This is when artists had FUN on stage and didn't need a bunch of gimmicks to keep your attention 😅

Carly suffered from severe stage fright her whole career. She would often have panic attacks backstage. James said he was shocked in this concert when she came out with so much confidence and energy.

You're right about talent. Without all the bells and whistles, most famous singers today wouldn't have made it back in the 70s. I feel sad for younger people who haven't seen or experienced the artistry of that day. Thank you for sharing it on your channel!

My favorite duet of all time! Recorded in Madison Square Garden in 1979, when they were still married. James Taylor adapted this from an old cradle song, "Hush, Little Baby," for their children, who were aged 2 and 5 at the time.

AUTHENTICITY is the word your looking for.

What is it they’ve got here? Raw talent… unrestrained… unleashed.

Carly loved James so much….He was the love of her life. According to a fairly recent interview, he still is. Taylor went through some REALLY bad years with alcohol addiction….became paranoid, withdrawn, uncommunicative. The more Carly sought contact and reassurance (she was insecure due to a very cold father), the more Taylor pulled away. It’s a sad story, shared by many people.

Carly Simon grew up a Simon & Schuster heiress but you could never tell by her personality and values

You can't even imagine how big a hit this was at the time. It was everywhere on the radio, people singing along. An utterly charming and irresistible song that immediately taps into the collective memories of all of us 70's seniors. I'm dancing in my chair as I watch. 🤗🎶🎷🎤

It has a very organic, feel like they just paused. The TV that they were watching, jumped up on stage and started singing, just the casual nature. They don’t care about hairspray and make up and wearing revealing clothes and tight clothes. They’re just musicians expressing themselves through music and it’s just not overdone on any level and everything today is overdone on every level.

They were the power couple in the 1970s. They have 2 children Sarah and Ben both of whom are singers. James had overcome drug addiction in the 70s. No auto tune just pure talent. I think the performers back then loved what they did and didn't care about the hype or the money. JMO. Check out the full concert from this clip. It's the No Nukes concert in Madison Square Garden in NYC 1979, great concert. Lots of great performers including The Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen.

I think you answered your own question about the difference between today's overly choreographed performances and the earlier performers. Spontaneity and authenticity. It was about what they were feeling in the moment.

That era of music feels much different because it WAS much different. We didnt have internet, or even MTV in those days. Artists gained recognition solely on their own unique sound: songwriting, vocals and instrumental talent...which they relied on for radio play and vinyl record sales. It had to sound good, to sell. The best artists performed live concerts to enormous crowds, or rarely performed a televised event... but getting tickets was tough and it was rare to get to enjoy actually seeing them perform. In today's era, music is more of a mass- marketed, pre-packaged and stylized "product". Seems like the last two decades have focused only on 3 or 4 genres, each with its own look; and it's rare that any artist is talented enough to successfully break that mold (Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton to name a few). Thanks to KZfaq, we can go back and see live performances by artists that we all knew and loved mostly through radio and vinyl at the time. Their authentic talent is no surprise, because it wasn't possible to gain fans otherwise. Today, if an artist has a certain MTV appeal, their look can be stylized, their voice autotuned, and their music digitally enhanced. Its not raw talent alone, but a finished "product" that sells to audiences today. Just my opinion

No voice modulation - just talent

This was from the heart. It's really good. James in sweats and a t-shirt, fantastic, Carly, who has debilitating shyness coming out for the fun of it, awesome.

Yeah, that guitarist at the end with the rad hair……the great studio and touring sideman Waddy Wachtel….currently on tour with Stevie Nicks. And yeah….he still has that hair and he’s a true character. Funny as hell. Played with Taylor, Linda Ranstadt, Warren Zevon, Nicks, Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) and so many more. One of the greats that few people outside the music business know by name.

The great Waddy Wachtel on guitar Wachtel has worked as session musician for other artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Beth Hart, Stevie Nicks, Kim Carnes, Randy Newman, Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones (lead guitar on "Saint of Me"), Jon Bon Jovi, James Taylor, Iggy Pop, Warren Zevon, Bryan Ferry, Michael Sweet, Jackson Browne, Karla Bonoff, and Andrew Gold, both in the studio and live.[1]

Great song !! Great performance!! Mocking Bird was Originaly recorded in 1963 by Brother & sister Charles& Inez Foxx. R&B

I love Carly Simon's voice. Together with James Taylor, their blended vocals are beautiful. Thank you for reacting to this song!

It feels different because it's real.

Why is this kind of live performance so good, you ask? Because they're feeling the music and letting the spirit just take a hold of them and go where it leads. In other words, they're taking us to church.

This has always been my favorite version. But it is originally a lullaby (Hush Little Baby) for children. My mom would sing it to me & my cousins in the 1950s. My grandmother sang it to her kids in the 1930s. I believe it's over 100 years old.

Inez Foxx was the original singer of mockingbird in 1963.

That band and backup singers were with him for yearssssssssssssssssssss

Waddy Wachtel was everywhere in those days.

I worked at the local arena in the early eighties as an usher and sometimes security and l saw a lot of musical performers from Prince to The Rolling Stones. James Taylor gave one of the best concerts l ever heard in my four years there.

I was at that concert! It was outstanding!!

Classic 👏. When concerts were just performing no big spectacles back needed

The IT couple when I was in HS!! This was from the No Nukes concert......Many of his band mates here have their own band now. Immediate Family.

This song is one that everyone used to know. We sang it to the children we sang it as children. "Isty bitsy spider" is another. Traditional tunes with lyrics we learned to pass the time. Some people had pianos in their homes & would learn to play with the whole family gathered to sing songs together. Some were religious-based, others were not. Families were more connected back then. I can recall many Sundays after church playing cards or board games with my family while listening to the family stereo playing albums or the radio.

This video is just a clip from the movie NO NUKES - Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE). It was I believe 5 nights at Madison Square Garden, with a who's who of rock and blues artists. The filming of the concerts was edited into a wonderful film, with sometimes amusing backstage banter between the artists. Many of the musicians already toured with a variety of the 'stars' so they played with almost everyone during the concerts. The week of concerts ended with a massive gathering/concert at Battery Park. The performance of John Hall's song Power is still so moving. That is included in the film. I've always loved this performance, but another favorite is the Doobie Brothers performance when pretty much everyone is onstage with them. Also Jackson Browne's performance of Before the Deluge is very timely, as the purpose of the concerts and weeklong event was to raise awareness about the devastating dangers of nuclear energy. Please google the line-up of the performers. I don't believe the entire film is available on youtube currently, but you can find individual clips of most of the performances. So excellent.

The difference is we wanted to party with our artists like friends,not the pretense that seems in fashion.We liked the musicians. voices,their flaws as well as strengths, but being genuine was everything,be whoever ,look however- as long as the music good we loved them ☮️

Love this video! Sadly he had a heroin addiction that contributed to the end of the marriage. They both have many many songs that you need to hear.

I love the feeling of the performance but the studio version is so good too…

When they were married, they were such a great team, I have read where even after the divorce they remained very close friends, which I think is great. She's always been a very energetic performer; James has always been rather laid back in his performance style, but still very entertaining.

Fun fact with your Taylor Swift mention -- she has said she was named after James Taylor. There is a duet with them on YT.

Tell Allie we missed her today!! Great reaction, Sebs!! ❤. We really did have great music back in the 60s, 70s and the first years of the 80s! (I’m sure I’ll get a lot of negative comments because of what I just said and because of my name, but whatever!!) I’ll also say with no hesitation, talent was definitely pure and authentic back then too!! Have a great night!!!!

Ohmygosh!!!!been waiting forever for someone to react to this phenomenal song!!! 😊😊😊😊😊❤😊😊Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!

Bought this single back in the day, great song. Never seen this video before, very energetic performance, brilliant!!😂😂🇬🇧

So, so many songs and so much music that is in movies today or commercials or sampled in rap and hip-hop comes from the music of my generation - from the '50s - '80s because it was so much better than today's music and had so much more heart and depth. For some reason today's artists, while they may be talented, don't seem to be able to come up with such music and have been leaning heavily on these older tunes.

James’ song, Hey Mister, That’s Me Up on the Jukebox is so good. He has higher energy songs like, I’m a Steamroller, Baby!

Duran….glad you responded to my suggestion in the Carly Simon’s…You’re So Vain video….

Damn! I didn't know waddie Wachtel played on this session. He played on so many great hits from the 70's. Definitely check out his catalog, Especially the with Linda Ronstadt.

Wife and I listen to you guys everyday sitting in hotub in Montana. Check out "Tower of Power" cool song called "What is hip" great horn section..

I think the word you were looking for was "charisma", maybe? You can tell they were there to have fun. They loved what they did and it showed. Truly talented artists.

If you want to hear a really fun song by James Taylor, you must check out “Steamroller Blues” live (Blossom Music Festival July 1979) You will love it!

This performance was pure joy by both performers which warms my heart.

at the end, I noticed a blonde guitarist was also the same one in Linda, Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks

Seeing these two at 15, I would see many concerts, BUT they were my first! Floor, 8th row.❤ I am 65.😊

Awesome couple!!

There was so much competition in the 70's, artists had to be perfect so you had the majority of awesome talent. They were both very successful and accomplished in their own rights so they could have fun and you should enjoy what you're doing. Artists had more control back then I think and the music was better. I think the standards have been lowered when technology took over with the music and sound.

James Taylor 'In Concert' is a fabulous show; he's always happy in front of the crowd. The more he sang the more he shined and smiled; always into the music and playing the energy of the crowd. Carly, 'In Concert' wasn't as James but highly skilled and talented...She wasn't as energetic as James. TOGETHER; the energy between them escalated through the ceiling as their talents highlighted the other and were equally fed from the crowd. Both epic talents in a time when every radio station was playing the best at the same time and it was so difficult to choose which to listen to.

Geniuine! Not just a choreographed "show" ...

This song was written and sung by a couple around 1960!

James had long hair for years. He just started losing hair too soon. I saw him live. He’s fantastic!

They were newly in love in this song and it showed. PURE MAGIC

Excellent share Sen... Fantasmagoric duo. Fantasmagoric memories.

You made it sound as though this was ‘their’ song. Written by Inez and Charlie Fox (brother and sister) who first performed it in the 60’s.

You should check out "You Can Close Your Eyes". A beautiful duet by the two of them.

Authenticity is a big difference, plus a big dose of fun; instead of an overproduction of fleas jumping about on stage today with a head mic.

May I suggest that you ring this up on your home TV, pump up the volume and dance with your daughter. Betting she'd love it.

The guitarist later played for Stevie Nicks….You can see him on: Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen (live)

Original 'Mockingbird' recorded by Inez and Charlie Foxx in 1962

Just free and fun time! I am so grateful to have grown up in that era.

This was from the MUSE (Musicians United For Sustainable Energy) concert in New York in 1979. The concert was released as a film and album entitled No Nukes. If you can find the album these days, it's a great listen.

Inez and Charlie Foxx (brother and sister) did a hit version in 1963.

That clip is the opening to the No Nukes concert, you should consider watching the whole show, it will blow your mind!!

Pure Gold together, I love both of them.

The combination of these two great voices produces a unique harmony, and the gymnastics they pull with the lyrics make you lean into it as a listener. Still, this song always reminds me of Chevy Chase and Beverly d'Angelo belting it out in 'National Lampoon's Vacation.'

This was a song written in the 60s based on a lullaby called "Hush Little Baby" that they covered in the mid-70s.

“Why is it so different?” …IDK, but the spontaneity and fun and sincerity is what folks loved so much (and still do) about Freddie Mercury. He actually refused to be choreographed because he wanted the freedom to be able to just do whatever the music made him feel like. He said “When I go onstage, I NEVER know what’s going to happen!”😄 He also REFUSED to lip sync. (On the occasions when he was forced to do so, he would flip his mic around/make a game of it and do silly things to make it CLEAR he wasn’t actually singing into it.)

Also another fantastic duet although you should just listen to the studio recording because they almost never sang it live together but you’ll get a great feel for it listening to the studio recording is James Taylor with Linda Ronstadt. They do an old Ike and Tina Turner classic called I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine , and they rock the house in that one … the two of them.

Tbh I have never seen James Taylor having fun and it's so charming 😂

Carly Simon is was one of my favorite female artists. I've always loved her. I've always enjoyed James Taylor, as well. I am assuming they were still married at this time.

I love this video!

I haven't gone to Turkey, but I've eaten a bunch of turkey and I can say pretty much for certain it doesn't grow hair. But I'm cool with it, prefer the low-maintenance approach to life. Give James Taylor with Alyson Krauss in "How's The World Treating You?" a try. Really great duet.

My take on music, having been a musician since 1963, is that MTV ruined music. In the '80s it totally shifted the focus from the music, the musicians, the feelings, the content, the arrangements, the depth and messages to the visuals. So often now you don't even see musicians on stage - and many times there is just a pre-recorded backing track. And Auto tune sucks. If I had a recording studio there would be a sign on the wall saying ' "Hit the notes or hit the road" Or "Hit the notes or go home and practice and take some lessons, train your ears and learn how to breathe to get the most out of your voice."

Waddy on guitar again, he's everywhere watch for the curls

My hubby balded young... he hated it! My son did as well... but accepted it... now sports a shaved head and a great beard!

Playful and fun and yet smoking hot. Chemistry!

HE WAS A HEAVY DRUG ADDICT USER FOR A SHORT TIME THANK GODDDDD SEBS😊, HEROIN😮 AND THINGS SO!!! IN HIS ( 70 ) BBC CONCERT HE'S HIGHER THAN A KITE, PRETTY MUCH WASTED PLAYING TO THE AUDIENCE , THEEEE 1ST ROCK ARTIST TO BE SIGNED TO THE ( BEATLES ) LABEL SEBS👍, APPLE RECORDS, PRETTY AMAZING FEAT THERE!

If I was happily married to Carly I’ll be smilly and happy too.

It was a different time. We would do well to go back there.

You want to hear a really good song, listen to the live version of Shower The People. The solo done by Arnold McCullough is amazing! James always tries to showcase others as you can see by the look on his face when you watch the video.

I think talent exists in all eras. And people always say "modern music sucks. It was better back in the day." The truth is, 90% of everything sucks. But the good stuff is remembered. 50 years from now, people will be saying, "Modern music sucks! Things were great in the 2020s," because they will remember the best, and the rest will be forgotten.

Check out Mockingbird with Toby Keith and his daughter Krystal. Then check out Daddy Dance with Me > It was her song to dance with her Dad at her wedding.

You should look into James and his son Ben singing together or James and his brother Livingston! There's something to be said about sibling and familial harmonies!

Well said

The 70s was the best for music!

WAsnt that great!? I've heard this song plenty of times but never saw it live....so it was great to see for myself.

You said it - spontaneous, having fun (think Elvis!).

I think Her Town Too is the most beautiful and sad divorce song ever. It's just achingly revealing about two people who love each other and couldn't survive their own faults and the times they were going through.

I think the difference is authenticity. Uncalculated unadulterated talent and exudes the joy of performing.

You're so vain is SERIOUS lol. This is pure fun. It was based on a classic nursery rhyme.

This song goes back at least to the 50's

Notice everyone was leaner back then? It was before a flood of fast food and processed crap. And not just people w/money. Check out Soul Train from the 80s - everyone was lean!

Have you ever heard You're So Vain by Carly Simon? Maybe now you know who that's meant for! LOL

I believe this is from the "No Nukes" concert.

You should also check him out with Carole King

You should listen to the original 'Mockingbird' recorded by Inez And Charlie Foxx and released in 1962. Better version.