My wife asks me "HOW HAVE YOU NOT HEARD OF JAMES TAYLOR?!" | COPYRIGHT OWNERS REMOVED THE MUSIC

[@SebsDuran]

Hi y'all. Copyright owners blocked this video until all the music was trimmed out. We're working on a way to get the full video back up in some creative ways, but at least you can watch Ali and I discuss the song and what stands out about James Taylor. This was a fun time, so I wanted to not let it be lost :)

[@RadCenter]

When James's friend and collaborator Carole King (another excellent singer-songwriter) heard this song and the line "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend," she wrote the song "You've Got a Friend" in response. There's a great video of James singing that song with Carole backing him up on piano.

[@rhondapease8516]

A couple of my favorite albums is James Taylor's, Sweet Baby James and Carole King's, Tapestry. Both still sang well and gave great concerts as they aged. It is so much fun when the two of them do a concert together.

[@armadillotoe]

Tapestry was an amazing album. Everyone had a copy.

[@patbrewer4205]

Sweet Baby James one of the smoothest voices ever makes the acoustic sound wonderful

[@ceeceerider]

Which he then recorded. As did she , but it was a huge hit for him.

[@Rickhorse1]

Forgive an old man being critical of the younger generation, but I am constantly perplexed by how almost everyone today IMMEDIATELY needs to place a song or artist into a "genre". Back when the James Taylors of the world made music, there was constant crossover of "genres". One artist or band would do a "hard rock" song, followed by "easy listening", followed by country, etc, etc. Even back then, when someone asked me "what kind of music do you like?"...I answered, "Good music". (I still answer that way.)

[@markdecker6190]

Record company marketing created the genres.

[@jodyjackson5475]

I agree its not necessary. So what if its not 'labeled'

[@sherigrow6480]

I feel the same way. I don't understand the need for an absolute label. My local rock station played this. They also played Herb Alpert, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan.

[@DAVID-io9nj]

I grew up in the 60s. There was broad labels but they were not intended to be exclusionary. It was as you said, just music.

[@RobRager]

To misquote 2 classic movies: “Genres? We down need no steenkin’ genres!!” 😉

[@davidmelchior1045]

Saw him perform a few months ago here in Bangor, Maine. "National Treasure" is an understatement.

[@spadams999]

I grew up listening to James Taylor. Just like everyone else in my generation. Welcome to the James Taylor journey. It's a DEEP hole.

[@sallymorehouse3179]

I'm so glad you're exploring James Taylor! He is a treasure! Any song by him is a great song!

[@jenniferdooley1038]

This is my Era and no other Era comes close to the melodic sound of both instruments and voice. So dang glad I grew up in this time!

[@toniyoung5131]

Me too.

[@LorayneMorton]

James Taylor is an American legend. He has a lot of hit songs and a great fan base. He lived in North Carolina which is where I have lived for 48 years when my family moved us from New Jersey. He wrote Carolina on my Mind as a tribute and a bridge in Chapel Hill NC has been dedicated to him as the James Taylor bridge Also he was married to another legend singer/songwriter, Carly Simon. Thanks for sharing the video. It's nice to know that some of our younger folks are listening to great music from gifted artists that could perform live without special electronics.

[@pattik2008]

For Ali the Swiftie, Taylor Swift was named after James Taylor and he sang with her at a TS concert at Madison Square Garden in 2011 and she sang with him at a JT concert at Tanglewood in 2012. One time Jack Antonoff was accepting an award for her and put Taylor on speakerphone. The first words out of her mouth were “Is James Taylor there?” 😂 James Taylor is a legend. Along with Fire and Rain, some of my other favs are Carolina in my Mind, Sweet Baby James, Don’t Let me be Lonely Tonight, Your Smiling Face and Shower the People.

[@debbiechang5781]

James Taylor is an American treasure. He’s an amazing songwriter and musician. Please explore more of his work. Nice reaction 🌺✌️

[@rk41gator]

James Taylor is LEGEND. He influenced so many musicians. His life was a rollercoaster, but he landed on his feet. So much great music from this man.

[@kathyfeltman5601]

Im so glad you got to hear this!! Of course, he is much older now but still wonderful. His songs are like reading a book, and you always get a good story. It looks like he's on tour now, or he may have just finished. Last bit!! He has many, many great songs, but you will probably recognise "You've Got A Friend" at least as much as you recognized this one. Thanks for the videos!!

[@BirgitLindvig]

Steamroller Blues is my favorite!!

[@jpmnewyork]

Except "You've Got A Friend" was actually written by Carole King -- in response to "Fire and Rain" in fact. He recorded it and it was a hit for him; he also sang backup on her recording of it, on her Tapestry album.

[@dougca7086]

I agree with you totally! the live versions show the musicians soul and talent rather than hearing what's on the radio!

[@Noelle0026]

I have loved JT since the 70s. I won one of his albums from a radio contest and have been a fan ever since. I just saw him in concert last year with Jackson Browne and he still sounds amazing! You will love this journey.

[@cog4life]

Me too. 😊

[@kmach1000]

He was my faithful companion throughout my teenage years ❤

[@sherribrock2726]

I saw him FINALLY, a year- 2 years ago live. The man did not disappoint!! I was 12 years old in 1974 but just getting into music. My dad was my music guide. CCR, Janis Joplin, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and James Taylor. I miss my dad!!

[@pat_in_va8605]

One of the coolest things to watch, for me, is the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast honoring Paul McCartney. Towards the end James Taylor comes out and starts "Let It Be" then brings out the incomparable Mavis Staples (The Staples Singers) and it was pure magic. You can find the full "honor" and also just their portion here on KZbin.

[@dinodasbunce6224]

I remember Paul McCartney's reaction when James Taylor came out on the stage. It was one of pure delight.

[@MrSmartAlec]

Fire and Rain tell the story of a good friend of JT's that died of an overdose. At the time he was in London (I think) recording an album. His friends decided not to tell him and about the suicide in order not to upset him. The song also recounts his own struggles with drug addiction and fame.

[@mikefetterman6782]

His genre is simply "singer songwriter". There was a wave of music in the very early 70s, including James, Jim Croce, Bob Denver, and more. Singer songwriter genre is an extension of American Folk.

[@mikefrank115]

Wasn't Bob Denver an actor on Gilligan's Island? I think you mean JOHN Denver 🙂

[@styleisaweapon]

I suspect both Bob and then John smoked the same stuff.@@mikefrank115

[@elizabethsantersero9597]

I always put James Taylor in the category of 70's singer songwriters in my head - along with Cat Stevens, Dan Fogelberg, Harry Chapin, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Neil Young, John Denver, and Paul Simon. Love the story about finding the same thing here, my grandmother read me a poem when I was young called "It isn't the town, it's you" by RW Glover with the same idea - so true!

[@SC-gp7kt]

Fantastic rabbit hole to venture down. Grew up listening to JT and he's one of our best storytellers. Love him (and Carly!) 💜❤💙

[@alvaronieto2734]

“Be grateful in the moment when it’s good and be patient in the moment when it’s bad.” Nicely put.

[@celinelovell4725]

Seen him twice in concert just in last 10 years sounds the same he’s very funny too, he’s incredible I would go again. When he starts singing his catalog you start realizing how much you know his music

[@TheDivayenta]

He’s also a great vocalist- which you’ll see as you get into his work. Great jazz tunes too! He’s from North Carolina- check out the magnificent Carolina On My Mind.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

"Eveyone loves him" great discription. Also props for a perfect intro to the song

[@daleb1279]

Well maybe everyone except Carly Simon.

[@dianaspears571]

One of my favorite James Taylor collaborations is "Mocking Bird" with Carly Simon. A bit of a fun song.

[@beverlybrown2673]

Folk, rock, country, it all blended back in the day. Loved him in the 60s/70s, had the privilege to see him live in the 90s, and his voice is still that sweet and pure today. He is a very laid back, almost unemotional performer, his feelings are all in the music and the lyrics he writes.

[@Fuphyter]

In 1971, my English teacher played James Taylor's debut album. I was already into music and loved every song. I sang Sweet Baby James while pregnant and as a lullabye every night to my three kids. I've seen him live 5 times. My "tough" husband was in tears when he played it. He has phenominal albums. He's an amazing storyteller and his lyrics paint pictures so real you would think they are HIS life experiences.

[@michaelescareno7048]

Glad that you all reacted to JT!! When The Beatles started their own Apple label in the late 60s, James Taylor was the first artist other than them to record on it. I have been fortunate to see him perform live many times. Again, great reaction and great outlook on life from both of you!!

[@KarenCatMom2]

Younger reactors (I'm 68) always think a new artist might be country if they are playing an acoustic guitar and singing a song that tells a story lol. At least 80% of the time that makes then a folk-rock or just folk singer. James Taylor has several upbeat songs as well as this type of lyrical ballad. Don't miss a single one of them I was privileged to see him live in 1975 at my school, Tenn Tech University,. He was headlining the homecoming concert. He basically did two sets, one acoustic and one with the backup band. He is and always will remain one of the top five best singer-songwriters IMO For many years he was married to my favorite female singer-songwriter, Carly Simon. If you haven't checked her out yet go there immediately. Just Google Carly Simon's greatest hits and go down the list. It's too hard to pick just one but if I was going to recommend a starting place with Carly I would recommend Let the River Run. & Your So Vain. Do the same thing with James Taylor.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

James Taylor is really just the epitome of the singer-songwriter genre. I can think of a few more that I like as much, but there just isn't anyone or anything like this man. And now you need to check out Van Morrison (Into the Mystic, obvs!), John Denver and Jim Croce. ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@donnabennett1256]

James Taylor is a North Carolina favorite son. He has a song Carolina in My Mind that you should hear. BTW-JT is American. He was born in Boston but moved to North Carolina when he was about 3 and spent his childhood there, in and around the college town of Chapel Hill, leaving there after some time in high school. He must have fond memories from there, hence “Carolina in My Mind.”

[@patticampana9458]

I was in second grade when this song came out. My mom played this and You've Got A Friend alot! Love me some JT.✌️

[@cherrylattimore]

I'm so glad she brought you to James Taylor! I thought the same thing as your wife when you said you hadnt heard of him, lol. Great minds and all that. My husband loved James Taylor - the song he said always made him think of me is "Something in the way she moves me" (I strongly reccomend you check it out cause you may feel the same about your wife). We played it at his funeral and I still cry when I hear it but it's such a beautiful song.

[@marleneobstnash5517]

Every time I hear JT sing this live, I get chills! He sang this on a special after 9/11, honoring firefighters. I was sobbing along with the crowd, of course. The song had a different interpretation that time. It did however help bring some comfort as James and this song is loved by many.❤❤

[@marilynbrowning-v8i]

James Taylor " Handy Man". Thanks for the memories!

[@steve9199]

James Taylor is "Singer/Songwriter". He's the same genre as Cat Stevens and Jim Croce. You should check out "Her Town Too", a duet with James Taylor and J.D. Souther.

[@ginger7044]

Ohhh! We need to introduce him to Jim Croce!!

[@natshellok]

Seriously! Has he not done any Croce?!

[@judysonnenberg6237]

And also his friend Carole King, another amazing singer/songwriter. Tapestry is one of my all-time favorite albums.

[@natshellok]

This song ALWAYS makes me cry. My first love passed away at a young age while i was in California and he was here in Oklahoma. I hadn't seen him for several years and we had always stayed very close friends. We were literally preparing to move back this way and we had planned a get together but he passed away a few weeks before we moved. We were just in our 30s. When i heard the news i hid in my barn and played this song and a couple of others over and over while i cried so i wouldn't upset my little ones. "I always thought that I'd see you again" still gets me every time.

[@Sometimes-even-lyrical]

I absolutely loved how this video turned out! Thanks for your wife's help in your new discovery, and for your shared musings with each other and with us. We are enriched by the insights in your reactions.

[@dannywood1472]

You have to listen to “you’ve got a friend “

[@cog4life]

One of the best artists to ever grace us with his talent. 😊❤

[@billtaylor3382]

I'm 65 now and I have always loved JT, Music back in the late 60's and all thru the 70's it was really good music from all types of Songwriters to Musicians and Bands I have a wide variety of love for them all. Peace and Love! ❤

[@mattcurless1556]

Who feels good when they hear this song? This song tears me up. James Taylor was one of her favorites and since she’s passed away I always cry to his songs.

[@wolfe6220]

The subject matter is sad, but Taylor's voice is so beautiful. He needs to listen to Carole King.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

James Taylor is famous in the music community for his melodic, outstanding acoustic guitar playing. He was at the forefront of a whole genre of music that became huge in the late 60’s, early 70’s ….the singer/songwriter movement. Centered in LA….Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Stephen, Stills, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Judy Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King…..SO much talent …..so much beautiful music was gifted to us by that time and place and those artists who collaborated and shared ideas with one another and made it a musical Renaissance in the truest sense of that word.

[@elizabethseals2001]

This is one of the best songs ever. I never knew what it was specifically about. I just always assumed it was about going through good times and bad times. Whoa. I've never seen him look like that.

[@vickiroberts7947]

I graduated from high school in 1973. Natsu great music in that time frame. I was raised in the north but my father was from Arkansas, and all that implies. I love you dearly but we were so different in so many ways. But one thing we both loved was James Taylor. A little bridge between us in a sea of differences.

[@jankreps5115]

James is an incredible musician! Love this song… None of us knows how many moments we have on this earth! Next artist you should listen to is his wife Carly Simon… They sang a few songs together too! Most thoughtful reaction!!

[@larrywright3132]

You should listen to their duet “Mockingbird”

[@sally7210]

It’s so wonderful see you two together! I enjoy your partnership and the insight you both bring is very meaningful! Thank you!

[@MattJocks]

There are a couple of full concerts of his available and they are worth watching for 2 reasons. 1. His live versions are always better than the studio. He also loves big harmony vocals and they add a ton to his songs. He gets some great singers to back him. 2. You wouldn't guess it from this earnest performance, but he is the single funniest musician I've ever seen -- and funnier than about 90 percent of the standups I've seen. It's a super dry sense of humor, but he is consistently hilarious.

[@baskervillebee6097]

53 years and it's still as beautiful, pertinent, and fresh as ever. Sweet Baby James will always be my favorite.

[@vass0922]

My first time hearing this song was an old tv tape collection called freedom Rock it had an iconic 80s commercial people from the era would remember. On that tape you hear fire and rain and switch direction of the take and it's sitting on the dock of the bay. I would listen to those two songs over and over just by flipping direction of the tape

[@burning_queen7609]

I would most definitely hang out and listen to you both talk! Do it! 😊

[@russellwalker3179]

Yes, I would definitely hangout for the streaming ❤

[@gordon9995]

Fun fact: James played my hometown a few years ago and was riding his bike downtown. There's an advertising firm here named "Fire and Rain". James rode by it, saw the name and stopped. When he went in and said "My name's James Taylor" the employees said "You sure are!" He stayed and chatted a while. 😮

[@theresawilson4721]

Please listen to some of James Taylor’s later videos or concerts. His voice is pure and true, definitely one of my all time favorites. He also took on and recorded music from all genres and made it look easy.

[@savageman2194]

He is my all time favorite artist. I've seen him 5 times. The first time was over 41 years ago and the most recent 2 years ago.

[@jasonsimpson1397]

There wasn't even technically a genre for people like him and Bob Dylan, but the genre was later called singer/songwriter. Something about a person and an instrument, just stripped down to the bare bones, and singing from the heart, is more powerful than anything "produced".

[@RichardWilson-be8zp]

I'd definitely hang out if you two started streaming.

[@soulhealer20]

With this song, James Taylor brought the singer songwriter era to it's initial peak. The genre included Elton John, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Jim Croce and a host of others.

[@brucebeang2487]

James Taylor is considered a Story Teller

[@judydubiel]

The couple story …love it …you take yourself wherever you go

[@armadillotoe]

I worked so hard to learn this song and managed to do a "version" of it which always got a good reception. I would call this folk/rock. If you haven't gotten into Neil Young, I recommend "Old Man: live.

[@joshuawebb6694]

My mother was a nurse at McLean hospital while he was a patient there. He was clearly tortured in his early days but seems to have come out on the other end.

[@alliel9970]

I love this song and I think I needed to hear those stories today too, so thank you for some positivity to start my day! Carolina in my Mind is an amazing song too. (and Canada is awesome lol).

[@davidcandelaria4411]

I saw him here about 2 maybe 3 years ago...still amazing!!!!

[@williamcabell142]

He’s in the genre of Americana...CS&N, Jackson Brown,the Eagles, Lind Ronstand, Neil Young etc. some call it the Cali sound!

[@stephenlucas3679]

I saw an interview with him. He was in England cutting an album with the Beatles when his girlfriend died in USA. They didn't want him to not finish the album so they didn't tell him until it was done. That's who he is wanting to see one more time again!

[@famat161]

I love love love his song "Only One".

[@musicairplanes4884]

It's always fascinated me how just a person with a guitar a voice and the ability to write beautiful words can captivate an audience of thousands.

[@JamesJoyce12]

The entire song he is talking to Suzanne - writing about his childhood friend Suzanne who just committed suicide - truly heartbreaking when you know.

[@laureenshipley7931]

Yep,everyone’s a fan ... Educate your man 🤙🏼🤙🏼🌺🌺

[@ericzeichert511]

I'm glad you picked the live performance rather than the lyric video. What you saw is James Taylor, 50 years ago, and yesterday. A poet with a guitar. That's it, take it or leave it. A LOT of people have taken it. There is something to be said for having to listen to the music, because there is literally nothing else to do. In an era of multitasking that is a nice change.

[@glowormrdr6183]

"People who are good musicians;" it's the beauty of his guitar that always carries me through his aching, gentle music.

[@rk41gator]

Many songs that have stood the test of time did not make #1. Think 'In The Air Tonight' by Phil Collins! Never came close to #1 (but should have, eh?) BTW you should do more PC.

[@andrelimoges3654]

Now that you have listened to James Taylor, you need to listen to Carley Simon , then check out both singing together on a song called Mockingbird

[@sarahdixon1943]

He has sooo many great songs!! One of the first songs of his I heard was Fire and Rain and Handyman. Handyman is a really good fun song 🎵 🎵

[@tommythompson264]

Peter Asher, the Beatles, and James Taylor. Asher does a live performance recounting his music career in which he discusses the Beatles and James Taylor. James was on a long run of not so great experiences. In London, out of money, he phoned a friend in the US. The friend knew of Peter Asher and suggested James give him a call, which he did. Peter invited him to his house and James played a demo (reel to reel). Asher was impressed and encouraged James to play more. He pulled out a guitar and continued to play. Peter escorted James to the relatively new Apple Studios and introduced him to Paul McCartney. The demo was played again and James performed more of his catalogue. James was immediately signed to Apple Records, one of the first (if not the very first) signee. James was in the studio when the Beatles recorded the White Album and in fact, used some of that studio time to record his first album.

[@bennysmith416]

I have loved this song since it was released but did not know the backstory involved. Thank you so much for the information. It makes the song so much more forceful to me. Thanks

[@robinmcilnay2493]

Wonderful to see a new generation fall in love with James Taylor! As a father, I recommend you take a listen to Jame performing on Sesame Street: “Jellyman Kelly” and his most memorable collab of all time with Oscar the grouch, “Your grouchy face.” Your daughters will thank you for it😊

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

The old farmer in me says; "Some people see manure and smell sh^t. Others see manure, and imagine the beautiful sights and smells of flowers and the taste of fresh vegetables"! The beauty of this world is nothing is wasted. It's just waiting to take another form. As I stated with Taylor Swift, great songwriters change your point of view, and teach if you listen! Keep diving in, the waters are clear and deep. Peace & Love.( And jump into the 'stream'! I'm sure many will swim with you).

[@kidpoker007]

James Taylor was played on the radio constantly in the 70's and 80's

[@carlacarla3384]

"A humble voice". I like that. Very nice.

[@delaineoneill7476]

True! James Taylor is a legend. There’s so much great music by James Taylor. One song he does that is completely different is “Steamroller Blues”. This shows an entirely diverse side of JT.

[@Marcus-Oh-really-yes]

You should definitely check out James's No. 1 pop hit "You've Got a Friend," which Carole King wrote and also recorded for her Grammy-winning album "Tapestry." At the 1972 Grammy Awards, "You've Got a Friend" won for song of the year (songwriter), "Carole's "It's Too Late" won for record of the year (production/performance) and "Tapestry" won for album of the year. You might also James's songs "Shower the People (You Love With Love)" and "Your Smiling Face."

[@gregleblanc9357]

James Taylor friggin rocks. Love all of his stuff. And yes. He's like a folk singer songwriter

[@vickio7890]

Play the response Carol King wrote for gim- 'You've got a Friend.' And there is concert footage playing this song together. Speaking of Carol King - you would like Tapestry.

[@ik7578]

I met James Taylor years ago. He is such a personal and chill guy. It was a really pleasant experience. I've met other famous people that were horrible he has to be in the top 3 for appreciating his fans.

[@DanielDehoyos-sm2ed]

You ought to read "The Prophet " by Kahlil Gibran. Your wify gave a good sermon.

[@rogethedogde]

Saw his tour in 75 at Merriwether Post Pavillion. At the time he was considered Folk/Easy Listening. He was married to Carly Simon at the time. You might want to check out her song "Your So Vain". I'm sure you will get a ton of recommendations. enjoy this journey.

[@beedeegee9374]

The James/Carly live duet of Mockingbird is well worth a listen.

[@tweekes95]

Interesting to note that today folk need to categorise music. Way back then we just had the music,. We would discover an artist or a song, tell our friends, and jointly admire the talent. Fortunately we were relatively free from the corporate hype that is ruining the music industry and sidetracking talent.

[@mikefetterman6782]

James recorded this at APPLE RECORDS in 1968. He was the 1st artist to record an album at the Beatles new publishing company. George Harrison stole a line from Something in the way.... For his song something.

[@mikefetterman6782]

He has his own style of fingerpicking the guitar.

[@jen7916]

I was born in 1969 and am so glad my mother listened to great music! 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s were the best in my opinion for pure, good music.

[@allendesalme197]

He is a folk artist, NOT country. His song catalog is huge. Steamroller Blues, Mexico, You've Got a Friend, and on and on and on. Fire and Rain played constantly on the radio...

[@vernhoke7730]

It's been probably more than 50 years since I heard this song. This was all over AM and soft rock stations back in the day.

[@violetflame23]

Sebs, I love your thoughtful reactions as well as your spiritual insights. And it must be great married to such a wise woman. BTW, I play guitar and sing, and James Taylor has always been one of my major inspirations.

[@sharonmoore7641]

I think his voice is better now than it was then! And I grew up listening to him back then!

[@mikefrank115]

You SHOULD do the livestream! Wisdom comes to us in so many ways and from so many pens and mouths (and keyboards) and can touch us at any age. Thanks for the video and the discussion.

[@petuniabloom]

Taylor was addicted to heroin for a long time; this song talks to me about his withdrawal agonies. So happy he beat it eventually and has been clean for decades.

[@michellegroff7168]

James Taylor is an ICON. Garth Brooks named his first daughter, Taylor, after James Taylor. His has been the most influential singer/songwriter I would ever as far as I am concerned. Of course I am older so I know we had the most diverse and creative music of all time

[@cottontails9003]

New subscriber, from Australia. I really like your reactions. That song is absolutely beautiful. Also love the interaction with your lovely wife. Best wishes from Australia and me.

[@carladewitt1947]

As Winston Churchill said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."