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Carole King answered the line "I could not find a friend" by writing "You've Got a Friend".

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if I had an ounce of musical ability, I would want to be like James Taylor. This song has always made me tear and choke up thinking of different times of my life that could be relatable. Gordon Lightfoot is another singing storyteller that I love so much.

There are musicians who perform songs and there are musicians who are in a category of their own Taylor is just incredible.

When James Taylor sings, it's like a Lullabye. You feel warm, romantic, nostalgic, and safe and warm. Every time I have seen him live, you just want to be next to a loved one under a blanket. It is my understanding that he has perfect pitch. His guitar technique is unique to him, and he posted his guitar-style lessons on KZfaq at one time. You can recognize his picking style right away.

We saw James Taylor in 1974 at a small venue and the show was magical. He can mesmerize an audience like no other performer I have ever seen. He can make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. He can take you to any place he wants with his voice and exceptional skill on the guitar. I play rock guitar but he also influenced my playing. I learned several of his songs and I still play some of them today.

My wife did a ton of babysitting as a teenager and claims that James Taylor is the only artist with a 100% success rate at getting babies to fall asleep.

James Taylor is a master at lyrics, song writing, guitar and vocals. The complete package.

James is such a great writer, singer and musician. His guitar is so distinctive, immediately identifiable. He has dealt with a lot and has written some very heavy stuff. But he is also, hands down no contest, the funniest person in the music biz. He could have been a comedian. He had a hysterical bit on Stephen Colbert's show, skewering this song. He said when he wrote this song, he hadn't experienced much, pretty much just fire and rain. But since then, he had experienced more, so he had updated the song. Then he and Stephen started singing lines like "I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in" and "I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends."

Your face speaks volumes. The admiration that you show towards him is genuine and lovely. It shows how you really enjoy his music and style. Glad you reacted to this. His music is something special. Thank you!

Taylor was my late Uncle’s favorite artist. Miss him ❤

Operator - Jim Croce A talent lost way too soon. If he had the career length, Jim would have been Icon.

Growing up with this, it is memorable! And a BIG YES to hearing Carol King from you !!! Thanks, we needed that !

His sweet baby James album is one of the must haves

I love his, “Something In The Way She Moves”

Another artist who wrote introspective music. The late Dan Fogleberg, a true genius.

The natural response to your question about artists who do music at their own pace is Carol King - who just happens to be good, good friends with James Taylor. They share songs from each other's catalogs and they played together frequently. If you are looking to pass some relaxation time, you might find the DVD of James Taylor and Carol King together at the Troubadour where they sing together - it's a great way to pass an evening!

This is a beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. I haven't heard it for a very long time. It makes me think of what I went through when my son was violently taken from us in 2002. His name meant fire and I see the rain as my tears. Carole King is another singer I loved. Thank you ❤

I saw James Taylor sing this song live in 1971. The concert was at the HIC in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Sweet Baby James is another one of his songs that is just fantastically written

Amazing song, amazing artist. I'm glad my era was the 70s, so many great songs and artists, we will never see the likes of again. Cheers!

For me, coming of age at 16, working my first job in late '74 (as a dishwasher/bus boy at a fine dining restaurant) the album 'Sweet Baby James' and most significantly, this magnificent song, 'Fire and Rain' anchored the soundtrack of my life. You see, every Saturday morning, me and all the 'junior staff' were required to spend 3-4 hours performing the primary weekly cleaning and reset. The 'management' trusted their young staffers with the most seniority to 'get the job done' without any 'adults' present, so some liberties like ample volume may have been taken when using the facility's 'sound system.' For so many Saturdays our crew replayed, and replayed the song, from the singer we just couldn't get enough of - The Great James Taylor and 'Fire and Rain'!

Just saw him in concert here in New Zealand 2 weeks ago. 76 years old and fantastic !

This is one of my very favourite songs from this era. I can't even begin to guess how many times I've heard it, along with a mix of others that were constantly in my rotation over the years. I finally got to see James Taylor in concert a year or two ago (with Jackson Browne as his opening act!) and it's remarkable how well his voice has held up.

This song always makes me smile and cry at the same time. An artist who always took her time between records is Lucinda Williams. ❤️🎶

Wonderful reflection on an iconic song in many Gen X lives.

A great voice, beautiful lyrics, and wonderful guitar work. That’s all it takes for a great artist.

My favorite artist of all time. My best friends took me to see him for my 30th birthday, 11th row center at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, and it was the greatest night of my life still to this day. He's even more amazing in his older age. Thank you for all the JT trivia too. It's always nice to hear. ❤

Very insightful reaction to a song I’ve appreciated since it came out. I’m seventy five, dealing with cancer and it possibly resonates with me more now than ever before.

I had the 45 when I was fourteen, back in 1971/1972. God, I loved it--and I still do . . .

Great song, great singer, great reaction, who could ask for more? Beth's typically perceptive, thoughtful and well-researched diligence are on full display here. For many, this is a truly iconic voice that helped define the 70s. Ol'JT could really belt it out when the music required it too Top-notch as always, Beth.

Taylor was a part of a new era in the music industry. The 60's and 70's birthed the era of the singer-songwriter which until artists such as Dylan, The Beetles, the Stones and yes, James Taylor, was almost never a thing. At that point in time it was most common for artists to perform songs that were written for them. The reason Taylor's songs feel so personal is because they were a part of him. Taylor's music without this is something I could never imagine. Carole King's "You've Got A Friend" was written with James in mind. There is a wonderful video of a live performance of her with James on stage. It's an cement watch, particularly if you know the story behind its making.

The only James Taylor song i really like and this is a great performance of it, just a man and his guitar.

I have been fortunate to see JT live twenty years apart. The first was in Bangor, Maine, USA, where there was three feet of snow outside. Somehow they didn't cancel the show. He was with Carole King that night. A great concert. He is truly one of the world's best singer/songwriters/musicians. He has valued the quality of his work. Thanks for the great reaction. I loved the Simpson's skit! You are one of the very best reactors, and you can really sing! Thanks!

I first heard of James Taylor when my eldest sister came home with this album. At first his nasal tones held no appeal to me, but I soon learned to appreciate his voice. Certainly his writing was amazing and he was one of the biggest names for a time. Writing a song about a lost loved one is so difficult and I have great respect for anyone who can hold themselves together enough to write, sing, record and, especially, perform such a personal song live. I'm one of the writers for my band and have tried to put to music about losing my little brother and simply can't get past trying to find the words. Not even just for myself. Another singer/songwriter who conveys incredible imagery in his work is Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. He's not the only one, though. Beth, I cannot recommend enough checking out the amazing Stan Rogers. He was another Canadian who could make you feel a part of the story in every song he wrote. From the love song to his wife, 45 Years, to the aging rancher's wife in Lies to the unfortunate soul in the sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, and so many others. Rogers is an overlooked talent. who deserves to be more known.

James Taylor wrote this classic in 1968. The three parts of the song refer to a childhood friend (Suzanne) who committed suicide, about JT's addiction to heroin, and the third refers to a band he started called The Flying Machine which did not succeed. As poignant as this song is, it takes me back many years, to some good memories of dear friends and family who are gone, and places that are no longer the same today. Edit: The "fire and rain" reference also alludes to the forging process of iron - the heating, melting and cooling. Life often brings us those moments of tempering that ultimately makes us stronger - like steel - and hopefully, more humble and appreciative of these experiences. JT's guitar playing style is unique - more like playing a piano. he uses both hands, all fingers in a dynamic coordination - a little bit of jazz guitar also combined with perfect finger-picking. By the way, I have attended more than a dozen JT concerts through the years and he get more refined like vintage wine!

I really love John Denver's cover of this song. Just by the way John sings it changes the setting and meaning in the song. John has a way to add a sadness and melancholy, where James is more upbeat and about remembering the good times. John did it again with his cover of Mr Bojangle. It is up there with Johnny Cash's Hurt cover for being so emotional.

I started listening to James Taylor when these songs came out in the 70s, and I was a child. Fast forward, I was in New York in 2001 and he was live on Good America America a few blocks from my hotel, and I could have walked over and seen him sing a few minutes. But I was tired, and it was early, and I watched it on TV instead. I still kick myself. I'm old now and have few regrets, but when I hear James Taylor now, I have to say that's one regret.

“Sweet dreams and Flying machines, in pieces on a he ground” refers to his earlier band James Taylor and the Flying machine and their break up.

React to James Taylor and Carly Simon singing and dancing to Mockingbird

James Taylor - Fire And Rain !!!! Fantastic .... I assume by now you know that he is singing about real life events. {"The song follows Taylor's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and his experiences with drug addiction and fame."} James was over seas recording his 1st album and they did not want to interrupt it so they didn't tell him until later. He was in an institution for heron addiction, and the the Flying Machine was the name of a short lived band he was in. I 1st heard this song done by Blood Sweat & Tears. before I heard the original and loved it. I have both versions.

One of my favourite songs ... JT 💙☮

I'm old enough to remember when this was a new song. Beautiful

My best friend played this song on his guitar at our wedding. It's a sad song, but it happened to be my wife's favorite song.

Hi Beth i hope your doing well. As always awesome Reaction

If you like James Taylor, you need to react/analyze some Jim Croce. He was taken from us way too soon.

James Taylor is the greatest singer-songwriter in the history of the universe.

This is such a nice reaction to James Taylor. I had no idea that he had vocal chord surgery to at a young age. I’ve long known him a “sophisticated” singer-songwriter-the guy who created complicated guitar arrangements and then, with great talent, sung over the top of them. I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of his guitarist virtuosity.

Eyes closed and I can sing this song along. First time I heard this song was on the CD of Red, Hot and Country and performed by Sammy Kershaw. Both are hitting home, I've lost friends, brothers and sisters (veterans) and still see and hear about suicide in my line of work almost every day. Be open about your demons, talk to somebody, mental illness and/or addiction is a fight you don't need to fight alone. There is no shame in being vulnerable and open to somebody you want to trust. I know it's hard to do so and the steps to go and ask for help are big but they're worth every step. You are loved and you wil be missed. Never judge, show compassion and listen.

The best concert I ever went to was James Taylor in Kennebunkport, Maine. The venue was beautiful, an amphitheater in a pine forest, the acoustics were amazing, and James was excellent. I will never forget that night, it was a wonderful experience!

This was the epitome of what was derisively called " identity crisis rock" by the cynical critics of the day. I felt it was more akin to the East Coast/Upstate N.Y./Berkshire Hills school of folk/soft rock . Troubador love song about lost love and premature death. Simply brilliant.

A great deep reaction to a great deep song. Thank you. Looking forward to getting your album. Thanks for doing this channel and sharing your experience and expertise with us.

I am so glad I got to see him and Jackson Browne together in concert a year ago. He is so good live!

You asked if we knew any other artists that did their own thing and still made it. The first two that come to mind is "Enya" with her breakthrough album "Watermark". It was different from anything else I'd heard at the time. The second band is "Enigma" with their epic album "MCMXC a.D." and their song "Sadness (Part 1)." Those two bands did their own thing and made an impression on countless fans as a result. James Taylor was amazing to see live. I got to see him once and his voice was just as incredible as it is in this video. I'm rather typical in that I love his song, "You've Got A Friend".

I forgot Carol King played piano on this. They always sounded good together.

James Taylor was so important to me wanting to sing. I don't have the most technically brilliant voice, but when I heard how much he achieved with notes that I could actually reach, it made me feel free to express myself through song. A truly wonderful singersongwriter.

Wee Bethy. I dinnae ken if I can tell ye how much this reaction hear means to me. Im from Glasgow, now stateside fer the summer. Thanks so much fer this. Haste ye back, wee lass.

Ohh I've been waiting for you to do this one! A great singer in his prime.

Didnt expect to learn so much from a reaction to a song I've listened to for years... thanks!

One of the best acoustic players out there. Expressive but not over the top - similar to Paul Simon. Beth - if you ever get the chance to see him - GO!

You can’t tell from this performance, but, saw him in concert, about 9-10,000 people there, and this guy was so funny. Wasn’t expecting that.

Colin Hay's Maggie deals with the subject matter in a equally power way.

Love this song

Thanks for the back story on this song...your research adds great value!

Gregory Alan Isakov to me feels like one of those artists who moves at his own pace, owning a sustainable farm and making music for the love of it no matter how long that takes. It shines through in all his songs.

Silar life experiences from the wonderful Beth Hart "Leave the Light On"

He is a virtuoso guitarist as well.

I've always loved this song! You should review Steamroller Blues, for choice, the version from this particular concert. I think it was the preceding song. Don't pass up the spoken intro though! It makes stuff he does in the song even funnier!. BTW, Steamroller Blues became a concert staple that his fans loved. It's also on the Sweet Baby James album.

His autobiography audiobook tells the story of how and why he wrote this song. It’s really worth listening to.

Beautiful

I would put John Denver in the same category of which you mentioned.

Love James Taylor, thanks for sharing

it was a wonderful time for music :)

Great reaction to one of my favorite artists from my youth.

A prime example of an artist being allowed to follow their own paths, and create their own art, would definitely be *RUSH,* and *Neil Young.* (You could maybe put *Gordon Lightfoot* on that list.)

Fable is awesome btw. I love James Taylor I think I have most of his music.

I love the backstory and the additional info. Thanks!

A beautiful review~ Thanks Beth!

the very first 45 RPM I bought. Very very sentimental to me.

Waiting and waiting for a Loverboy reaction. Especially Turn me loose. Mike Reno is highly underrepresented.

One of my favorite tunes as a teenager in the 70's. Enjoy! ✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

I really like your analysis first and foremost. But truly love your ginger hair! I am a sucker for gingers!

I never realised the subject matter of the song, even though it's probably my joint favourite JT song (along with Close Your Eyes - another one that floors me every time). Damn, knowing this is going to make holding back the tears even harder when I hear this song!

Ren comes to mind first as making art at his own pace. I know you've reacted to him several times.

Harry Chapin was an example of an artist and story teller musician extraordinaire who made art at his own pace. I recommend a deep dive, past just Cats In the Cradle and Taxi. Better Place To Be and Mr. Tanner are two brilliant examples of lesser known tunes by Harry that were brilliant.

Living legend.

I saw James Taylor for the first time in college in the 1980s. I’ll see him for the 4th time in June… It would be the 5th but Covid took one away. One of my favorites was in 2010 with Carole King. 💞 His catalog is amazing. At his concerts, people sing along as if with an old friend. Sweet Baby James Carolina in My Mind Shower the People Something in the Way She Moves How Sweet It Is Your Smiling Face Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight . . . so many great songs.

I have always loved James Taylor, he wrote for many people besides himself, Carley Simon,(his wife) Carol King, and many more, on a side note are you aware that tomorrow the 21st is Cuddle with a ginger day, maybe you could do a react to Tara McNeil from when she was live in Copenhagen with Ireland Calling, one of my favorites is Shi la Rue

One of my favorite songs.

He is from Carrboro, close UNC College. I'm probably an hour 1/2 North. He has that Carolina voice.

Been listening to JT since I was born bc he is my dads favorite singer. My favorite songs you could do a reaction would be Caroline on my Mind or Cooperline

Having been around a good while....I first received money for singing in 1958.....I naturally have more admiration for individual skills seen in some singers more than others. The finest, simple, male storytellers of the past 75 yrs must be: James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Arlo Guthrie, and Sting.

A true virtuoso on the guitar........

Sad song in 1970, sad song in every generation. James Taylor tells the story so succinctly. Love his mellow voice. Happy summer. 😊 BTW...Bob Dylan

I think it’s that element of realism that adds substance to this song. He didn’t create a fictional character and story, so it’s not dismissible. I never knew the second verse was about rehab, though. My parents would know James’ life. And with being an independent artist, I’ve never tried to force inspiration. I don’t know that it can be. When it comes I take hold and go with it.

Art at ones own pace - Eva Cassdy for sure Greg Brown (no comma) Lnda Ronstadt Storm Large.

James is without a doubt one of, if not thee, greatest singer song writers of his generation. No one else has/had the ability to write such poignant lyrics and his guitar playing is amazing. His work w/ Carol King & Joni Mitchell are just off the charts. Truly a legend. [Edit] Beth I'd love to hear your analysis of Eva Cassidy - passed away from cancer MUCH to early and truly a 'Songbird'.

Great song

I think you’d like Dea Matrona from Belfast. The ladies are a rock band but equally amazing acoustic or electric with amazing harmonies. I’d start with original Glory Glory usually performed acoustic. There are a few good video choices, the official music video, an acoustic version and a nice live version from The Dead Rabbit when they played SXSW in Texas last year. If you’d prefer more of a rock song I’d start with Red Button official video or the live session.

I've always said if butter had a voice it would be JT. Icon!!