*** Who is James Taylor? ***

James Taylor is a very cool guy.

He has dedicated his life to giving us a catalogue of truly exceptional songs which contribute towards a complex framework of music history. He is admired by both fans and fellow musicians.

James has experienced some pretty turbulent and difficult times in his own life and his loyal fans feel that because of this, he truly understands them.

*** Awards and recognition James has received ***

James has won numerous awards in a career that has spanned three decades. He received his first Grammy back in 1971 for best pop vocal performance, male for his remarkable recording of his friend Carole King's "You've Got a Friend".

More recently James Taylor picked up his Best Male Pop Vocal Performance trophy at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony for "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight".

***What type of music does he play? ***

You can generally find James's music in the popular music section of your high street music stores. However, he would be just as comfortable in the Folk section.

James can play the piano and guitar. Many of his songs have a quiet, calming, soothing nature. They are perfect for chilling out to, or relaxing late at night.

I can not imagine what career James would have chosen if he had not become a singer; James was born to sing. He has a distinctive golden voice and he makes singing seem so effortless.

*** A short James Taylor bio ***

James started writing music in the mid 1960's at boarding school. He went through periods of serious depression. Later he moved to England where he was introduced to Paul McCartney by his soon to be producer manager Peter Asher. He was signed up to the Apple record label.

After Apple records went bankrupt, James headed back to the States where he was signed up by Warner Bros. His first release was in 1970 and was called 'Sweet Baby James'.

James almost released an album a year in the 1970's. He worked in the studio with musicians such as Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Art Garfunkel, Graham Nash, David Crosby and Michael Brecker to name a few.

In 1976 James released a Greatest Hits album which sold ten million plus copies worldwide.

James has gone on creating music and releasing superb albums. In the year 2000, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

***** Classic Songs (The best of James Taylor) *****

This audio CD was released in 1999 and represents excellent value for money. It includes James's most popular songs in one superb package. The label is Warner and the catalogue numberis: 2292410892. The price of this CD is 11.99 on Amazon.co.uk, however you can often find this fantastic CD in the bargain section in shops and I got mine for an amazing 6.99 some years ago in Woolworths!

*** Track Listings ***

1. Fire and Rain
2. Mexico
3. You've Got a Friend
4. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
5. Carolina in My Mind
6. Something in the Way She Moves
7. Shower the People
8. Sweet Baby James
9. That's Why I'm Here
10. Everyday
11. Up on the Roof
12. Your Smiling Face
13. Her Town Too
14. Handy Man
15. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
16. Only a Dream in Rio

*** My two favourite tracks from this album***

Fire and Rain

Possibly the most famous James Taylor track. It's a must hear for his fans during live concerts, even though he's been singing it for 30 years. He knows his fans will be disappointed if they don't hear it. James says seeing the reaction of his performance on his fans faces helps to keep the song fresh for him.

This is an incredible song, it's very quiet and gentle, but it has such strengh. Taylor's clever finger-picking guitar technique lends itself beautifully to the track.

The lyrics are heartbreaking and full of sad reminders of a difficult past for James.

The first verse and chorus of Fire and Rain:

'Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone.
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you.
I walked out this mornin', and I wrote down this song;
I just can't remember who to send it to'.

'I've seen fire, and I've seen rain.
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend,
But I always thought that I'd see you again'.

Suzanne was a close friend of James, they met in hospital and sadly she took her own life shortly after James was discharged.

Fire and Rain can be heard on an episode of The Simpsons which also features James Taylor.

You gotta friend

This track was written by James's good friend singer/songwriter Carole King. When she heard how wonderful James sounded singing this whilst they were working in the studio, she let him 'have' the song without hesitation. It was an important song for James as he gained much popularity from it.

The first verse of You've Gotta Friend:

'When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest night
you just call out my name
and you know where ever I am
I'll come running
to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
all you have to do is call
and I'll be there
You've got a friend'.

*** What is James Taylor up to now? ***

James got married again recently. He lives on Martha's Vineyard. He continues to tour and frequently visits the UK.