James Taylor & Carole King - You've Got A Friend (REACTION) First Time Hearing It

[@SaeedReacts.]

Exclusive reactions available on Patreon: bit.ly/4gdNw2J

[@MaddyN999]

James Taylor “Fire and Rain” is a must. This is Carole’s response to that song. Also should react to Carol, anything off of the Tapestry album

[@kandisnewland6400]

I agree, Fire and rain is the best.

[@carolyn64]

Yes, the line of "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend" she said it inspired her to write her response.

[@BarbaraABryant]

My James songs are Sweet Baby James and You Can Close Your Eyes. James calms me down.

[@kathleenmurphy6220]

All these suggestions are definitely on spot. 💚

[@anitawright7169]

This is such a beautiful song. Carole and James together are fire! Love your reaction!

[@kmach1000]

James Taylor is my second favorite singer/songwriter of all time ❤❤❤❤ According to Taylor, Carole King told him that this song was a response to his 1970 hit "Fire and Rain," where Taylor sings, "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend." King's musical response: "you've got a friend right here."

[@helenespaulding7562]

that begs the question.....

[@kmach1000]

@helenespaulding7562 Well, English is not my first language, so I don't know if I understand, but... there it goes: Elton John is my favorite forever! 😄 (If that's not what you wanted to know, sorry😆)

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@kmach1000that’s EXACTLY what I wanted to know! You understood the idiom perfectly. “ begging the question” means exactly that: When you say someone is your second favorite but don’t say who the first is, you’re “begging” for that question to be asked. It HAS to be asked.

[@kmach1000]

@helenespaulding7562 Thank you! 😀

[@shawnzzz]

Can I guess that Steve Perry is your favorite singer?

[@TheJohnnywbred]

If Carole had her way she’d always be in background playing piano and writing music. She had no ego and only cared about music and making others look good.

[@markmurphy558]

Carole wrote this in response to Taylor's breakaway hit FIRE AND RAIN, in which he lamented the suicide of a close friend.

[@gablen23]

You gotta listen to Carole King's "Tapestry", which includes this song, brilliant album!

[@TheDivayenta]

Carole wrote this specifically for James.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Oh how I wish Carole had joined in vocally.

[@kathleenmurphy6220]

Real friends will forever be there. 💚

[@gordonduke8812]

There is only one James Taylor. Greatness personified.

[@janeenbarker4851]

If you really want to see James Taylor at his finest, watch him and the late J.D. Souther sing, " Her Town Too." The harmony is simply wonderful.

[@cynergy4]

One of my all time fave songs. Love JD and JT! RIP JD 😢

[@Noelle0026]

Gorgeous song. It was such a loss when we lost JD!

[@sharonstonts]

James Taylor "Fire and Rain" BBC in concert 1970. Absolutely beautiful

[@gypsygirl3255]

Carly Simon "That's the Way I Always Heard it Should be"

[@eterneh489]

Saeed reacted to that song a while back to a live version.

[@meditationlifeskills]

He was a true American treasure and a hero to so many.

[@cynergy4]

Still is

[@ed.z.]

James Taylor was the first artist signed to The Beatles record label, Apple Records.

[@ritathomas5167]

The great Leland Sklar on bass guitar - one of the absolute best session and touring musicians ever! He rose to fame in his own right by first appearing as backup musician to James Taylor. If you pay attention to a lot of live music videos, you will be surprised how many times you see Leland! And such a nice guy!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for sharing some info on Lelan Sklar. I hope i will get to know him better on the future.

[@thomastimlin1724]

The Beatles and friend Peter Asher discovered James Taylor, had him do an album in 1968 on their Apple label, but He broke out like great guns with his Fire and Rain song from his Sweet Baby James album in 1970. He released this Carole King song in 1971...straight to the number one. He had talked Carole King into going Solo....imagine if he hadn't we would not have had greatness from Carol to listen to. Carol was about 5 years his senior.

[@BarbaraABryant]

Can always listen to James. He is a treat we give ourselves.

[@helenespaulding7562]

His first album was such a mainstay of the soundtrack of my summer of 1969, and his second, Sweet Baby James...was SO darn good.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 James is a very peaceful and humble human being

[@xScooterAZx]

He has so many great hits,like Sweet Baby James,and others.

[@Papiwa22]

They have been friends thru all the years - there for each other. Saw them in 2016 they were touring together doing an intimate circle in the round performance that was all their music it was magical

[@bazkeen]

What a combination. Two great singer/songwriters 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SaeedReacts.]

100%

[@Noelle0026]

I am so happy I got yo see James and Jackson Browne in concert together a few years ago. I won one of James’ albums from a radio call in contest. Have loved all of his music for years. His music is a very satisfying rabbit hole to go down.

[@eterneh489]

Hey Saeed, Thanks again for playing my request. Yes, they have been friends now for over 50 years. Their love and affection comes through in their Troubadour concert which was in 2010 and is an "album"; CD; or download...whatever form people get music nowadays. For me, I'll always call them albums. Nothing like putting vinyl on a turntable and listening and watching it spin, and then, when the song is done, moving the needle to the song you want to hear...sometimes over and over and over again...and watching the unique image of each record label go round and round. Folks know what I'm talkin' about!

[@carlaharrington5120]

YES!! I have spent a good chunk of my early life sitting cross legged on the floor, LP on the player, headphones on, and me pouring over every square inch of the liner notes on the inside and the cover art on the outside!!!

[@eterneh489]

@@carlaharrington5120 We have a certain experience that probably most in the Millenial and Gen X generation don't understand, unless they are into the trend back to vinyl. I just listened to a video from a Gen X record producer who had never heard the Beatles before. His comments showed me that he has no context or true understanding of the impact the music had and has as he only has the lens of now. It makes me appreciate Saeed more because he is an old soul...or is that "rubber soul"? lol

[@MattJocks]

James is actually an extraordinarily funny guy -- funnier than most comedians. He and Carole did a tour together several years ago and there was a DVD of a show they did back at The Troubadour in LA where they used to play. In the vid, James said of this song that he could remember the first time he heard in that building, pointing to where he was sitting. Then, alluding to his drug problems, he said, "It's funny because I don't remember anything for about a year on either side of that." He talked about the generosity of Carole letting him release it first, calling it maybe the best pop song ever written. Then, with his dry humor, he added, "Of course at the time, I didn't know I'd be playing it every night for the rest of my life."

[@lindataggart9076]

Sweet James and Carole.

[@jeannemara1600]

We played James Taylor singing this solo at my twenty-seven- year-old sister's funeral. Though it has been thirty-seven years, I think of her often, and when I do, I know know she is there for me.

[@germankitty]

I'm always surprised how much of the lyrics I recall from these songs, even after 50 years. I'm truly grateful for all you reactors who remind me how many great songs enriched my teenage years, so thank you for another wonderful memory!

[@StewartUSAF]

Carole King wrote the song, recorded it on the Tapestry album (one of the all-time great albums, by the way), while James Taylor was recording the Mudslide Slim album in the same studio complex. Carole let James record it on Mudslide Slim as well. Side note, on Tapestry, James Taylor plays guitar and does backing vocals on this track, and on Mudslide Slim, Carole King plays piano and sings backup on this track. The two of them have always been great friends.

[@dianaskrutskie7314]

I adore both James and Carole. Carole wrote this for James as a response to "Fire and Rain" the song he's most well known for. So many beautiful songs. "Carolina in My Mind" came on the radio as I was deciding to take the job in Raleigh, NC or the one in South Carolina. I took the one in North Carolina and have been here for 24 years. Still tear up when I hear it. If you want to see something cute, watch James and Carley do "Mockingbird" live. Sweet Baby James, Mexico, Handy Man, Shower the People" are all great songs!!!

[@isinlarsa5996]

Carol recorded this song on the album "Tapestry". In the 70s, before streaming music, everyone had to have a copy of "Tapestry".

[@davidroyston1918]

I know you're going to love this! James doing, UP ON A ROOF is magical! ❤

[@1957PLATO]

Carole King is a. Icon of popular American music culture.

[@bethphillips9693]

I love him so much - have seen him perform 5 or 6 times, once back in 1974 - his voice is soft as velvet. Carly Simon was with him. Magical. "Close Your Eyes" is one of my favorites - I used to sing it to my cat who was in hospital for 3 weeks after being shot with a shotgun - He had a special suit to keep him warm and wouldn't eat unless I fed him, so I would go after work and hold him for a while, and sing.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Soft as velvet, that is a great description! Amazing you saw him live so many times.

[@bethphillips9693]

@@SaeedReacts. He's just - so important to me. I had all of his earlier albums and still have a couple of CD's. He soothes me.

[@canadian1677]

Another Golden Oldie Saeed! The 70's were the Best my friend

[@SaeedReacts.]

Such a great song! Thanks for watching!

[@canadian1677]

@@SaeedReacts. You r in my Top 3 of Reactors, I love your Style,

[@canadian1677]

Taylor sings a number of great Hits

[@timithius]

What a great version of this song. I love their individual versions, but James Taylor's version, for me, is the truly iconic one, from his album "Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon".

[@tjrivers]

Saw JT in concert at the Garden NYC in the 70’s (I think). Carole KING was the surprise guest…the place went ballistic! Sweet Baby James.

[@donnakaymaltese9080]

I've listened to JT since he began. Every song he sings touches my heart, soul, and spirit. And I was blessed to see him and Carol King on their Trubadore tour about 10 years ago. They were awesome! Dig deep into James. You won't regret it

[@susanyaworski5895]

Great Combo.

[@antiqueinsider]

I binged on JT when I 'discovered' him in the mid 90's. The songwriting shows even better when you start harmonising on these melodies. It's perfect for the car on a warm summer day when you just want to sing for your own pleasure. He wrote many great songs which he performed for decades.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 so when they were married he and Carly Simon did a live version on stage of the song called Mockingbird. it's a super fun video to watch--- it makes you happy deep down inside I would love to have you react to !

[@loveloochay]

🎡🎡🎡 ... I have probably watched this video 162 times , or so. It never disappoints , his voice never disappoints... and this song will live forever. I saw him in concert for the 1st time this past summer. He was amazing. He is magical 🌞🌞🌞

[@karinanderson9722]

Yes! Seriously you must listen to Fire and Rain. Just incredible!

[@helenespaulding7562]

you sound like a Jungian....collective subconscious and all.....I just wanted to mention that the bearded guy right next to James playing bass is Leland Sklar. Sklar credits James Taylor with starting the careers of several guys, including himself, who turned out to be among the top studio musicians in LA for literally decades. Sklar is one of, if the THE most recorded bassist in popular music. He often says that, because James Taylor was such a great acoustic player, including a bass line in his style, that in order to be relevant when playing with him, Sklar developed a very melodic style of playing bass, which became one of his signatures. Served him well his entire career....which is still going strong. He was with Carol and James for the "reunion" Troubadour concert.....and as already mentioned, was with Phil Collins on many of his torus........looking now like Gandalf.....😏

[@loriprovencher8984]

I love his voice. I remember the first time I heard "Fire and Rain" on the radio in the car. I think I was 9 years old and immediately became a fan. Also check out Sweet Baby James, Steamroller, and Anywhere Like Heaven.

[@juliecrane9647]

I love your reactions. You have such a good ear for lyrics and we can tell you love doing this. Music can calm the savage beast within, my dad used to say. This song is my favorite it stirs good memories... I shared my 1st apartment with a girl I worked with at a hospital. I didnt know her very well but I needed a roomate to pay the rent. We were both in college and working. We discovered we shared a bday and had 4 brothers...2 older and 2 younger...and 2 of our brothers had the same name. We were sisStars ever after. We worked 2nd shift and played albums, including this one, til the wee hours...with beer. For me, lots of beer. This was our song. 😊 We loved the whole album. 47 yrs later it still is. She settled and I partied. One late night I called her. I was very drunk and needing a drunkaloug. Pretty soon she quietly told me, It's so hard hard watching you destroy yourself. That same week some other humbling events happened that I wont bore you with...but I finally accepted I couldnt quit on my own and got help. It's been 26 yrs and I found a new freedom and a new happiness. For anyone suffering...there is hope. Thanks to all who let me share. 😊 I do babble on but I'm old now and it's what we do. 😅 Peace to all.😊

[@jellyrollnorton]

The singer/songwriter sound peaked around this time, with James and Carole and Joni and Carly and John and Jim and Jackson and Paul and

[@Koma_Texeld]

Some songs never die, this is one of them. I've heard so many versions of this song that I almost forgot the original. It was great to hear it after a long time. Until next time, take care 👋

[@thomastimlin1724]

to hear James' complete versatility listen to him sing The Steam Roller Blues.

[@janhoadley3110]

Fire & Rain, Sweet Baby James are other James Taylor goodies.

[@melimoo6656]

One of the craziest experiences in my life. I was 17 years old and me my best friend went to Martha’s Vineyard for a week in summer holidays. We were invited by a friend we went to HS with. His best friend from the island was James Taylor’s nephew m. We were invited to a bbq and James and Carol were there. And so was ringo stars wife and kids. And john belushis family. It was very surreal!!!

[@SaeedReacts.]

Wow! Now that is a story! 😄 Thanks for sharing it.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 aaahhhh James........🤍 I would absolutely love it if you did more

[@deborahvernarelli6394]

I have seen them in concert many years after this and they were just as great as they are here. I believe another commenter here mentioned a concert in 2010. Thank you for your great reaction. I believe James' addiction is what ended his marriage to Carly. Much love to you and your family ❤️ 🫂.

[@LittleLou-vk9fm]

Looks like the great Leland Sklar there on bass.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Indeed, he has his own KZbin channel and posts daily about music past and present, still very aactive

[@LittleLou-vk9fm]

@@erickvermeulen9734 Yes, it's wonderful guys like him do that on KZbin.

[@kensilverstone1656]

Sweet voice.

[@jeanniedebartolo5965]

Check out Fire and Rain is one on JTs song. ❤

[@JessMessica]

Fun fact (😂): Taylor Swift was named after James Taylor. She has said both he and Carol King are huge inspirations for her.

[@jpeyton88]

King said the song came as pure inspiration-took as long to write it as it does to perform it. I have played King's music on my piano for so many decades and got to tell her so, wonderful lady.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Just wonderful stuff love you

[@lleldridge1]

Thanks Saeed! Arguably 2 of the best singer/songwriters of their generation. Of course, I wore my Tapestry album out. But I have a soft spot in my heart for JT. I’ve seen him a couple of times live over the years. As good now as ever. Concerts are a joyful singalong with the audience. ☮️

[@LoisChisholm]

I saw James Taylor in concert the first time around the same time this video was made. I saw him again the next year. I'm not sure if Carole King was there, but I do know the bass player, Leland Sklar was in the band. For anyone who has seen Phil Collins' live performance of "In the Air Tonight" there is a bass player with white hair and beard...that is Leland Sklar many years after the James Taylor gig. Leland is probably one of the most prolific bassists. Look him up, it will blow your mind. James Taylor is still working hard and sounds much the same as he did 50+ years ago.

[@helenespaulding7562]

you stole my thunder! 😉 I was going to mention Leland. Maybe I will anyway.

[@LoisChisholm]

@helenespaulding7562 Please do. He's amazing!

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@LoisChisholm you sub to his channel?

[@LoisChisholm]

@helenespaulding7562 I am now. Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

[@Noelle0026]

I love Lee. He has a great KZbin channel!

[@fortworth450]

Love his music

[@greeneyesinfl9954]

Carole King is also an incredible performer, she made 25 solo albums and sold over 75 million records. Tapestry is one of the greatest albums ever and has her two biggest hits, it's too late and I feel the earth move.

[@ed.z.]

I’m tapped into our Universal Wide Web.

[@colibri1]

You mentioned that Taylor was married to Carly Simon. There is a live acoustic performance of the two of them singing Taylor's 1971 song "You Can Close Your Eyes" at their home on a 1977 BBC program. It's worth listening to. Just an acoustic guitar and the two of them harmonizing.

[@susanengland3919]

I love James Taylor but with this song I prefer Carole King singing it. Everything on her Tapestry is wonderful.

[@JeanetteFaith]

James Taylor's "Carolina on My Mind" and " Fire and Rain" are GREAT! James used to be a heroin addict and left Carley Simon AFTER he got sober. She never re-married.

[@lindasalvaterra1304]

Wow! I forgot that Carole King recorded it. Always hear JT singing it. I like studio version cause that’s what I’m used to.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Great performance! Fire and Rain is a must hear from JT but his live performance with Crosby, Stills and Nash of Stephen Still's song, Love the One You're With, is exceptional, and rather funky!

[@AnthonyL0401]

Leland Sklar is bassist here... 3:20 - guy sitting down next to James

[@beverlybrown2673]

Check out James and Carly doing Mockingbird live back when they were still together.

[@ronlittman1896]

The other James Taylors you should hear are Fire and Rain and Sweet Baby James

[@Mycroftsbrother]

Do you see the bassist there? That's Leland Sklar who has his own channel on YT. He tells some great stories about touring and recording with Taylor and Jackson Browne and other music greats. He's a living legend.

[@Turnermama]

Fun fact: Taylor Swift was named after James Taylor. Her parents were fans of James Taylor and Carol King. Taylor was influenced by both James and Carol. You can hear it in Swift's storytelling. Taylor Swift inducted Carol King into the Rock and Roll of Fame and sang a tribute song of Kings. Carol King also presented T.S. with the 2109 Artist of the Decade.

[@isinlarsa5996]

"Fire and Rain" is another song by Taylor. He has one meaning to the song, but everyone can put a different interpretation to the lyrics. I have my own.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@gypsygirl3255]

I'm pretty sure that's Lee Sklar on bass

[@cynergy4]

Sklar

[@gypsygirl3255]

@cynergy4 spell check sucks 😞

[@stevenabt2369]

Dude, I'm digging your reactions/analysis of so many great songs & artists. Yeah, I love both James Taylor and Carole King. Here's one I think you could enjoy... for the powerful story, the incredible instrumentals and pure vocals. 'Snowblind Friend' by Steppenwolf. Written by Hoyt Axton and performed by John Kay. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH7Zd5ishN6qnbM Keep up with the great work.👍

[@stevenabt2369]

Oh, and if you do The Grateful Dead again, check out 'Ripple' (the studio version).

[@SaeedReacts.]

Thanks! Appreciate that! Will add that one to my list!

[@ellencourtney7187]

James has an album called One Man Dog LOL. He probably agrees with you about the faithfulness of companion animals. Like my 23 year old cat Boo.

[@jonisteinbach7240]

There is a rumor......that the song "You're So Vain" written by Carly Simon, is written about James Taylor. We'll probably never know. Carly may take who is the vain one to her grave. Lol

[@Shari225]

Vrolijk kerstfeest, mijn vriend. Moge de dag je veel liefde en vreugde brengen! (I hope I got that right)

[@SaeedReacts.]

You definitely have! Vrolijk Kerstfeest! ❤️

[@victorjohnson7512]

James Taylor was married to Carly Simon at the time.

[@nygener]

I prefer Carole King singing her song, she has so much more passion in her voice than him

[@evanhughes1510]

Please react also to Carole kings recording of it

[@jeffrogers2180]

What's with the hand over the mouth pictures? 😂

[@kerrycronin3581]

The original JT. Sorry Justin Timberlake.

[@parkermills3328]

Hurt and desert you

[@rorycoats8014]

Hi Brother enjoy your honesty in reaction could you Please check out Earl Thomas Conley "HOLDING HER AND LOVING YOU " VIDEO A MUST AND CHUCK WICKS "HOLD THAT THOUGHT " VIDEO A MUST

[@ChristyCaballero-x9d]

Carolinso h t

[@fkessler53]

The lady who wrote this song is playing piano in the background