙌🏾🤎🖤

[@MrSirGonza]

You really know how to choose your guests. You had Leon Sylvers and now JT. That means you know your stuff. And thanks to you we FINALLY got to know how and why JT left Kool & The Gang. Seriously, man. Thank you! ❤🙏

[@PHlophe]

Gonçalo, he has always had exceptional curatorial qualities. check his masterclass you'll understand him better

[@QLSProducer]

THANK YOU

[@patricialorenacayllahuagi7111]

He tratado de buscar está entrevista con subtitulos por qué no entiendo inglés pero no la encuentro, por JT dejo Kool and The Gang?

[@MrSirGonza]

@@patricialorenacayllahuagi7111 Él comenta que hacía un tiempo, desde dentro del ambiente, se venía creando cierta tensión entre la banda y él, como suele suceder en el mundo de la música, donde se busca antagonizar contra el vocalista. La gota que rebalsó el vaso fue en un concierto: JT estaba engripado, pero decidió cantar igual aun sintiéndose mal. En un determinado momento, empezó a ver todo rojo y se fue rápido del escenario, medio asustado. Según comenta, nadie de la banda se preocupó por ir a ver cómo estaba: solo Curtis, el tecladista. Luego de este episodio, JT dijo basta y dejó repentinamente la banda.

[@martinamartinez6594]

Wow! Just watched the entire interview and I cant believe that i actually meet JT and Kool and The gang. I was so in love with him. I use to go around telling everyone i was going to meet him some day. I use to drive my sisters crazy. I had seen them in concert but i actually hung out with him. It was and will forever be one of my dreams that came true. He is and forever will be one of my all time favorites along with Luther ❤.

[@RB-gt8bf]

OMG The smooth silky unique voice of JT Taylor. When I was in the Air Force overseas at Clark AFB on Friday night at the Airmans club in the Mirror lounge when a Kool & the Gang song came on the floor was filled with Airman getting down. JT the songs from your group were just happy and made us forget we were serving out country in dangerous times. Thank you from this Veteran!

[@Lovect18]

I saw JT at the circle star back in the day. I had my best tight fitting white dress on( don’t judge me I was in my 20’s)😂I had the biggest crush on him and I’m still a huge fan. Thank you JT for all your talent and great musicianship!🫶🏽👏🏽🎶

[@Nate2trey]

I still have a super crush on JT! He is a legend and that voice is just golden. He looks so good!😍🙏🏾❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@elijahselbicky3639]

He looks just like Donnie Simpson. 😮

[@livestreamsuk6004]

his brother lol

[@seanologyofficial]

@@livestreamsuk6004They’re brothers ???

[@livestreamsuk6004]

@@seanologyofficial Yes

[@cwin721]

​@@seanologyofficial they are not brothers

[@johncaldwell881]

The Green Eyed Monster

[@AlChile2]

One of my Top Five male singers of all time!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Boy when JT came on the scene the hits flowed like a stream. Him joining Kool & The Gang was somewhat like what happened when Steve Perry joined Journey, Next level success.

[@darrenanthony8473]

Yep but the hits didn't stop until he left

[@ernestinejones8822]

I truly love me some JT .Always did , Always will !!! Wish nothing but the best for this man. An he deserves all the accolades he has received!! An I must say 71 is looking good on you🥰🥰🤩🤩🤩

[@berniceringowilson3358]

This is such a great interview JT and Kool & The Gang brought me up with the classiest style and music Ladies Night was me and my Detroit Posse we danced and would party off this group Great Job Fellas ❤❤❤🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵

[@Wondertroy1TV]

Fresh!!!!!Hit after Hits

[@unclecal787]

I love this mans humility and honesty

[@mgtclass5]

The JT era with Kool and the Gang was iconic! Such memorable songs, loved every one!!!

[@cocogp5309]

Il love James JT Taylor ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Velluna_Veri]

I met JT and Curtis in 1987, at the band’s height. It was in Tampa and I was invited backstage to give them some art I’d done. I ended up spending hours with Kool & the Gang after the show, and let me tell you, they were all modest, sweet, respectful, clean (no drugs or booze), just the most decent, genuine guys you can imagine. They treated me and my friend so well (we were both 18), and were more curious about my art than anything else. It breaks my heart to see how things ended between JT and the band, because they deserve nothing but happiness and harmony. Love them - sending good vibes to all.

[@135jh]

Perfect gift for the holidays!! An amazing interview with a true legend.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you. Happy holidays to you and yours.

[@135jh]

@QLSProducer Thank you!!🎉 Happy holidays.

[@DelmarBrowne]

Fantastic interview!

[@QLSProducer]

Much love.

[@Logicalreign-bm2mj]

This was a beautiful interview! I loved it

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

James was a perfect fit for that band, at the RIGHT time. 1979-87.

[@shearglory]

JT was there in the 90’s also and was on their last CD. 1999.

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

@@shearglory I am talking about in that band's HAY Day with J.T. 1979-87

[@FeltonClark-k6y]

Quest I watched the entire interview great job I am from that era of music been a DJ for years in Houston I miss that music , JT look as young as he did back then. PLEASE bring more artist from then for more interviews

[@gretchenbray2268]

Great interview! I saw the tribute the recent tribute. Amazing!

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you

[@timeTravellin]

Saw the title, automatic click. Lets go! Much love & respect!

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!

[@alonzosmith6189]

JT's wife Starleana had a music career, would be nice to see them perform together Aurra and Kool & The Gang

[@dextersfinest175]

Wow. Thanks for the info. Aurra was definitely a great group. She did her thing👍👍

Oh wow I had no idea that was his wife

[@jacquelinewashington5492]

Hi JT, it’s Jacqui, your cousin Francine Elder goddaughter. You look amazing😍

[@ericablige9449]

Peace God's! Thank you QL for this treat 💜 I've been wondering on his whereabouts especially with seeing a lot of 80's and 90's artist popping out and touring. It's so good to see you well & healthy 🙏

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you!!!

[@sunflowerlove6489]

So happy too see JT is on here i grew up on him i love him he has a beautiful voice thats known all over the world !!!! Questlove why didnt u do interview with his wife Starlena she is the female singer on all of the baddest groups out in the mid 70's and all of the 80's SLAVE !!!!! WHere is STArlena she has a beautiful voice as well !!

[@RexxGarvin]

I Have To Say This. A Tear Came To My Eyes, When JT Said,At The Black Radio Station,A Black Guy Said About "Joanna" It Ain't Black Enough. "Our People" Are Horrible! We Are Our Own Worse Enemy! We Are A Inner Cultural Nightmare! Joanna Was Beautiful. All The Blacks In Atlanta At That Time,Loved That Song. Hell, My "Too Black Ass" Is Playing It Now...2024,Will Be 2025 This Thursday.

[@stevenmolakeng9317]

Growing up in South Africa I was sooo sure and still am that he is "Kool" 😂 What an interview.

[@QLSProducer]

We appreciate you.

[@taray4000]

Yo..... You have Dope Guests and the best dialog Bro!!

[@ericwilliams1023]

New Jersey Hall of Fame Members.. I voted for yall

[@SJ-tx5go]

The best podcast out

[@QLSProducer]

Heyyyyyy. The feeling is mutual!

[@elbertphillips5841]

Awesome! JT kickin' it at the G!

[@ibexy]

This man gave me one of the best sounds of my childhood and youth. Glad he is doing fine.

[@allenbell9162]

Happy New Year!!!! I love too see your boys be dressed up all festive.... Just adorable....

[@diggdeep1685]

PLEASE! PLEASE!! PLEASE!!! INTERVIEW FREDDIE STONE!!! PLEEEEEEASE!!! *P.S:- Enjoyed this interview with Mr. Taylor, immensely. You've consistently been an amazing interviewer with all the uniquely pertinent questions.

[@QLSProducer]

Wow, thanks a lot!

[@rubiesreal]

This was an awesome interview❤

[@QLSProducer]

Thanks!

[@jackiechan7765]

great singer

[@santino591]

*Q'Love,* *LET THE GUEST TALK P-L-E-A-S-E!!!* *Who cares how much U know?* .... *JT is cool people!!!*

[@curtislawrence7096]

JT - Too Hot, my good brother !!

[@ntobekomtimkulu239]

My mom taped a concert of Kool and the gang performing in New Orleans, and James was the lead singer. He was my favourite member of the band. So smooth. Such masterful control of his voice during that live performance. I feel he’s grossly underrated as a vocalist.

[@Velluna_Veri]

I recently watched a YT upload of what might be that concert. It was incredible!

[@darrenanthony8473]

Damn great interview. I woke up this morning on my way to work thinking damn this is going to be a long thing I'm getting anxious to say just say it. I was also thinking JT's not going to say why he left his group I know he won't. I was wrong. Kool & The gang I'm going to sum up in this way as a fan.I remember as a little kid,Jungle boogie. As 13 yr old. Ladies night. Celebrate.Didnt think it woukd be what it is.Joanna at tge time it seeming a og song at the time .Kool and gang kast hit album Emergency. JT duet with Regina. And now Hall fame. Jt song well like JT

[@QLSProducer]

Wow... that compliment means a ton.

[@thomaskolen6118]

Hi!!! I’m JT Taylor!!! Welcome to Video Soul

[@mrlij6534]

Donnie Simpson, lol.

[@jamespatrick1934]

Legendary 👏🏽

[@geebee44]

Now I can hear “I Wanna Be Your Lover” in “Celebrate” wow!

[@cwin721]

Yes!!! Hey JT Taylor 😊

[@kayecarp5481]

I love JT

[@wms5253]

I’ve been thinking where is JT for a long time. Good interview 💕

[@garymcdowell5925]

Great show

[@QLSProducer]

Thanks

[@ericablige9449]

🎶Forever🎶 with Regina Belle 🌹❣

[@Youttubi]

Always loved Kool and the Gang.

[@troyg2458]

When JT joined the band is when I turned Kool and the Gang off. I loved everything they did before his ass got there. He crossed them over and the funk left when he came in. When I heard pre-JT Kool and the Gang, I`m dancing my ass off. When I hear JT with Kool and the Gang, I sit down or change the channel. It`s like night and day. Two totally different sounds.

[@davidangeron3365]

"Never get enough of that Funky Stuff" Yup!!! I was so very young. Get down, get down ... ...

[@RexxGarvin]

I Also Want To Add. Here's Why JT Taylor Is A Unique Vocal Element. Like I Said On Other Comments, Kool And The Gang, Funky Stuff, Hollywood Swingers, Who's Gonna Take The Weight, Rhyme Time People, Spirit Of The Boogie, Jungle Boogie. Right There For Me. How In The Hell You Go From That To JT Taylor? That's Next Level In IIrs Purest Form. That Was Unique. Get Down On It. "Cherish",Joanna, Fresh, Tonight And So Many More! Freakin' Underrated! JT Taylor Is The First To Specialize In Pop Rhythm And Blues. Never Been Done Before. Same Thing With His Wife Starlena Young, Female Vocalist Of Slave Is The Same. Hear Her Vocals On "Let's Spend Some Time" From The Stone Jam Album. And "That's Where You Find Me",.Pop Funk Vocals. But That Doggone JT Taylor, Stimulating Rhythmatic Soothing Pop Soulful Vocals. Thank You Quest Love! Thank You For This Wonderful Factual Interview Of JT Taylor! Get Down On It "For Real". Simply Awesome

[@carbar3936]

Totally Disagree JT was 1st to specialize in Pop-R&B. Many many before him, but he was great at doing it as well.

[@RexxGarvin]

@carbar3936 You "Said" Was Instead Of Saying Wasn't. Gotcha! Tell Me, Who Were The Other R&B Pop Vocalist Before JT. Especially With His Style Of Vocals?

[@carbar3936]

@@RexxGarvin Forgot to put quotation marks around was the 1st and saying I disagree forgot the word "that" also. Michael Jackson. Nobody has JT's vocal styling but anyway, Marvin Gaye, Same Cooke off the top of my head. JT's a beautiful singer and such a cutie. Even in his older yrs and seems to be a nice person based on this interview. Neber seen/heard him do interviews before.

[@RexxGarvin]

@carbar3936 Valid Points!

[@Fundaground]

Fresh

[@missayawk]

Was this an interview or just Quest❤️ babbling on and on.

[@samandrew1456]

“Emergency” - is played full volume in my car & JT’s “Long Hot Summer Night” ❤

[@sebastienelkouby9699]

Questo, I got nothing but love for you but you're talking more than your guests these days and it's getting hard to listen to an entire episode without losing interest. I respect your nerding out but it's excessive now. I thought I was tripping but other folks are saying the same thing.

[@zuhurawambuikinyanjui]

True, Thank God JT is such a good and patient listener.

[@Kemp757]

I actually appreciate it bc he's getting to say shit I always wanted to and with some artist I can now see which are "interesting" to talk to/meet or not.

[@oba1560]

It's like Vlad telling 2pacs father facts about his own son

[@datfella8128]

Ladies Nite is one of THEEE funkiest, grooves that'll make yo body move ever created🔥🔥🔥🔥🚨🚨

[@Nanbebe7]

JT you are amazing and missed hope you do the Vegas residency at least once just for our times sake 🙏🏽 ❤🔥

[@cjwallace4559]

Lord Jesus bless with great success and great health and wisdom and financial blessings in Jesus Name.

[@jeep128]

I love these old school artist interviews hopefully get some Mark Wood Jr from Lakeside skip from Dazz Band Cheryl Lynn just keep it going great work and great questions

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

It should also be noted that the promoter that Questlove is talking about is Dick Griffey - the founder of Solar Records.

[@QLSProducer]

Thank you. Important/great history.

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

@QLSProducer Another detail that's left out is Dick was the one who recommended J.T. to Kool And The Gang for consideration as the new lead singer. Robert Bell said Dick told them he was the one to get them back on the charts.