The James Taylor Encyclopedia
An unofficial compendium for JT’s biggest fans
Joel Risberg
GeekTV Press
Copyright 2005 by Joel Risberg All rights reserved
Published 2005
Printed in the United States of America
Cover photo by Joana Franca.
This book is not approved or endorsed by James Taylor, his record labels, or his management.
For Sandra, who brings me snacks.
CONTENTS
BIOGRAPHY 1
TIMELINE 16
SONG ORIGINS 27
STUDIO ALBUMS 31
SINGLES 43
WORK ON OTHER ALBUMS 44
OTHER COMPOSITIONS 51
CONCERT VIDEOS 52
SINGLE-SONG MUSIC VIDEOS 57
APPEARANCES IN OTHER VIDEOS 58
MISCELLANEOUS WORK 59
NON-U.S. ALBUMS 60
BOOTLEGS 63
CONCERTS ON TELEVISION 70
RADIO APPEARANCES 74
MAJOR LIVE PERFORMANCES 75
TV APPEARANCES 76
MAJOR ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS 83
SHEET MUSIC AND MUSIC BOOKS 87
SAMPLE SET LISTS 89
JT’S FAMILY 92
RECORDINGS BY JT ALUMNI 96
POINTERS 100
A
1971 Time cover story – and nearly every piece of writing about James Taylor since then – characterized the musician as a troubled soul and the inevitable product of a family of
means that expected quite a lot of its kids. To some extent, it was true. James did find inspiration for much of his life’s work in his emotional torment and the many years he spent fighting drug addiction and depression. And he did hail from an affluent, musically talented family that could afford to send its progeny to exclusive prep schools and expensive private mental hospitals. But now James Taylor in his fifties has the benefit of hindsight to moderate any lingering grudges against a press that persistently pigeonholed him – first as a sort of Kurt Cobain of his day, and much later as a sleepy crooner with his most creative years behind him.
To understand grown-up JT you need to delve into his past. By all accounts, JT’s parents gave their kids – Alex, James, Kate, Livingston, and Hugh – a nearly ideal upbringing. James was born in Boston, but soon the family moved outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina and stayed there for much of James’ childhood. Summers were spent among other affluent families at their home on the island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts – a place JT would return to throughout his life. Dr. Isaac “Ike” Taylor, who was dean of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Medical School and served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, spent much of the marriage away from the family. Gertrude
“Trudy” Taylor was a stay-at-home mom who bore the duties of both parents when Ike was in Antarctica with the Navy for two years. Ike and Trudy Taylor finally divorced in 1972, partly due to the strain of Ike’s return from the Navy to a home run by his wife and full of children with whom he’d lost touch.
Music was, unsurprisingly, a part of everyday life for the Taylors while the children were growing up. At his early concerts, James told the story of his first memory of music: a Tuberose Snuff commercial that he’d heard on the radio. “Trudy, the boy’s singing a snuff commercial,” he recalls his dad saying after making the connection with the song James was singing about “Tuberose: The Mild Snuff.” As a modern follow-up, James accompanied the story with his own signature versions of the song first as he remembered it, and then in a second, updated version for the “smooth 70s.”
James brought home a cello from elementary school, later moving on to a mail-order guitar that his older brother Alex painted blue – strings and all. James was undeterred, taking lessons from his brothers and his new friend on the Vineyard, Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar. Kootch was two years older, but he and James struck up a life-long friendship that inspired James to spend time improving his guitar skills.
James joined his big brother Alex’s band, The Fabulous Corsairs, when the family returned to Chapel Hill. They made very little money playing fraternity parties and high school dances, but it was that live experience that gave James the push he needed with the Fender guitar that had replaced its blue predecessor. The next summer he and Kootch entered a local hootenanny contest on the Vineyard and took home first prize. It was also around this time that James wrote his first original song, “Roll, River, Roll.” He never recorded it in the studio, but fans were treated to a performance of it decades later when he sang it by the campfire during the filming of “Colorado River Adventure,” a National Geographic television special that aired in September 1995.
James went back to school at Milton Academy in Massachusetts,
but it didn’t last long due to his growing depression. “Probably typical adolescent stuff,” James told British music magazine MOJO. Partly at his family’s insistence and partly out of a desire to escape school, James spent nine months in McLean Hospital, an expensive mental institution where Taylor siblings Kate and Livingston would also spend time. James speaks of the institution almost fondly, having found time to recover some happiness, explore music at his leisure, and even graduate from the hospital’s own high school during his stay. After nine months James had had enough, though, and a friend named Dave Barry helped him “escape” to Boston without waiting for the hospital to officially discharge him. There James got a job in a leather bindery, but soon after he made his way to Manhattan where he’d take some of his first steps toward a music career.
Old friend Danny Kortchmar was in Manhattan looking to start up a new band, having just broken up his old band, The King Bees. James, Kootch, and old friends Zach Wiesner (bass) and Joel O’Brien (drums) got a gig as the house band for the Night Owl Cafe, a popular nightspot in Greenwich Village. The venue was James’ inspiration for “Night Owl,” which became a part of their set along with “Brighten Your Night With My Day,” “Rainy Day Man,” and his most heavily McLean-influenced tune, “Knocking ‘Round the Zoo.” James didn’t like Kootch’s idea to name the band “The James Taylor Group,” so they called themselves “The Flying Machine” instead. The steady gig was a godsend, but when the band recorded a single of “Night Owl” / “Brighten Your Night With My Day” in 1966 they had no luck getting backing for a full album.
Things turned sour soon after. With the band’s failure to get a record deal and the Village’s easy drug scene, James turned to heroin. Unable to extricate himself from his dismal situation and increasing addiction, he finally called his father in desperation. Ike drove all the way to New York to pick him up and take him back home to North Carolina.
Two years later in 1968 James found himself living in the Notting
Hill Gate section of London with the idea in his head that he was going to make a record on his own. He bought some cheap recording time in a low-rent studio, laid down some tracks, and tried shopping it to London record companies. As luck would have it, Kootch put him in contact with Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon fame. Asher was helping the Beatles launch a new record label, and he was willing to give young JT a shot. Asher ended up playing JT’s stuff for Paul McCartney and the others before making James the first outside artist signed to the fledgling Apple Records label.
James’ recollections of that period still reflect those of an awestruck fan miraculously rubbing elbows with his heroes. In between recording sessions for legendary Beatles hits like “Hey Jude,” Asher guided JT through the recording of his self-titled debut. “Knocking ‘Round the Zoo,” “Carolina In My Mind” (mistakenly labeled “Carolina On My Mind” for some early singles pressings), and “Night Owl” – the same songs he’d honed with The Flying Machine – were woven together with avant-garde interludes and a “Greensleeves” improvisation. Even Paul McCartney joined in to play bass on some tracks.
The result, “James Taylor,” came out in the U.K. in November 1968 and in the U.S. the following February. It sold a disappointing 30,000 copies in its first year and wasn’t helped by JT’s return to Austen Riggs hospital in Massachusetts for treatment of his heroin addiction. Rather than promote his new album, JT was forced to spend time after its release recovering from the habit he’d picked up back in Greenwich Village.
Then things began to turn around for JT. A major debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in July 1969 marked the beginning of what would be a meteoric rise to fame in America. Under Asher’s guidance, JT signed with Warner Brothers and moved himself to California to begin work on his second album. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Sometime that year JT managed to severely injure his hands – reportedly in a motorcycle accident. It forced him to stop playing until he’d healed, but didn’t sideline plans for the new
album.
In March 1970, “Sweet Baby James” was released to enormous sales and almost universal acclaim in the U.S. The album hit platinum status by October and garnered five Grammy nominations. Without question, the song that resonated most deeply with its listeners was “Fire And Rain,” a deeply personal, almost painfully melancholy song that set the tone for an album that would change songwriting for many years afterward. Fans hypothesized and argued about its sometimes literal, sometimes metaphorical meaning and seldom got it quite right. They only knew it spoke to them, inspiring many to pick up the guitar – often for the first time – and try to emulate what they’d heard.
The story behind “Fire And Rain” has reached the point of legend now, in spite of JT’s calm assurances that it’s really not all that difficult to understand. Most commonly, stories are told of the girlfriend, Suzanne, who the band had arranged to fly to meet JT as a surprise while on tour. Her plane crashed, the legend goes, and the tragedy of it all inspired JT to speak of “flying machines in pieces.” The truth, of course, is somewhat different.
JT explains that the song is really about three separate times in his life – three hard times when he thought about giving up. Suzanne was either a friend he’d known at Austen Riggs or a friend of drummer Joel O’Brien’s brother. In either case, JT’s band members heard about her suicide, but at the time they decided he was too strung out on drugs to deal with the loss. JT wasn’t told about it until after he’d finished his debut album in London and ended up writing the song while dealing with his grief. Verse two chronicles the Greenwich Village drug scene, and verse three refers to his escape to London and eventual recovery. The often-misunderstood “flying machines in pieces” referred to the breakup of his band, The Flying Machine, though the alternate explanations persist.
The album’s title song inevitably became connected to JT himself, though it’s only partially about him. The original Sweet Baby James was brother Alex’s son James, who was named after his uncle. JT
says the song came to him during a long solo drive on the way to see his nephew for the first time. The result was “simply one of the best lullabies ever composed,” according to the 1971 Time story.
Fans may not have known what to think about “Steamroller,” though. Nestled between the lighthearted “Sunny Skies” and the characteristically easygoing “Country Road” was an unmitigated blues tune with lyrics that seemed downright lewd in comparison to the album’s other tunes. The story behind the song goes back to JT’s Flying Machine days at the Night Owl, and he’d invariably launch into the long-winded explanation at his early shows. The story was clearly as well rehearsed as the song, with only the slightest variation in wording at each telling.
Here, in JT’s own words, is the explanation for “Steamroller” as transcribed from the 1970 JT/Joni Mitchell BBC radio show bootleg:
We played this eight-month long gig at a place called the Night Owl Cafe down in Greenwich Village in New York. It used to be a McDougal and Third, but it might have moved since then. I don’t know.
Anyhow, at that time there were a lot of so-called blues groups in New York City, you know? And they were making a lot of noise with electric guitars and amplifiers that their parents had bought them for Christmas and birthdays and stuff. Their idea of soul was volume. They’d just crank it up, you know? And they were singing all these heavy songs like “I’m a Man” or “I’m a Jackhammer” or “I’m a Steamship” … whatever … “I’m the Queen Mary” [laughter] … “I’m a Ton of Bricks.”
And we weren’t to be left out of all this. So I wrote this next song, which is the heaviest blues tune I know, ladies and gentlemen … called “I’m a Steamroller.” [more laughter as JT goes on the play a hilarious solo version of the song]
Fans who hadn’t heard JT’s explanation probably couldn’t tell if he was serious or not, but they loved it regardless. Now, three decades later, the song is a permanent fixture of JT’s perennial live shows and the only live performance on 1976’s enormous-selling “Greatest Hits.”
The album ended with tongue firmly in cheek. “Suite For 20G,” according to JT, was a last-minute composition to fill the last slot on the new album. They needed one more track, so James hastily stitched together some bits and pieces of songs he’d been working on and the band recorded it. The name refers to the fact that on completion of “Sweet Baby James” they’d receive a $20,000 advance from Warner Brothers.
And the money kept coming. The album hit number one on the charts, gained platinum status by October of that year, and remained a bestseller for two solid years. His career solidly on its way, JT hit the road on his first tour and inaugurated what would be a way of life for him for the next three decades. Notable performances from that era included an April 24 performance at Harvard and a live BBC performance with Joni Mitchell. Both shows were bootlegged and the latter is one of the more common unauthorized JT recordings – usually titled either “In Perfect Harmony” or some variation on “You Can Close Your Eyes.”
Early in 1971 the first public release of the abortive Flying Machine album hit the streets in an obvious effort to get a piece of the phenomenal “Sweet Baby James” sales. Undoubtedly it was done without JT’s permission, but the various labels that distributed it and bootlegged it didn’t seem to worry. At least four different vinyl versions were released – a couple of which were nothing but extremely poor quality copies with new cover art. A legal 1996 release on CD by Gadfly Records made the recording widely available for the first time since the ‘70s, but inexplicably included embarrassing over-produced remixes of two tracks in addition to the original unpolished tracks. Later pressings of the CD ditched the remixes and stayed true to the first release.
The Time cover story hit newsstands in March 1971, further solidifying JT’s dominance of what was being called “The New Rock.” March also saw the release of JT’s one and only starring role in a film: Two Lane Blacktop. Cult film director Monte Hellman asked JT to join “Beach Boy” Dennis Wilson, Warren Oates, and Laurie Bird in an avant-garde road movie that seemed heavily influenced by 1969’s Easy Rider. In interviews, JT reveals his bitterness about the experience of performing in a film where he had no creative control. He and the other actors weren’t even given a complete script. Instead, Hellman handed them just the next day’s dialogue, then asked to perform almost as an improvisation. The results generally didn’t impress audiences or critics, though JT’s female fans probably found a little more to like about the film thanks to his extensive screen time and shoulder-length locks.
While Two Lane Blacktop didn’t contain any JT music, the frustrating experience of acting did inspire JT’s “Riding On a Railroad” on his next Warner Brothers album, “Mud Slide Slim And the Blue Horizon” (1971). Another Peter Asher production, the album’s Los Angeles recording sessions spanned almost two months and included big contributions by two of JT’s leading female contemporaries, Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Mitchell sang backup on three of the tracks, but it was King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” that would have the biggest effect on the album and the longest influence on JT’s still-young career.
JT tells the story of how he came to sing the song that would become one of his best-known hits and a certified Gold-selling single. He’d heard King perform it and complimented her on the tune, so she suggested he perform it, too. He did, but now jokes that he might just have reconsidered it if he’d known he’d be singing it every night for the next thirty years. He certainly didn’t have much to complain about, though. The song was the album’s standout hit – a fact made all the more official early the next year when JT was presented with the “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male” Grammy and King won the “Song of the Year” Grammy for the same song. While King did appear elsewhere on the “Mud Slide Slim” album, she didn’t perform on JT’s recorded version of her
song. Live performances were a different matter, though. JT’s supporting tour for the album included King along with Kootch’s band, Jo Mama, and played to sold-out audiences in 27 U.S. cities.
The album didn’t earn its platinum status on the strength of just one track, either. Two Lane Blacktop-inspired “Riding On A Railroad,” and the hauntingly beautiful “You Can Close Your Eyes” both helped to cement JT’s reputation as a songwriter. Fans got more than the simple, upbeat message of “You’ve Got A Friend” and younger album buyers appreciated the album’s melancholy, even bitter songs just as readily. Like “Riding On A Railroad,” “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On The Jukebox” tells a tale of an artist lost among the machinery of big business that threatens to overshadow his creativity. What’s become a common refrain today – how an artist can still struggle to find happiness amid overwhelming financial success – had rarely been asked publicly until then.
It’s a question JT is still addressing in his music and interviews to this day. 1985’s “That’s Why I’m Here” title track covered similar ground, but with the benefit of hindsight JT paints a picture of a career and a life in which the good overshadowed the bad and the pleasures of creating music for an audience bring him joy over and over again.
Just when it seemed JT’s fame had peaked, though, he began a ten- year romance that was among the most closely followed and publicly reported as any of its day. JT had known Carly Simon and her well-heeled family (of Simon and Schuster publishers fame) since his boyhood days on Martha’s Vineyard. When they married on November 3, 1972 it ignited a firestorm of media attention that would last throughout their ten-year involvement and beyond. In a handful of print interviews given together, JT and Carly revealed what it was like to live as a household of two rock stars with separate careers that sometimes complemented and often competed. When one scored a hit with an album, the other often wilted. Both admitted varying levels of jealously and resentment that sometimes bubbled to the surface in spite of their staunch loyalty to each other.
Almost from the beginning, external pressures and internal demons threatened to pull them apart. His drug habit still not fully behind him, JT struggled to relate to a wife who had managed to avoid drugs all her life. At the same time, his career was showing no signs of slowing – and neither was he. Even after the arrival of their daughter Sarah (Sally) and son Benjamin, JT continued to tour extensively. Carly readily and publicly admitted that it bothered her, though it didn’t keep him from going out year after year.
Meanwhile, JT released an album in 1972 that returned to the kind of experimentation that had characterized his Apple debut album. The album title – originally “One Man Parade” like the first track – was changed for no good reason at the last minute, says James. “One Man Dog” was a moderate critical success, but its patchwork quilt of music styles and instrumental interludes didn’t include many strong radio hits. The one exception, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” was included on the 1976 “Greatest Hits” album.
The album’s long list of backing voices included Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Carly, and Taylor siblings Alex, Hugh and Kate. Much of the album took shape in JT’s rustic cabin – and even just outside of it: “Little David” opens with the sound of a roaring chainsaw, which JT claimed he was able to coerce into hitting specific musical notes after a little practice. The recording sessions weren’t without controversy, though. A disclaimer in the liner notes accompanied James’ drug-inspired “Mescalito,” reading “The opinions expressed in this song are not necessarily those of the supporting musicians and background vocalists.”
Having had a couple years to try and reach equilibrium in their personal and artistic partnership, James and Carly’s closely scrutinized marriage hit a fever pitch of publicity on the release of their most successful collaboration. “Mockingbird” was a standout track on Carly’s “Hotcakes” album and was also a certified Gold single on its own. The song became synonymous with the pair, drawing ecstatic audiences to their feet whenever the two performed it live. They didn’t lack for opportunities, either, since James launched a four-week U.S. tour in April 1974 to promote the
June release of “Walking Man.”
“Walking Man” was one of JT’s most thematic albums, with tracks like “Migration,” “Fading Away,” and the title track exploring the emotions of autumn and “the coming of winter,” according to JT. The album also saw the return of Paul McCartney as a collaborator for the first time since JT’s debut album. One track, though, may have been too topical. The poignant, politically charged lyrics of “Let It All Fall Down” drew cheers of approval from disillusioned Americans who shared JT’s disgust with President Nixon and the Watergate scandal. But the day after the song’s release as a single (as a B-side for “Daddy’s Baby”) Nixon resigned and the sentiment lost its punch. The single fizzled and did little to help the album’s sales. Touring did help, though, and James set out for a second supporting tour in July with The Manhattan Dirt Riders and Linda Ronstadt.
In late 1974 JT started the process or recording “Gorilla” in Los Angeles. Of the eleven tracks, “Mexico” was the hit that would stick with JT most consistently for the rest of his touring career. JT told Leeza Gibbons in 1992 that “Mexico” came to him while taking a break during the recording of the album. “I went down to spend a long weekend in Mexico with some friends down in Puerto Vallarta and while I was down there, this thing just … sometimes you go some place, you know?” “Gorilla” hit stores in May 1975, with David Crosby and Graham Nash adding harmonies to “Mexico” and “Lighthouse.” JT’s cover of the Holland/Dozier/Holland hit “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” got good airplay and later joined “Mexico” on 1976’s “Greatest Hits.”
In May 1974 JT played Carnegie Hall with special guests David Crosby and Carole King. Their performance of “You’ve Got A Friend” was released nearly twenty years later on King’s 1994 release, “The Ode Years.” After tours with a full band in April and July, JT closed 1975 with an eight-city solo tour. Then, a year after the release of “Gorilla,” JT hit the road again in April to support the May release of “In the Pocket.” Its first single, “Shower the
People,” included the B-side “I Can Dream of You,” which was written by brother Livingston and recorded on Liv’s 1973 release, “Over the Rainbow.”
Meanwhile, big changes were brewing on the business side of JT’s career – changes that would culminate in his jumping ship and leaving Warner Brothers for Columbia Records (later Sony) in December 1976. The move had many repercussions, but none bigger than Warner’s decision to milk their relationship with JT one last time with the release of a greatest hits collection. Of the 13 tracks selected, 10 came straight from his Warner releases, while “Something In the Way She Moves” and “Carolina In My Mind” from the Apple debut album were re-recorded. Finally, a new hard- rocking live version of “Steamroller” finished off the collection.
The result, 1976’s enormous seller “Greatest Hits,” was a huge final success to cap off the relationship with Warner Brothers. The album was certified Gold (500,000 copies) almost immediately and Platinum (1 million copies sold) a year later in November 1977. Then in 1999 it was one of the original 62 albums certified Diamond, a new designation by the Recording Industry Association of America for recordings that have sold more than 10 million copies. To this day “Greatest Hits” remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The relationship with Columbia began in earnest by mid-1977 with the June 24 release of “J.T.” “Handyman” (penned long before by Otis Blackwell and Jimmy Jones) earned JT his second “Best Pop Vocal Performance” Grammy and his second for a song he didn’t write. That mixed blessing wouldn’t come until the following February, though, and with the album’s release JT immediately set out on a 22-show tour in support of it while two singles, “Handyman” / “Bartender’s Blues” and “Your Smiling Face” / “If I Keep My Heart Out of Sight” were released by Columbia. A third single, “Honey Don’t Leave L.A.,” wasn’t released until January 1978. All the factors combined made for strong sales: “J.T.” went Gold within a month of its release and has sold more than 3 million copies to date.
Along with JT’s Grammy for “Handyman,” his producer and old friend Peter Asher picked up a “Producer of the Year Grammy.” Sister Kate Taylor’s second album hit stores, too. The self-titled release was produced by JT and included his composition “Happy Birthday Sweet Darling.”
1978 saw JT branching out into other musical genres, too, when he composed three songs for the Broadway musical “Working.” Based on Studs Terkel’s book by the same name, the short-lived production included JT’s “Millworker” and “Brother Trucker,” both of which he later recorded for the “Flag” album. He also composed the music for the Spanish-language song “Un Mejor Dia Vendra” for the play. Reviews were tepid, and “Working” quickly disappeared from the stage.
After the release of “Flag” in April 1979, JT and Carly played at “No Nukes,” a series of five anti-nuclear concerts by Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE). The shows were a great success and would become both a popular concert film and triple-length album. James continued to tour extensively, which reportedly didn’t sit well with Carly as she stayed home with their two kids. Nothing could stop JT from hitting the road, though, and the title of his 1981 album, “Dad Loves His Work” made it clear where his allegiances lay.
In 1982 the ten-year marriage came to an end and the two were divorced. JT continued to tour, but didn’t release another album until 1985’s “That’s Why I’m Here.” Earlier in the year he had performed at the enormous Rock In Rio concert in Brazil, which caused something of a midlife turnaround for JT and inspired the track “Only a Dream In Rio.” It also didn’t hurt that just after the album’s release JT married his second wife, actress Kathryn Walker.
Amid frequent touring JT released “Never Die Young” in 1988 and “New Moon Shine” three years later in 1991. That year also marked record label EMI’s re-release of JT’s self-titled debut album on CD for the first time, giving fans who may have missed the beginning of his career a chance to hear his early sound.
JT’s perennial summer tours were recorded and released as the popular double “(LIVE)” album in 1993, which broke up the drought of new material that would last until 1997. In the meantime, though, JT was hit by a string of tragedies including a divorce from Walker, the death of his longtime band member and friend Don Grolnick, and finally the death of his father Ike in November 1996.
“Hourglass” was released in May of 1997 and was JT’s biggest seller in many years, but the success was tempered by the sudden suicide death of his drummer Carlos Vega on the eve of a planned performance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. That appearance was cancelled, but the next month a big performance at New York’s Beacon Theatre went on with drummer Steve Jordan filling in. The show was broadcast live in PBS stations and later released as the hugely successful “James Taylor: Live at the Beacon Theatre” DVD.
After releasing an uninspired “Greatest Hits Volume 2” collection in 2000, JT continued to tour extensively. Then his personal life took center stage when in 2001 he married Carolyn “Kim” Smedvig. He’d met her while performing a symphonic show with the Boston Symphony Orchestra where Smedvig worked. But the wedding news was eclipsed only a few months later when JT surprised his fans by announcing the birth of twin sons, Henry and Logan, via a surrogate mother.
In August 2002 JT released “October Road,” a hugely successful album with strong sales and lots of media appearances. The album included a single Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – a track that gave fans a taste of the all-Christmas album that would come a few years later in 2004. He followed “October Road” with the release of “The Best of James Taylor,” a career-spanning collection that included a single new track, the John Sheldon-written song “Bittersweet.”
Now freed from his Sony contract obligations, JT recorded “James Taylor: A Christmas Album” exclusively for Hallmark stores. It was
his first solo release outside the major record label system and seems to reflect an artist who’s lived most of his professional life within the confines of the corporate music industry and is willing to take risks with something new. It’s not clear yet whether the album is a permanent departure from major labels or just a one-time experiment, but either way JT’s career is still going strong.
TIMELINE
1948
March 12 – JT is born in Boston, Massachusetts’ Boston General Hospital at 5:06 p.m. Adult JT stands 6’3” and weighs about 155 pounds, but he was considerably smaller at birth.
1951
Family moves to Chapel Hill, NC where his father, Dr. Isaac Taylor, was the dean of the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill medical school.
1960
JT’s parents buy him his first guitar, which brother Alex later paints blue – strings and all.
1963
Begins attending Milton Academy, a private prep school outside Boston.
Meets Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar on Martha’s Vineyard. JT and Kootch win a hootenanny contest.
JT and Kootch play folk gigs locally.
1964
Drops out of Milton Academy during his junior year. Joins a band, The Fabulous Corsairs, with brother Alex.
1965
Moves to New York City
17-year-old JT admits himself and spends ten months in McLean Psychiatric Hospital in Massachusetts as a result of depression. His song “Knocking ‘Round the Zoo” was inspired by his stay there.
Goes on a trip to Russia.
1966
Graduates from high school at McLean Hospital’s Arlington School.
Kootch and Joel O’ Brien join JT to form The Flying Machine. The Flying Machine releases one single: “Night Owl” / “Brighten
Your Night With My Day”
The Flying Machine makes some rough studio recordings which went unreleased until 1971 under the title “James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine.”
1967
The Flying Machine breaks up.
1968
Begins using heroin.
Moves to Notting Hill Gate section of London and records demos to audition for record companies.
Introduced to Paul McCartney by old friend Peter Asher and signed to the Beatles’ fledgling record label, Apple Records. JT was the first outside artist signed to that label.
November: “James Taylor” debut album released in the U.K. with little commercial success
Returns to the U.S.
Enters Austen Riggs, another mental hospital in Massachusetts, partly due to his heroin addiction.
1969
February: “James Taylor” released in the U.S.
March: Single “Carolina In My Mind” / “Taking It In” released. July: Single “Something’s Wrong” released.
July: Debuts at The Troubadour in Los Angeles. July 20: Performs at the Newport Folk Festival
Breaks both his hands in a motorcycle accident and is forced to
stop playing for several months.
Signs to Warner Brothers label and moves to California with Asher.
1970
March: “Sweet Baby James” released on Warner Brothers label. The album peaks at #3 and stays in the charts for two years.
April: Single “Sweet Baby James” / “Suite For 20G” released.
April 24: Performs at Harvard College. Recorded and circulated among tape collectors.
August: Single “Fire and Rain” / “Anywhere Like Heaven” released and peaks at #3 on the charts.
October 16: “Sweet Baby James” album certified platinum. November: Single “Carolina In My Mind” / “Something’s Wrong”
released.
Performs with Joni Mitchell on a BBC radio show. Recordings of the show are often bootlegged under the titles “In Perfect Harmony” or “You Can Close Your Eyes.”
1971
January: Single “Country Road” / “Sunny Skies” released.
March 1: JT on the cover of Time Magazine, touted as the originator of the “singer-songwriter era”
“James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine” released in response to JT’s rise to fame.
March 23: Plays Anaheim Civic Center. Show recorded and used for two early bootlegs: “Taylor Made” and “Isn’t It Nice To Be Home Again.”
March: Appears in the cult film “Two Lane Blacktop” with Warren Oates and “Beach Boy” Dennis Wilson.
Parents separate.
“Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon” released. Goes platinum. Plays to sold-out audiences in 27-city tour. Band includes Carole
King and Danny Kortchmar’s band, Jo Mama.
May: Single “You’ve Got a Friend” / “You Can Close Your Eyes” released and goes gold.
September: Single “Long Ago and Far Away” / “Let Me Ride” released.
1972
Wins first Grammy, “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male” for “You’ve Got A Friend.” The song also earns Carole King the “Song of the Year” Grammy.
October: “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” single released.
Nov. 3: Marries Carly Simon. Son Benjamin and daughter Sally from that marriage.
“One Man Dog” released.
1973
February: “One Man Parade” / “Hymn” single released. March: “Hymn” / “Fanfare” single released.
1974
Daughter Sarah Maria “Sally” Taylor born. Sally is the inspiration for JT’s songs “Sarah Maria” and “Your Smiling Face.”
“Mockingbird” duet with Carly Simon released as a single (million- seller) and on Simon’s “Hotcakes” album.
April 30: Four-week U.S. tour to promote “Walking Man.” June: “Walking Man” released.
July: “Daddy’s Baby” / “Let It All Fall Down” single (inspired by Watergate) unsuccessful when Nixon resigns the day after its release.
July 13: Three-week tour with the Manhattan Dirt Riders and Linda Ronstadt.
August: “Walking Man” / “Daddy’s Baby” single released.
1975
April 30: Four-week U.S. tour. May: “Gorilla” released.
“How Sweet It Is” / “Sarah Maria” single released.
May 30: Plays Carnegie Hall in NYC with guests Carole King and David Crosby. “You’ve Got a Friend” duet with King released on her “The Ode Years” collection in 1994.
July 2: Four-week U.S. tour.
August: “Mexico” / “Gorilla” single released. September: Solo tour of 8 cities.
1976
April 21: Two-week U.S. tour. May: “In the Pocket” released.
“Shower the People” / “I Can Dream of You” single released. July 3: Four-week U.S. tour with David Sanborn.
October: “You Make It Easy” / Woman’s Got To Have It” single released.
November: “Greatest Hits” released. It never goes higher than #23 on the charts, but remains JT’s biggest-selling album and has sold more than 11 million copies.
December: Leaves Warner Brothers for Columbia Records.
1977
January 22: Son Benjamin Simon Taylor born.
June 3: “Handyman” / “Bartender’s Blues” single released. June 24: “JT” released on CBS label (goes platinum).
June 26: One-month U.S. tour with 22 shows.
August: Produces and performs for Kate Taylor’s single “It’s In His Kiss.”
September 20: “Your Smiling Face” / “If I Keep My Heart Out of
Sight” single released.
November: Tour of California followed by two shows in Honolulu.
Wins “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male” Grammy for “Handyman”
1978
January 31: “Honey Don’t Leave L.A.” single released.
February: Wins “Best Pop Vocal Performance” Grammy for “Handyman.”
Peter Asher wins “Producer of the Year” Grammy.
JT produces and performs on Kate Taylor’s self-titled album. Also composed the song “Happy Birthday Sweet Darling” on that album.
Wrote “Millworker,” “Brother Trucker,” and the music for “Un Mejor Dia Vendra” for the Broadway musical “Working.” The show bombed.
July 20: Original cast album for “Working” released (Columbia Masterworks).
1979
April 26: “Flag” released. Includes new recordings of “Millworker” and “Brother Trucker” from the musical “Working.”
May 22: “Up On the Roof” / “Chanson Francaise” single released. July 3: Six-week U.S. tour with 25 shows. 2 nights at Ohio’s
Blossom Music Center taped for a Showtime special.
September 19-23: Performs at “No Nukes,” a series of 5 anti- nuclear concerts by Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE).
December: “No Nukes” 3-LP album released (Asylum). JT is heard on 6 tracks.
1980
July 18: “No Nukes” feature-length movie opens in New York. JT’s studio recording of “Stand and Fight” is added.
August 3: Four-week U.S. tour with 23 shows.
1981
“In Harmony” Sesame Street album wins “Best Children’s Recording” Grammy.
February 11: Five-week U.S. tour.
February 20: “Her Town Too” / “Believe It Or Not” single released.
February 26: “Dad Loves His Work” released.
April 25: Two and a half-month tour with 47 shows.
May 12: “Hard Times” / “Summer’s Here” single released.
May 13: Live performance at Fox Theater in Atlanta broadcast nationally on radio. Title: “James Taylor Live In Concert.”
September 4: Plays the role of a truck driver in a PBS television production of “Working.”
September 10: Month-long tour of Far East with 17 shows in Japan and Australia.
1982
February 1: Six-week U.S. tour with 30 shows.
June 12: Performs at nuclear disarmament rally in New York’s Central park attended by over 1 million people. Other performers include Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and Joan Baez. The concert was broadcast nationally on radio and as filmed for “In Our Own Hands.”
July 14: Five-week tour with Karla Bonoff opening. Divorces Carly Simon.
1983
August 1: Six-week U.S. tour.
1984
April 4: Four-week U.S. tour.
August 1: Six-week tour with Randy Newman.
1985
January 12 and 14: Performs at Rock in Rio concert in Brazil. The song “Only a Dream In Rio” was inspired by this visit.
September 12: Two-week tour of Italy.
October 15: “Everyday” / “Limousine Driver” single released. October 17: “That’s Why I’m Here” released.
October 25: Three-week tour.
“Live In Rio” released by Columbia Brasil.
Performs at the first Moscow Rock festival. Highlights shown on Showtime cable network.
December 14: Marries actress Kathryn Walker at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
1986
January 24: Two-week tour of Australia. March 16: Five-week tour of Europe.
July 23: Six-week U.S. tour. September 29: One-week U.S. tour. October 11: Two-week tour of Brazil.
1988
“Never Die Young” released. Two-week Australian tour.
1991
“James Taylor” (JT’s 1969 Apple debut album) re-released by EMI. “New Moon Shine” released.
1993
“James Taylor (LIVE)” released (more than 1 million copies sold).
1994
“James Taylor (Best LIVE)” released (contains subset of LIVE).
1995
April 12: Performs at Rainforest Action Network benefit at New York’s Carnegie Hall with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Paul Simon, and others.
May 7: Receives an honorary doctorate of music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and gives a commencement speech.
Tours U.S. playing with major symphony orchestras. August 30: Performs rare joint concert with Carly Simon on
Martha’s Vineyard. Dubbed “Livestock 95” since it was a benefit for the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society.
1996
Divorces second wife, Kathryn Walker.
June 1: Longtime JT band member and musical director Don Grolnick dies of cancer.
June: Italian company KTS releases “Carnegie Hall” bootleg. July: JT begins long summer tour of the U.S.
October: Small record label Gadfly releases the first legitimate CD version of “James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine.”
November 1: JT’s father, Dr. Isaac Taylor, dies. He was 75.
1997
April 10: JT performs at the “VH1 Honors” benefit concert in L.A. May 6: JT inducts Crosby, Stills and Nash into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame.
May 20: “Hourglass” released. Opens and peaks at #9 on the Billboard charts with more than 70,000 copies sold in the first week.
June 25: Performs on A&E television network’s “Live By Request.” June: Summer tour of the eastern U.S. and Canada begins.
1998
Major European tour followed by a U.S. summer tour.
Son Ben Taylor records his debut album, “Green Dragon, Name a Fox” with producer Arif Marden, but when the Sony-owned Work Group label folds the album is shelved.
March 12: JT turns 50.
April 7: Drummer Carlos Vega commits suicide on the eve of the band’s scheduled appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
May 30: Performs at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Concert is broadcast live on U.S. public television stations and is later released on video as “James Taylor: Live at the Beacon Theatre.”
September 7: Daughter Sally releases debut CD, “Tomboy Bride.” September 30: JT participates in his first online chat (hosted by
America Online).
Wins “Best Pop Album” Grammy for “Hourglass.”
1999
Major European tour followed by U.S. Fall Symphonic Tour. October: “Two-Lane Blacktop” is re-released on video and DVD.
2000
March 6, 2000: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Paul McCartney presents his award.
June: Ian Halperin’s “Fire And Rain: The James Taylor Story” is released. It’s the first biography of JT.
November 7: “Greatest Hits Vol. 2” released. Covers JT’s Sony/Columbia career and contains no new material.
Inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
2001
February 18: Marries longtime girlfriend Caroline “Kim” Smedvig in a small ceremony in Boston. They met while Smedvig
worked for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
April 5: Twin sons Henry and Logan are born via a surrogate mother.
June – October: Major U.S. tour.
September: Timothy White’s biography, “James Taylor: Long Ago And Far Away,” is released.
2002
Wins “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male” Grammy for his performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” on Michael Brecker’s “The Nearness of You” album.
European tour followed by a U.S. college tour. August 13: “October Road” is released.
October 18: Appears on CMT channel’s “Crossroads” in a joint performance with the Dixie Chicks.
2003
Tours Australia, Europe, and the U.S. from late January through October.
April 8: “The Best of James Taylor” is released. It includes John Sheldon’s “Bittersweet” as its only new track.
Wins “Best Country Collaboration With Vocals” Grammy with Alison Krauss for their performance of “How’s the World Treating You.”
2004
European tour followed by a brief tour with the Dixie Chicks as part of the “Vote For Change” political tour.
November 1: “James Taylor: A Christmas Album” is released and sells over a million copies.
December 1: Appears on “The West Wing” (NBC) as himself.
2005
Major U.S. summer tour.
SONG ORIGINS
Not everyone can agree on the meaning or inspiration for a song, but where possible JT’s own words on the subject are quoted or summarized.
“B.S.U.R”
A quote from JT in a June 11, 1981 Rolling Stone article:
“The song B.S.U.R. on Flag was inspired by the cartoons of William Steig, who has a book out called CDB! about how to take letters and numbers and turn them into sentences, like IMAUMBN (I am a human being) or URNNML (You are an animal). Well, my sister and I used to play that game.”
“Carolina In My Mind”
JT told Leeza Gibbons the story in 1992:
“I was recording that Apple album and I took a break and went to an island off the coast of Spain called Formentera. And I met a girl there named Karin, and she and I took a boat to the next island, which was Abeetha – a larger island. We were just walking around there and missed the last boat back and didn’t have any money for a room and we stayed in the street that night and waited for the next morning when the boat would run again … She was asleep … and I was up and … I was thinking about my home in North Carolina and what it meant and stuff and that just sort of came down out of the air … It’s I suppose still my favorite song that I’ve written. It means a lot to me that one.”
The “holy host of others standing around me” refers to The Beatles, who had made possible the release of JT’s debut album and performed on some of the tracks.
“Enough To Be On Your Way”
Originally inspired by JT’s brother Alex’s 1993 death. JT later changed the subject of the song from Alex to a woman from Santa Fe named Alice, “but my soulful older brother is still all over this song like a cheap suit.”
“Fire and Rain”
The song is autobiographical, but the common folklore about a
plane crash isn’t based on any actual event. The “flying machines in pieces on the ground” refers to the breakup of JT’s band, The Flying Machine. A quote from JT in a February 18, 1971 Rolling Stone article sheds more light on it:
“The first verse was a reaction to a friend of mine killing herself. The second verse of it is about my kicking junk just before I left England. And the third verse is about my going into a hospital in Western Massachusetts. It’s just a hard-time song, a blues without having the blues form.”
“First of May”
Inspired by Ike Taylor’s annual quote “hooray, hooray, first day of May, summer f ing begins today.”
“Frozen Man”
JT explains that the song was inspired by an article that he’d read in National Geographic – before admitting that he really just looked at the pictures and read the captions. The man in the real story never came back to life, of course, but JT’s version makes for a better song.
“Knocking ‘Round the Zoo”
Inspired by JT’s time in rehab at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts.
“Let it All Fall Down”
Written about the Nixon Watergate scandal and released as a single only a few days before the smoking gun revelation and Nixon’s resignation.
“Little David”
The album was recorded at his farm on Martha’s Vineyard while it was still under construction. The percussion introduction to the song was composed with hand tools and a chain saw that were laying around.
“Mexico”
A common thread of fan folklore about the song is that JT went to Mexico but became so ill he couldn’t leave his hotel room – thus
“I’ve never really been.” JT told Leeza Gibbons in 1992 that “Mexico” came to him while taking a break during the recording of the album of the same name. “I went down to spend a long weekend in Mexico with some friends down in Puerto Vallarta and while I was down there, this thing just … sometimes you go some place, you know?”
“Mona”
JT told the story at length in many concerts of the era – in some cases extending the story so much the audience was encouraged to get up for intermission while he finished. Mona was an actual pet pig of JT’s, but he didn’t kill her himself. Instead she found rat poison in his woodpile, ate it, and died. Mona was so huge they needed a backhoe to bury her. JT also likes to joke that he planted a pine tree on her grave that “grew into a mighty oak.”
“Only a Dream In Rio”
About his life-changing trip to Rio de Janeiro to perform at the 1985 Rock In Rio music festival. JT explains in a 1997 article by his friend and biographer, Timothy White:
“In 1985 I bottomed out and went into recovery, and I was managing to feel I could stand to be in my own skin again. I played at this Rock In Rio Festival in South America, and seeing that 300,000 people in a cultured country knew my stuff, with these great Brazilian players like Airto Moreira giving me validation, really resurrected me.”
“Riding On a Railroad”
Based on his frustrations with loss of creative control while acting in the film “Two Lane Blacktop.”
“Steamroller”
Originally composed ironically, but most of that irony has evaporated over the years. See the biography section for JT’s explanation.
“Suite For 20G”
See the biography section for the explanation.
“Sweet Baby James”
The first verse of the song came to JT while driving to North Carolina to visit his brother Alex’s new son, James. Nephew James was named after uncle JT, of course. The second verse was written two weeks later while driving home from visiting Arlo Guthrie in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
“That’s Why I’m Here”
While the overall theme is one of renewal and confidence in his role as an entertainer, the second verse deals with the pain of friend John Belushi’s 1982 drug overdose.
“You’re So Vain”
People often suggest that Carly Simon’s song is about JT, but Carly maintains her silence about the song’s true inspiration while dropping playful hints now and then. Other names suggested include Warren Beatty and Mick Jagger (who actually performed on the song).
“You’ve Got a Friend”
Composed by close friend Carole King and recorded at her suggestion. JT later joked that if he’d known at the time he’d be performing it for the next thirty years he might have reconsidered.
STUDIO ALBUMS
James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine Recorded 1966-67, released 1971 by Euphoria et al. Released on CD in 1996 by Gadfly.
There were at least four vinyl versions from various sources with only cosmetic variations:
-
Plain white cover with penciled titles
-
Light blue cover with a sketch of JT
-
Like second, only in black and white
-
Darker blue version with a color illustration of JT Songs:
Rainy Day Man
Knocking ‘Round the Zoo (lead vocal by JT) Something’s Wrong (backing track, no vocals) Night Owl
Brighten Your Night With My Day Kootch’s Song (Danny Kortchmar)
Knocking ‘Round the Zoo (lead by Kortchmar) Night Owl (Remixed version on first Gadfly release)
Knocking ‘Round the Zoo (Remixed version on first Gadfly release)
James Taylor
1968 – Apple Records – Produced by Peter Asher
Remastered and re-released on CD and tape by EMI Records in 1991
Songs:
Don’t Talk Now Something’s Wrong Knocking ‘Round the Zoo Sunshine Sunshine
Taking It In
Something In the Way She Moves Carolina In My Mind
Brighten Your Night With My Day Night Owl
Rainy Day Man Circle Round the Sun
The Blues Is Just a Bad Dream
Sweet Baby James 1970 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Sweet Baby James Lo and Behold Sunny Skies Steamroller Country Road Oh, Susannah Fire and Rain Blossom
Anywhere Like Heaven
Oh Baby, Don’t You Loose Your Lip On Me Suite For 20G
Mud Slide Slim And the Blue Horizon
1971 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Love Has Brought Me Around You’ve Got A Friend
Places In My Past Riding On A Railroad Soldiers
Mud Slide Slim
Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On The Jukebox You Can Close Your Eyes
Machine Gun Kelly Long Ago and Far Away Let Me Ride
Highway Song
Isn’t It Nice To Be Home Again
One Man Dog 1972 – Warner Bros. Songs:
One Man Parade Nobody But You Chili Dog
Fool For You Instrumental I New Tune
Back On the Street Again
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Woh, Don’t You Know
One Morning In May Instrumental II Someone
Hymn Fanfare Little David Mescalito Dance
Jig
Walking Man
1974 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Walking Man
Rock ‘n’ Roll Is Music Now Let It All Fall Down
Me and My Guitar Daddy’s Baby Ain’t No Song Hello, Old Friend Migration
The Promised Land Fading Away
Gorilla
1975 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Mexico Music
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Wandering
Gorilla
You Make It Easy
I Was a Fool To Care Lighthouse
Angry Blues Love Songs Sarah Maria
In the Pocket
1976 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Shower the People A Junkie’s Lament Money Machine Slow Burning Love
Everybody Has the Blues Daddy’s All Gone Woman’s Gotta Have It
Captain Jim’s Drunken Dream
Don’t Be Sad ‘Cause Your Sun Is Down Nothing Like a Hundred Miles
Family Man Golden Moments
Greatest Hits
1976 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Something In the Way She Moves (re-recording)
Fire and Rain
Carolina In My Mind (re-recording) Country Road
You’ve Got A Friend Shower the People Mexico
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Sweet Baby James
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Walking Man
Steamroller (live version)
JT
1977 – CBS
Songs:
Your Smiling Face There We Are
Honey Don’t Leave L.A. Another Grey Morning Bartender’s Blues
Secret O’ Life Handy Man
I Was Only Telling A Lie Looking For Love On Broadway Terra Nova
Traffic Jam
If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight
Flag
1979 – CBS
Songs:
Company Man Johnnie Comes Back Day Tripper
I Will Not Lie For You Brother Trucker
Is That the Way You Look?
B. S. U. R.
Rainy Day Man Millworker
Up On the Roof Chanson Francaise Sleep Come Free Me
Dad Loves His Work
1981 – CBS
Songs:
Hard Times Her Town Too
Hour That the Morning Comes I Will Follow
Believe It Or Not Stand And Fight Only For Me Summer’s Here Sugar Trade London Town
That Lonesome Road
That’s Why I’m Here
1985 – CBS
Songs:
That’s Why I’m Here Song For You Far Away Only A Dream In Rio Turn Away
Going Around One More Time My Romance
Everyday Limousine Driver Only One
Mona
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance That’s Why I’m Here (reprise)
Never Die Young
1988 – CBS
Songs:
Never Die Young T-Bone
Baby Boom Baby Runaway Boy Valentine’s Day Sun On the Moon Sweet Potato Pie
Home By Another Way Letter In the Mail
First Of May
New Moon Shine 1991 – Columbia Songs:
Copperline
Down In the Hole
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Shed a Little Light
The Frozen Man Slap Leather
Like Everyone She Knows One More Go Round
Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha Native Son
Oh Brother
The Water Is Wide
(LIVE)
1993 – Columbia
Songs: (all new live versions recorded in concert)
Disc 1:
Sweet Baby James Traffic Jam Handy Man
Your Smiling Face Secret O’ Life Shed a Little Light
Everybody Has the Blues Steamroller
Mexico Millworker Country Road Fire and Rain
Shower the People
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) New Hymn
Disc 2:
Walking Man
Riding On A Railroad
Something In the Way She Moves Sun On the Moon
Up On the Roof
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight She Thinks I Still Care Copperline
Slap Leather Only One
You Make It Easy Carolina In My Mind I Will Follow
You’ve Got A Friend That Lonesome Road
(Best LIVE)
1994 – Columbia
A single-album version of the 1993 (LIVE) double album. Songs:
Country Road
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Fire and Rain
Handy Man
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Mexico
Shed a Little Light Shower the People Steamroller
Sweet Baby James Walking Man Your Smiling Face
Hourglass
1997 – Columbia / Sony
CD-Extra containing interviews, photos, and videos Songs:
Line ‘Em Up
Enough To Be On Your Way Little More Time With You Gaia
Ananas
Jump Up Behind Me Another Day
Up Er Mei
Up From Your Life Yellow And Rose Boatman
Walking My Baby Back Home Hangnail (hidden track)
Greatest Hits Volume 2
2000 – Sony Songs:
Secret O’ Life Handy Man
Your Smiling Face Up On the Roof Her Town Too
That’s Why I’m Here Only A Dream In Rio Everyday
Song For You Far Away Never Die Young
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Shed a Little Light
Copperline Another Day
Little More Time With You Enough To Be On Your Way
October Road
Aug. 13, 2002 (North America) / Aug. 12 (Europe) – Sony Also sold in a limited edition 2-CD version with 3 bonus tracks Songs:
September Grass October Road
On the Fourth of July Whenever You’re Ready Belfast To Boston (God’s Rifle) Mean Old Man
My Traveling Star Raised Up Family Carry Me On My Way Caroline I See You Baby Buffalo
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Second Disc on Limited Edition:
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (From Michael Brecker’s “The Nearness of You”)
Benjamin (From “Appalachian Journey”)
Sailing To Philadelphia (From Mark Knopfler’s “Sailing To Philadelphia”)
Plus video footage viewable on a computer (U.S. versions only).
The Best of James Taylor April 8, 2003 – Warner Bros. Songs:
Something In the Way She Moves Sweet Baby James
Fire and Rain Country Road You’ve Got A Friend
You Can Close Your Eyes Long Ago and Far Away
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Walking Man
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Mexico
Shower the People Golden Moments Steamroller (Live) Carolina In My Mind Handy Man
Your Smiling Face Up On the Roof Only A Dream In Rio Bittersweet
James Taylor: A Christmas Album November 1, 2004 – Hallmark Songs:
Winter Wonderland
Go Tell It On The Mountain In The Bleak Midwinter Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Jingle Bells
The Christmas Song Deck The Halls
Some Children See Him Who Comes This Night Auld Lang Syne
SINGLES
Carolina In My Mind / Taking It In (3/69) Something’s Wrong (7/69)
Sweet Baby James / Suite For 20-G (4/70) Fire and Rain / Anywhere Like Heaven (8/70)
Carolina In My Mind / Something’s Wrong (11/70) Country Road / Sunny Skies (1/71)
You’ve Got A Friend / You Can Close Your Eyes (5/71) Long Ago and Far Away / Let Me Ride (9/71)
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (10/72) One Man Parade / Hymn (2/73)
Hymn / Fanfare (3/73)
Mockingbird (duet with Carly Simon – 1974) Daddy’s Baby / Let It All Fall Down (7/74) Walkin’ Man / Daddy’s Baby (8/74)
How Sweet It Is / Sarah Maria (5/75) Mexico / Gorilla (8/75)
Shower the People / I Can Dream of You [by Liv Taylor] (5/76) You Make It Easy / Woman’s Got To Have It (10/76)
Handy Man / Bartender’s Blues (6/77)
Your Smiling Face / If I Keep My Heart Our of Sight (9/77) Honey Don’t Leave L.A. (1/78)
Up On the Roof / Chanson Francaise (5/79) Her Town Too / Believe It Or Not (2/81) Hard Times / Summer’s Here (5/81) Everyday / Limousine Driver (10/85)
WORK ON OTHER ALBUMS
Reflections 1 – JT performs “Wild Mountain Thyme” on this collection of performances from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ – JT performs “How’s the World Treating You” with Alison Krauss on this tribute to the Louvin Brothers.
Peace For Ireland – JT’s “Belfast To Boston” is included on this CD benefiting Project Children.
Songs From the Street – JT’s “Jelly Man Kelly” is included on this 3-CD Sesame Street box set.
Lookout For Hope – JT performs on “The Suit” for this Jerry Douglas album.
The Concert For New York – JT performs “Up On the Roof” and “Fire And Rain” for this all-star benefit concert.
Working – The original 1978 Broadway cast recording of this short- lived Studs Terkel/Stephen Schwartz musical includes three compositions by JT: “Millwork” (later called “Millworker” when JT recorded it for his “Flag” album), “Brother Trucker,” and “Un Mejor Dia Vendra,” a Spanish song for which JT composed the music.
Nearness of You: The Ballad Book – JT performs on two tracks (the title track and JT’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”) for this Michael Brecker album of jazz ballads.
Whole New You – JT performs on the track “Boneyards” on this Shawn Colvin album.
FM Soundtrack – Includes JT’s “Your Smiling Face.”
Sailing To Philadelphia – Includes JT’s duet with Knopfler on the title track.
VH1 Storytellers – JT performs a live version of “Mexico” on this collection of performances from the VH1 “Storytellers” series.
Dial-M-A-C-E-O – JT performs on the song “My Baby Loves You” on this album by jazz musician Maceo Parker.
Appalachian Journey – JT performs on the song “Hard Times Come Again No More” on this album from Yo-Yo Ma, Mark O’Connor, and Edgar Meyer.
Songs From the Heart – JT’s “Jump Up Behind Me” is included on this CD of songs from various artists.
E-Town Live – JT performs a live version of “Copperline.”
Get Closer – Includes a duet with Linda Ronstadt on “I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine.” JT also appears on “Straighten Up And Fly Right” from her album “For Sentimental Reasons.”
For Our Children – a re-release of the classic benefit album for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. It’s a great collection of kids’ songs and includes JT performing “Getting To Know You.” Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Carole King, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and many others big names also contribute their renditions of children’s songs.
Brand New Day – JT performs on the song “Fill Her Up” on this 1999 Sting album.
Sony Music 100 Years: Soundtrack For a Century – JT’s “Your Smiling Face” is included on this 2-disc Sony retrospective.
Saturday Night Live: The Musical Performances (Vol. 1) – includes JT’s November 1993 performance of “Secret O’ Life.” Other artists on the CD include Paul Simon, Sting, Eric Clapton, Jewel, Elvis Costello, and nine others.
The Best Of Karla Bonoff: All My Life – A collection of re- mastered songs includes JT’s voice and guitar with Bonoff on
“The Water Is Wide.”
Sing America – A collection of patriotic songs that includes JT’s rendition of “Oh Susannah.”
MOM III: Music For Our Mother Ocean – JT’s “Gaia” is included on this Surfrider Foundation benefit CD. It also includes songs by Pearl Jam, Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and 12 other artists.
Harvest Moon – JT sings backup for three songs on this Neil Young’s album: “From Hank to Hendrix,” “War of Man,” and “One of These Days.” He also plays and sings backup on two songs from the “Harvest” album, along with playing banjo on “Old Man” from that album.
Chippin’ Away – JT sings backup for Crosby, Stills and Nash on their 1990 single.
Wind On the Water – JT sings on the title track of David Crosby and Graham Nash’s album of the same name. JT also plays guitar on the song “Carry Me.”
Innocent Eyes – JT sings backup on “Sad Eyes” from this Graham Nash album.
Oh Yes I Can – JT sings backup David Crosby’s album of the same name.
Tapestry – The 1999 re-release of Carole King’s highly-rated collection includes some JT guest appearances plus new liner notes penned by JT. JT also appears on King’s “A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976” and “Carnegie Hall Concert” albums.
Music – JT joins Carole King for a duet of “Song of Long Ago” on her “Music” album. JT also plays guitar and does background vocals on her “Writer,” “Tapestry,” “Music,” and “Thoroughbred” albums.
The Ode Years – JT joins Carole king for a duet of “You’ve Got a Friend” on this 1994 collection.
Aida – JT performs “How I Know You” on this all-star album of songs from the Disney stage musical “Elaborate Lives: The Legend of Aida.” Other artists on the album include Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, Sting, Spice Girls, Boys II Men, Shania Twain, Lenny Kravitz, and Tina Turner.
The Prayer Cycle – JT performs on this chorale recording of spiritual songs with Alanis Morissette, Linda Ronstadt, and others.
Stories – JT sings on “Love Divine” for this Maura O’Connell album.
It’s A Slippery Slope – JT produced this spoken word recording by Spalding Gray.
Liberty! – JT performs “Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier” with Mark O’Connor on O’Connor’s soundtrack for the PBS documentary “Liberty: The American Revolution.” Enhanced CD with video footage and photos.
No Nukes – From the history 1979 shows. Features the top names of 70s rock including JT, Carly Simon, Graham Nash, The Doobie Brothers, John Hall, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and others.
The Best of the Columbia Records Radio Hour Vol. 2 JT performs a live version of “(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That” on this compilation of live performances from many artists.
Dans Ma Chair – JT sings a duet of his song “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” with French singer Patricia Kaas.
Eat the Phikis – JT performs on “First Me, Second Me” for this album by Italian band Elio E Le Storie Tese.
A League of Their Own soundtrack – JT sings “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.”
Stay Awake: Interpretations of Vintage Disney Films – JT performs “Second Star To the Right” on this all-star collection of Disney songs.
In Harmony – Includes JT singing “Jelly Man Kelly” plus Livingston Taylor, Kate Taylor, and Carly Simon.
In Harmony II – Includes JT’s “Sunny Skies.”
A Child’s Celebration of Song – Another collection of songs containing JT’s “Jelly Man Kelly”
For Our Children, Too – Volume two of the benefit album for the Pediatric AIDS foundation includes JT and Carly Simon performing “Mockingbird.” Volume one contains JT’s version of “Getting To Know You.”
Faust – JT stars as “God” in this all-star cast album composed by Randy Newman.
Tonin’ – JT performs “Dream Lover” on this Manhattan Transfer album.
Angelus – JT performs a duet version of “Only A Dream In Rio” on this album by Brazilian artist Milton Nascimento.
Carnival – 1997 Rainforest Benefit Concert compilation includes JT singing “I Bought Me a Cat.” Also includes Sting, Elton John, and many others.
Marc Cohn – JT sings a duet of “Perfect Love” on this self-titled Marc Cohn album.
Restless Nights – JT sings a duet of “The Water Is Wide” on this Karla Bonoff album.
Rare On Air Vol. 3 – Los Angeles radio station KCRW’s compilation of live shows includes an in-studio performance of “Secret O’ Life” with Don Grolnick.
Up ‘Til Now – JT sings a duet of “Crying In the Rain” on this Art Garfunkel album.
Watermark – JT sings “What A Wonderful World” with Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon.
Hotcakes – Duet with then-wife Carly Simon on the song “Mockingbird” and also on her Greatest Hits album. A live version appears on the 1979 “No Nukes” album.
Banana Wind – JT sings backup on the track “False Echoes” from this Jimmy Buffett album. He also performs on “L’Air de la Louisiane” from Buffett’s “Hot Water” album.
No Secrets – JT sings backup for Carly Simon on “Waited So Long.” He also sings a duet of “Devoted To You” on her “Boys In the Trees” album and sings backup on Carly’s “Spy,” “Come Upstairs,” “Hotcakes,” and “Playing Possum” albums.
Hideaway – JT performs on “Carly’s Song” for this David Sanborn album.
Power – JT and Carly Simon perform on the title track for this John Hall album.
Love’s Gonna Get Ya – JT sings a duet of the Christmas-themed “New Star Shining” on this Ricky Skaggs album.
Bill LaBounty – JT sings backup on the tracks “Didn’t Want to Say Goodbye” and “Never Gonna Look Back” from LaBounty’s self-titled 1982 album.
Missin’ Twenty Grand – JT sings backup on “Got To Find Love” on this David Lasley album.
Back In the High Life – JT sings backup on the title track for this Steve Winwood album.
Life Is Good – JT sings a duet of “City Lights” on brother Livingston’s 1988 album. He also sings backup with Carly Simon on Liv’s 1978 album “3-Way Mirror” and on “Lovin’ Be My New Horizon” from Liv’s “Over the Rainbow” album. He also appears on Liv’s “Echoes” album.
Voodoo In Me – JT sings a duet with brother Alex on the track “He Will Break Your Heart.”
Fork It Over – JT sings on the track “Bad Shoes” for this album by The Section.
Kate Taylor – JT performs on several songs from his sister Kate Taylor’s self-titled debut – most notably the track “It’s In His Kiss.” He also performs on her “Sister Kate” album.
Plays on “California” from Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album, “Blue.” Also does background vocals on “In France They Kiss On Main Street” from the “Hissing Of Summer Lawns” album. JT also performs on Mitchell’s albums “For the Roses,” “Dog Eat Dog,” and “Wild Things Run Fast.”
OTHER COMPOSITIONS
Wrote “Millworker,” “Brother Trucker,” and the music for “Un Mejor Dia Vendra” for the Broadway musical “Working” in 1978. “Millworker” and “Brother Trucker” were later recorded on JT’s album, “Flag.”
“Slow and Steady” recorded by Kate Taylor on her 1978 album “Kate Taylor”
“Vacation” on Livingston Taylor’s 1993 album “Our Turn To Dance” was co-written by Liv and JT.
“Benjamin” on David Sanborn’s 1977 album “Promise Me the Moon.” The instrumental was named for JT’s son.
“Cornbread & Buttermilk,” a very early JT-Livingston collaboration used by Liv in his mid-70s shows.
“Spy,” the title track from Carly Simon’s album, was written by JT. “Happy Birthday Sweet Darling” on Kate Taylor’s self-titled album.
CONCERT VIDEOS
James Taylor in Concert
1979 – Warner Bros. – Out of print
JT’s first video release. Recorded summer of 1979 at the Blossom Music Festival.
Not to be confused with the 1988 video of the same name.
Songs:
Blossom Millworker
Carolina In My Mind Handyman
Brother Trucker Secret O’ Life Your Smiling Face Up on the Roof Steamroller
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Long Ago And Far Away
I Will Not Lie For You Walking Man
Mexico
Honey Don’t Leave L.A. Sweet Baby James
How Sweet It Is Summertime Blues Fire and Rain
Ohne Filter Musik Pur (“Purely Music”) 1986 – Pioneer Laser Disc – 60 minutes
Recording of 1986 appearance on German television program.
Songs:
You Can Close Your Eyes Sweet Baby James Wandering
That’s Why I’m Here Only A Dream In Rio Handyman
Your Smiling Face Traffic Jam
Sea Cruise Everyday Only One Fire And Rain
How Sweet It Is
James Taylor In Concert
1988 – Sony/Columbia – VHS, 69 minutes
Recorded in March 1988 at the Boston Colonial Theater. Not to be confused with the 1979 video of the same name.
The complete set list was broadcast by PBS, but the video release cuts several songs.
Songs (from PBS broadcast): Something in the Way She Moves Fire and Rain
Song For You Far Away Your Smiling Face
Only One
Shower the People How Sweet It Is Up On the Roof Everyday
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Angry Blues
The Twist
Sweet Potato Pie Never Die Young Steamroller
Carolina In My Mind Sweet Baby James
Squibnocket
1993 – Sony/Columbia – VHS, 65 minutes Filmed in JT’s barn on Martha’s Vineyard.
Includes interviews and performances recorded during rehearsal for a live tour.
Version called “Going Home” shown on the Disney Channel in April 1992.
Songs:
Secret O’ Life Wandering Traffic Jam
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That You’ve Got A Friend
Fire And Rain Sun On the Moon Frozen Man
Shed a Little Light Copperline
Sweet Baby James Country Road Mexico
Your Smiling Face
You Can Close Your Eyes
James Taylor: Live At the Beacon Theatre
1998 – Sony/Columbia – VHS/DVD, 104 minutes Recorded at New York’s Beacon Theatre on May 30, 1998. Broadcast live on PBS television.
DVD includes interviews plus music videos for “Enough To Be On Your Way” and “Copperline.”
Songs:
You Can Close Your Eyes Another Day
Daddy’s All Gone Everyday
Wasn’t That a Mighty Storm
Only A Dream In Rio
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Your Smiling Face
Jump Up Behind Me Shower the People How Sweet It Is Fire And Rain
Me And My Guitar
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Handy Man
You’ve Got a Friend Mexico
Little More Time With You Line ‘Em Up
Up On the Roof Steamroller Belfast To Boston Wandering
Not Fade Away
Pull Over
2002 – Sony/Columbia – VHS/DVD, 104 minutes
Songs:
Everyday
That’s Why I’m Here Only One
Frozen Man
On The Fourth of July Whenever You’re Ready Raised Up Family Mexico
Steamroller
Carolina In My Mind Millworker
Sun On The Moon Junkie’s Lament Copperline
Shed A Little Light Fire And Rain You’ve Got A Friend Your Smiling Face
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Traffic Jam
Knock On Wood
You Can Close Your Eyes Sweet Baby James
James Taylor: You’ve Got A Friend (Bootleg)
2004 – Unknown Publisher – DVD, 82 minutes
A re-edit of the Beacon Theatre concert plus a final track performed by someone other than JT.
Songs:
Another Day Everyday
Wasn’t That A Mighty Storm Only A Dream In Rio
Your Smiling Face Jump Up Behind Me Shower the People
Don’t Let Me Be lonely Tonight Line ‘Em Up
Handy Man
Little More Time With You How Sweet It Is
Fire And Rain
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinking ‘Bout That You’ve Got A Friend
Mexico
Up On The Roof Not Fade Away
Dreamin’ A Dream (Not JT)
SINGLE-SONG MUSIC VIDEOS
Her Town Too Everyday
Only One
Only A Dream In Rio Never Die Young Baby Boom Baby Copperline
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Shed a Little Light
Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier (with Mark O’Connor) Little More Time With You
Enough To Be On Your Way
How’s The World Treating You (with Alison Krauss)
APPEARANCES IN OTHER VIDEOS
“No Nukes” – JT performs “Mockingbird” with Carly Simon, “Your Smiling Face,” “Stand And Fight,” and “Taking It To the Streets.” Studio version of “Stand And Fight” plays during closing credits.
“In Our Own Hands” – Footage of 1980 nuclear disarmament concert in New York’s Central Park. JT sings “You’ve Got A Friend.”
“Moscow Rock Festival” – JT performs “How Sweet It Is” and “You’ve Got A Friend.”
“Sing Yourself Silly” – Sesame Street Home Video – 1990 – JT performs “Jelly Man Kelly.”
“The Seventeenth Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival” – 1994 – VHS, 90 mins. JT performs “Shower the People,” “Sweet Baby James,” and “Old Blue.” Other artists appearing include: Strength in Numbers, Sam Bush, Shawn Colvin, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Mark O’Connor, David Wilcox, Jerry Douglas, Jonathan Edwards, Edgar Meyer, Peter Rowan, The Subdudes, Tom O’Brien, Harvey Reid, and The Left Hand String Band.
“The Concert For New York City” – 2002 – VHS and DVD – JT performs “Up On the Roof” and “Fire And Rain” for this all- star benefit.
“Art Garfunkel: Across America” – 2000 – VHS and DVD – JT makes an appearance on this Garfunkel video.
“Appalachian Journey” – VHS and DVD.
“Working” – VHS and DVD – JT plays the role of the truck driver in this PBS television production from 1982.
“Crossroads Guitar Festival” – 2004 – DVD – JT performs
“Something in the Way She Moves,” “Copperline,” “October Road,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Steamroller,” and “Sweet Baby James.”
MISCELLANEOUS WORK
Musical Director for 1985 Film “Smooth Talk” with Laura Dern and Treat Williams. JT’s friends George Massenburg and Russ Kunkel also worked on the film.
Produced “Boneyard” album for John Sheldon and Blue Streak.
Also sang a duet with Sheldon on the song “Little Things.”
NON-U.S. ALBUMS
Listen With James
2000 – Dressed To Kill Records
Combination of tracks from the Flying Machine album along with more modern recordings.
Songs:
Everyday The Letter
You’re The One I Love Rainy Day Man
Knocking ‘Round The Zoo Something’s Wrong
Night Owl
Brighten Your Night With My Day Kootch’s Song
Classic Songs
1987 – CBS/WEA Germany – Pastel colors with photo from “JT” album.
An Australian version has a concert photo instead.
Also distributed as “Taylor Made” (not to be confused with the bootleg of the same name) by Columbia Netherlands.
Songs:
Fire and Rain Mexico
You’ve Got a Friend
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Carolina In My Mind (alternate mix)
Something In the Way She Moves (alternate mix) Shower the People
Sweet Baby James That’s Why I’m Here Everyday
Up On the Roof Your Smiling Face Her Town Too
Handyman
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Only a Dream In Rio
Greatest Hits Vol. 2 2000 – Sony (Japan) Songs:
Same as the U.S. release except for a bonus track, “You Can Close Your Eyes,” from the “Live at the Beacon Theater” DVD.
Live In Rio
1985 – Columbia (Brasil) Two different cover designs
Relatively low recording quality Songs:
Long Ago and Far Away Carolina In My Mind Up on the Roof
You’ve Got A Friend Shower the People Fire And Rain Mexico
Walking Man
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Knock On Wood
How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You)
Star Box
Sony Japan
Includes extensive liner notes in English and Japanese Songs:
(Note: No new material) Your Smiling Face
Only One Copperline There We Are
Only A Dream In Rio Stand And Fight Down In the Hole Up On the Roof Summer’s Here Millworker
B. S. U. R.
Bartender’s Blues Handyman Never Die Young Hard Times Terra Nova Valentine’s Day
That’s Why I’m Here I Will Follow
That Lonesome Road
BOOTLEGS
Many of JT’s shows have been recorded and passed among collectors. The following list includes only those released pseudo- commercially but with questionable legality.
In Perfect Harmony
Recording of October 29, 1970 BBC radio performance with Joni Mitchell.
Also released on CD in 1991 by the Living Legend label under the name “Close Your Eyes.”
Songs:
(commentary by both Joni and JT throughout) That Song About the Midway (Joni) The Gallery (Joni)
Rainy Day Man (JT) Steamroller (JT)
The Priest Song (Joni) Carey (Joni)
Carolina In My Mind (JT) California (Joni)
For Free (lead by Joni)
The Circle Game (lead by Joni) You Can Close Your Eyes (Duet)
Isn’t It Nice To Be Home Again 1971 – Rubber Dubber Records Only available on vinyl.
Recorded live at the Anaheim, CA Convention Center on March 21, 1971. Similar recordings were distributed as “Live at the Anaheim Convention Center” and “Tailor Made.” See below.
Songs:
Album 1:
Sweet Baby James
I Feel Fine (Something In the Way She Moves) Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On the Jukebox
Sunny Skies Chili Dog
Riding On a Railroad
Conversation (JT speaking to audience) Places In My Past
You Can Close Your Eyes Soldiers
Carolina In My Mind Long Ago And Far Away
Album 2: Country Road Fire and Rain Sixteen Candles
Love Has Brought Me Around Woh, Don’t You Know Steamroller
Come On Brother, Get On Up and Help Me Find This Groove The Promised Land
Isn’t It Nice To Be Home Again
Tailor Made
A second double-album bootleg of the same 1971 performance used for “Isn’t It Nice To Be Home Again.”
Also includes four songs from a JT television appearance in the early ‘70s: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Oh Susannah” (duet with Johnny Cash), and “Sweet Baby James.”
Dad Lives His Work
Released June, 1994 by Great Dane (Italy)
Segments of a 1981 national radio broadcast from Atlanta. Original show was approximately 2 hours. CD is 77 minutes.
Songs:
How Sweet It Is Stand and Fight Up On the Roof
Fire and Rain Steamroller Daddy’s All Gone Her Town Too Mexico
Country Road Money Machine You’ve Got a Friend
Got Some Friends
Royal Sound Music (Germany) – 1994
Excerpts from summer 1994 show at Great Woods, Massachusetts.
78 minutes.
Songs:
Lo and Behold Mexico Promised Land
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Rainy Day Man
Frozen Man
Your Smiling Face Copperline
Carolina In My Mind Wandering
Memphis
Not Fade Away Never Die Young Up On the Roof You’ve Got a Friend Steamroller
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Sweet Baby James
Roses For Carole
Main Street (Italy)
Recording of JT’s 1970 show at the Berkeley Community Theatre.
Songs:
For Free
Carolina In My Mind Okie From Muskogee Sweet Baby James Circle Round the Sun Greensleeves Blossom
Up On the Roof (lead by Carole King) Country Road
Night Owl
Brighten Your Night With My Day Long Ago and Far Away
Riding On a Railroad Highway Song
Fire and Rain
You Can Close Your Eyes
Steamroller
1985 – Platinum (Germany)
A bad reshuffling of “Sweet Baby James” songs with poor recording quality and no new material.
You’ve Got a Friend
M Records Ltd. (Germany) – 1992
Strange remix of old material with a drum machine. Songs:
Something In The Way She Moves
Carolina In My Mind Fire and Rain
Sweet Baby James Country Road You’ve Got a Friend
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Walking Man
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Mexico
Shower The People Letter In the Mail Everyday Steamroller (Live)
Not Fade Away
1995 – Japanese double-CD bootleg of a March 15, 1995 Tokyo show.
Songs:
Disc One: Sweet Baby James Secret O’ Life Mexico
The Promised Land Copperline
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Never Die Young
Frozen Man Handy Man
Your Smiling Face Shower the People Country Road Riding On a Railroad
Something In the Way She Moves
Disc Two: Carolina In My Mind Not Fade Away
Up On the Roof You’ve Got a Friend
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Fire And Rain
Steamroller
You Can Close Your Eyes
Bonus tracks from Tokyo show:
Not Fade Away Up On the Roof
You’ve Got a Friend Only One
Homeless Children’s Medical Benefit Concert
Yellow Cat – Vinyl only
Appearances by JT plus Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and others.
JT sings “Looking For Love On Broadway” and “Carolina In My Mind.”
Carnegie Hall
1996 – KTS (Italy)
Recorded live in New York in May 1974. Songs:
You Can Close Your Eyes
Riding On a Railroad Blossom
Long Ago and Far Away Country Road
You’ve Got a Friend Promised Land
Let It All Fall Down
Brighten Your Night With My Day Walking Man
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Fire And Rain
Mockingbird (duet with Carly Simon) Ain’t No Song
Sweet Baby James
Storytellers
Gleaned from the first the first of two “Storytellers” episodes aired
on the VH1 cable TV network, plus tracks from a 1986 show in Brazil.
Live At the Beacon Theatre
A straight copy of the digital audio from the legitimate DVD release.
CONCERTS ON TELEVISION
“James Taylor Sings James Taylor” 1970 U.K. television appearance Songs:
With a Little Help From My Friends’ Fire And Rain
Rainy Day Man Steamroller
Greensleeves (guitar solo) Tuberose Snuff Commercial Carolina In My Mind
Long Ago And Far Away Riding On a Railroad
You Can Close Your Eyes
“In Concert”
1971 – BBC series – 40 minutes
JT appears with Carole King, Danny Kortchmar, Lee Sklar, and Russ Kunkel.
Performs songs from “Sweet Baby James” and “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon.”
“Loudon & Co.”
1994 air date of a 1993 performance – BBC
Recorded at “The Old Fruit Market” in Glasgow, Scotland. JT performs for approximately 30 minutes.
Songs:
Sweet Baby James Country Road Fire and Rain
You Can Close Your Eyes (with Iris Dement) You’ve Got a Friend
“Evening at Pops”
1993 – PBS
With the Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by John Williams Songs:
Secret O’ Life Carolina In My Mind The Water Is Wide
The Way You Look Tonight Copperline
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Steamroller
“Going Home”
1992 – Disney Channel
Distributed on video as “Squibnocket.”
“The Road”
1997 – CBS
Songs:
Sun On the Moon Country Road Frozen Man
“Live By Request”
June 25, 1997 – A&E
Songs:
Something in the Way She Moves Your Smiling Face
Walking Man Copperline
Jump Up Behind Me Shower the People Secret O’ Life
Little More Time With You
Frozen Man Carolina In My Mind You’ve Got a Friend Shed a Little Light Fire and Rain
Sweet Baby James Ananas
“VH1 Storytellers” (aired as two episodes) June 1, 1997 and April 26, 1998
Songs:
Episode 1:
Fire And Rain Carolina In My Mind Sweet Baby James Jump Up Behind Me Mexico
Mona
Enough To Be On Your Way Little More Time With You Steamroller
Episode 2:
Copperline Frozen Man
Riding On A Railroad Hangnail
Fire And Rain Another Day Line ‘Em Up Valentine’s Day Mud Slide Slim
“VH1 Honors”
1997
Songs:
Shower the People (with Shawn Colvin) Another Day
Back In the High Life (with Steve Winwood)
“Live at the Beacon Theatre”
May 30, 1998 – PBS
Concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City is broadcast live on U.S. public television stations and later released on video as “James Taylor: Live at the Beacon Theatre.” See the Concert Videos section.
“Crossroads”
October 18, 2002 – CMT
Joint performance with the Dixie Chicks Songs:
Some Days You Gotta Dance Sweet Baby James
Wide Open Spaces October Road
A Home
Shower the People Carolina In My Mind Ready to Run
You Can Close Your Eyes
RADIO APPEARANCES
1970 – Performs with Joni Mitchell on BBC radio show. Show was recorded at Royal Albert hall on October 29.
May 12, 1980 – Performs at a nuclear disarmament rally in Central Park, New York City. Broadcast nationally and released on video as “In Our Own Hands.”
1981 – Performs for a live national radio broadcast from the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
Circa 1988 – Appears on the syndicated show “Timothy White’s Rock Stars.”
1992 – Syndicated interview with Leeza Gibbons
1994 – Performs “Old Paint” and “Secret O’ Life” on Los Angeles station KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”
May 22, 1997 – Performs “Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Woodstock,” and “Little More Time With You.” on the Howard Stern show.
MAJOR LIVE PERFORMANCES
1979 – MUSE/No Nukes concerts – Five shows from Sept. 19-23. Highlights of the shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden were released on a triple album (vinyl) and documentary film, both titled “No Nukes.” The show was organized by Musicians United for Safe Energy, which was a founded by JT, Carly Simon, John Hall and Bonnie Raitt. Now also available on video and as a double CD.
1985 – Rock in Rio concert. Recorded for “Live in Rio” album. 1985 – Moscow Rock Festival. Excerpts shown on Showtime cable
network.
April 12, 1995 – Rainforest Action Network benefit, Carnegie Hall, NYC. JT performs “Sweet Baby James,” duets with Bruce Springsteen on “The River,” provides backup vocals to Sting’s “Fields of Gold,” duets with Sting on Jobim’s “Obsession,” and performs “It’s A Wonderful Day” with Sting and Elton John.
JT’s band provides backup for all the musicians, including Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Jesse Norman, and others.
TV APPEARANCES
“60 Minutes II” (CBS)
December 12, 2000 – JT is featured.
August 21, 2002 – Charlie Rose interviews JT.
“An All Star Tribute To Joni Mitchell”
April 16, 2000 – JT performs Mitchell’s “River” and joins in on other songs.
“American Bandstand”
March 7, 1981 – JT and J.D. Souther perform “Her Town Too.”
“American Music Awards”
January 9, 2002 – JT is part of a tribute to Garth Brooks
“Appalachian Journey: Live In Concert” (PBS) August 2000 – JT makes a guest appearance.
“Beat-Club” (Germany)
October 28, 1972 – JT performs “Come On Brother, Get On Up and Help Me Find This Groove.”
“CBS This Morning”
October 1993 – JT performs “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” May 23, 1997 – JT performs.
January 24, 1999 – Charles Osgood interviews JT July 23, 2000 – JT appears.
“A Centennial Toast To Symphony Hall”
January 2, 2002 – JT appears.
“Charlie Rose” (PBS)
October 14, 2002 – JT is interviewed.
“The Concert For New York”
October 20, 2001 – JT performs “Up On the Roof” and “Fire And Rain” for this all-star benefit concert following the September 11 attacks.
“The Early Show” (CBS) August 20, 2002 – JT appears.
“Good Morning America”
September 30, 1997 – JT performs “Line ‘Em Up.”
“Grammy Awards”
February 23, 2003 – JT performs and is nominated for two songs from “October Road.”
“The Johnny Cash Show”
1971 – JT performs “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Oh, Susannah,” (with Cash) and “Sweet Baby James.”
“Kennedy Center Honors”
December 27, 2002 – JT performs “The Boxer” with Alison Krauss as part of a tribute to Paul Simon.
“Last Call With Carson Daly”
October 9, 2002 – JT appears.
“Late Night” (NBC) and “The Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
September 24, 1986 – JT performs “Only a Dream In Rio” and is interviewed.
November 12, 1991 – JT performs “Copperline” backed by Mark O’Connor on violin.
September 24, 1993 – JT performs “Mexico” and is interviewed. June 16, 1997 – JT performs “Jump Up Behind Me.” November 25, 1997 – JT performs and is interviewed.
August 20, 2002 – JT performs.
“Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular”
July 4, 2002 – JT performs in front of Grant’s Tomb in New York City.
“The Mike Douglas Show”
June 11, 1970 – JT performs “Sweet Baby James” and “Blossom.”
“Days of a Sportsman” (Outdoor Life Network) June 26, 2000 – JT and his brother Hugh are featured.
“Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction” (VH1)
May 6, 1998 – JT inducts Crosby, Stills and Nash into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
May 29, 2000 – JT is inducted by Paul McCartney. Ceremony was on March 6, 2000.
“The Rosie O’Donnell Show”
May 21, 1997 – JT performs “Line ‘Em Up” and “Your Smiling Face.”
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
September 18, 1976 – Host: Lily Tomlin – JT performs “Shower the People,” “Road Runner,” and “Sweet Baby James.”
March 12, 1979 – Host: Michael Palin – JT performs “Up On the Roof,” “Johnnie Comes Back,” and “Millworker.” He also plays small role in a skit as a ship’s crewmember.
March 15, 1980 (100th episode special) – JT and Paul Simon perform “Cathy’s Clown,” “Sunny Skies,” and “Take Me To the Mardi Gras.”
January 23, 1988 – Host: Robin Williams – JT performs “Never Die Young,” “Sweet Potato Pie,” and “That Lonesome Road.”
December 14, 1991 – Host: Steve Martin – JT performs “(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ Bout That,” “Shed a Little Light,” and “Sweet Baby James.”
November 13, 1993 – Host: Rosie O’Donnell – JT performs “Memphis” (written by Chuck Berry, 1959), “Slap Leather, and “Secret O’ Life.” He also plays himself in a skit satirizing a Frank Sinatra duet compilation that had been recently released.
“Sesame Street” (PBS)
1979 – JT performs “Jelly Man Kelly.”
“The Simpsons” (FOX) February 24, 1994
Commentary on JT’s performance is included on “The Simpsons – The Complete Fifth Season” DVD box set.
JT appears as himself in an episode centering on Homer Simpson being chosen by NASA for a space mission. When disaster
strikes (thanks to Homer) JT is called in to calm the frantic crew by singing a couple songs for them over the radio. He starts with “You’ve Got A Friend” and later sings part of “Fire And Rain,” – at one point changing the lyrics to avoid saying “flying machines in pieces on the ground” since the rocket was expected to burn up on re-entry. Hilarious inside jokes are made in reference to JT’s home on Martha’s Vineyard and his friendship with Art Garfunkel. JT suggests a way to save the astronauts which results in Homer being sucked out of the spaceship. JT’s response when the NASA head honchos turn on him angrily is “Gotta go.” And he does.
“Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction”
November 19, 2002 – JT sings a duet of “You’ve Got a Friend” with inductee Carole King via satellite.
“Today” (NBC)
May 23, 1997 – JT performs “Carolina In My Mind” and “Little More Time With You.”
November 21, 2000 – JT performs.
May 25, 2001 – JT performs “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and is interviewed.
August 16, 2002 – JT performs “Houng Dog,” “Mexico,” and “Raised Up Family.”
December 16, 2002 – JT performs.
June 21, 2005 – JT performs “Shower the People,” “Summertime Blues,” and “Sweet Baby James.”
“The Tonight Show” (NBC)
November 12, 1985 – Host: Gary Shandling – JT performs “Only A Dream In Rio” and “Everyday.” No interview.
February 2, 1988 – Host: Johnny Carson – JT performs “Never Die Young” and “Sweet Potato Pie.” Interview.
October 2, 1991 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Copperline” and “Shed A Little Light.” Interview.
March 6, 1992 – Host: Johnny Carson – JT performs “(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ Bout That” and “Frozen Man.” Interview.
July 9, 1992 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha” and “Like Everyone She Knows.”
August 9, 1993 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Country Road” and “Secret O’ Life.” Interview.
May 16, 1994 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Sweet Baby James” and “Almost Like Being In Love” (from the musical “Brigadoon”). Brief interview.
May 19, 1997 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Little More Time With You.”
October 9, 2001 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs “Shed a Little Light.”
October 29, 2002 – Host: Jay Leno – JT performs.
“The View” (ABC)
August 13, 2002 – JT performs.
“The West Wing” (NBC)
December 1, 2004 – JT appears as himself and performs Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” His wife Carolyn has a cameo role in the audience of dignitaries.
ONLINE APPEARANCES
September 30, 1998 – JT chats at America Online. November 21, 2000 – JT chats at Yahoo.
BIOGRAPHIES
Fire And Rain: The James Taylor Story – Ian Halperin – Birch Lane Press – 1999
James Taylor: Long Ago And Far Away – Timothy White – Omnibus Press – 2001
MAJOR ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
Acoustic Guitar
July-August 1992 – “Shed a Little Light” article plus transcription of “Copperline.”
Billboard
May 3, 1997 – “Taylor Back in Action with ‘Hourglass’” November 6, 2000 – Brief interview about “Greatest Hits 2”
Boston Globe
November 26, 2001 – JT and his siblings are quoted in an article about their stays at McLean Hospital
Entertainment Weekly
December 7, 2001 – Feature article
Frets
December 1987 – Cover story plus transcription of “Song For You Far Away.”
Guitar Extra
Spring, 1992 – “James Taylor, Back To The Well”
Guitar Player
May 1984 – “The Instrumental Side of James Taylor”
Life
October 1985 – “Pop’s Rainy Day Man Is Singing a Sunnier Tune”
MOJO
September 1997 – “The Handyman’s Tale” – Lengthy Timothy White article that set the tone for Long Ago And Far Away, the JT biography he published in 2001.
Musician
April 1988 – “James Taylor Won’t Die Young – Old Wounds, New Bandages … James Taylor On the Mend.”
New York Times
April 8, 1981 – “Taylor: After the Turmoil and Wanderlust” February 3, 1988 – “The Pop Life”
May 18, 1997 – “A Troubadour From the 70’s in Search of Serenity”
New York Times Magazine
February 21, 1971 – “James Taylor, a New Troubadour.” December 1, 1971 – “James Taylor Survives Fame”
April 8, 1981 – “Taylor: After the Turmoil and Wanderlust”
Newsweek
November 4, 1985 – “Grown-up James, adult Joni” (JT and Joni Mitchell)
Orange Country Register
June 1994 – “James Taylor Identifies with Grunge Icon” – JT acknowledges similarities between his life and Kurt Cobain’s.
Parade
July 12, 1981 – “A Star For Today’s Children”
People
October 6, 1980 – “No nukers Carly Simon and James Taylor have a new cause: stopping fission at home”
August 24, 1981 – “The five singing Taylors find smooth sailing in their first family concert”
Rolling Stone
August 23, 1969 – “Newport 1969”
February 18, 1971 – “The First Family of the New Rock”
January 4, 1973 – “The Rolling Stone Interview: James Taylor and Carly Simon”
September 6, 1979 – “James Taylor (The Rolling Stone Interview)” July 10, 1980 – JT’s benefit concerts for the Anderson campaign June 11, 1981 – “ James Taylor: Portrait of a Walking Man” December 10, 1981 – “Fathers and Lovers” (cover story on Carly
Simon)
July 10, 1997 – “James Taylor Rolling Stone Q&A”
Saturday Review
September 12, 1970 – “James Taylor: Sunshine and…”
Stereo Review
January 1978 – “A Talk With James Taylor”
Sunday Times Magazine (London)
March 15, 1998 – “Relative Values” – Focuses on Ben Taylor and his relationship with JT
Time
March 1, 1971 – “James Taylor: One Man’s Family of Rock” October 23, 1985 – JT’s second marriage to Kathryn Walker
Wall Street Journal
November 26, 2001 – “This Holiday Standard’s Got a Friend – Dark ‘Merry Little Christmas’ Catches James Taylor’s Ear”
SHEET MUSIC AND MUSIC BOOKS
This list includes books that are still in print or commonly available via used book sources.
James Taylor – 1971 – Amsco Music Publishing Co. Covers “James Taylor” and “Sweet Baby James”
James Taylor Anthology – 1973
Covers “James Taylor,” “Sweet Baby James,” and “One Man Dog.”
James Taylor Complete
Covers “James Taylor” through “Gorilla”
James Taylor Complete: Volume 2
Covers “JT” through “That’s Why I’m Here”
James Taylor Complete: Volume 3
Covers “Never Die Young” through “Hourglass”
Greatest Hits Greatest Hits Vol. 2 Never Die Young James Taylor – Live Hourglass
October Road Greatest Hits Vol. 2
James Taylor: Classic Guitar Tab James Taylor: Best of Guitar Tab
Best of James Taylor: With Notes & Tablature
James Taylor Lyric Song Book New Best of James Taylor
New Best of James Taylor For Guitar
SAMPLE SET LISTS
1994 U.S. Summer Tour Lo and Behold Mexico
Promised Land (Chuck Berry) Handyman
Fool To Care
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That Rainy Day Man
Frozen Man
Sun on the Moon Your Smiling Face Shower the People Country Road Copperline
Carolina In My Mind Wandering
Memphis (Chuck Berry) Every Day (Buddy Holly)
Not Fade Away (Buddy Holly) Never Die Young
Johnnie Comes Back Up on the Roof You’ve Got A Friend Steamroller
How Sweet It Is Fire And Rain Summertime Blues Shed A Little Light Sweet Baby James
1994-1995 U.S. Symphonic Tour Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight Getting to Know You
That’s Why I’m Here The Water Is Wide Your Smiling Face
Someday
Only a Dream In Rio Shed a Little Light Fire and Rain
Secret O’ Life Mexico
Enough To Be On Your Way Promised Land
Slap Leather Fascinating Rhythm Carolina In My Mind Millworker
Wasn’t That a Mighty Storm Not Fade Away
Frozen Man
Up On the Roof Steamroller
Looking Through the Eyes of Love How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) You Can Close Your Eyes
Sweet Baby James
1997 U.S. Summer Tour
Something In the Way She Moves Another Day
Daddy’s All Gone Everyday
Never Die Young Frozen Man Carolina In My Mind Ananas
Gaia
Little More Time With You Copperline
Shower the People You’ve Got a Friend Twelve Gates To the City Me And My Guitar
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin ‘Bout That Line ‘Em Up
Jump Up Behind Me Fire and Rain Millworker
Mexico
Up On the Roof Sun On the Moon Steamroller
Your Smiling Face
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Up From Your Life
2003 U.S. Summer Tour
First Of May
Something In the Way She Moves Copperline
October Road Shower the People Raised Up Family Mean Old Man Bittersweet
(I’ve Got To) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That You’ve Got a Friend
Shed a Little Light Jump Up Behind Me My Traveling Star Whenever You’re Ready Mescalito
Steamroller
Carolina In My Mind Up On the Roof Fire And Rain
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Mexico
Your Smiling Face
In the Midnight Hour Sweet Baby James
RELATED ARTIST DISCOGRAPHIES
JT’S FAMILY
Alex Taylor (1947-1993)
1971 – “With Friends and Neighbors” 1972 – “Dinnertime” – Capricorn 1974 – “Third For Music” – Dunhill
1981 – “Dancing With the Devil” – Wild Dog Blues 1989 – “Voodoo In Me” – King Snake Records
Livingston Taylor (born 1951)
Faculty member at Berklee College of Music in Boston 1970 – “Livingston Taylor” – Capricorn/Atco
1971 – “Liv” – Capricorn
1973 – “Over the Rainbow” – Capricorn
1978 – “3-Way Mirror – Epic – ( Contains original version of “Going ‘Round One More Time,” which JT later recorded on “That’s Why I’m Here.”)
1979 – “Echoes” (compilation of first 3 albums) – Capricorn 1980 – “Man’s Best Friend” – Epic
1988 – “Life Is Good” – Atco/Critique
1991 – “Our Turn to Dance” – Vanguard Records 1993 – “Good Friends” – Chesky
1994 – “Unsolicited Material” – Whistling Dog 1996 – “Bicycle” – Coconut Bay
1997 – “Ink” – Chesky
1998 – “Carolina Day – The Livingston Taylor Collection (1970- 1980)” – Razor and Tie
1999 – “Snapshot” – Whistling Dog
Kate Taylor (born 1949)
1971 – “Sister Kate” – Atco/Atlantic 1978 – “Kate Taylor” – Columbia
1979 – “It’s In There … And It’s Got To Come Out” – Columbia 1999 – “Auld Lang Syne” – Front Door (single track with JT) 2002 – “Beautiful Road” – Front Door
Hugh Taylor (born 1952)
Owns an inn on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts called The Outermost Inn.
1990 – “It’s Up To You” – Village Green (featuring all the Taylor siblings)
Ben Taylor (born 1977)
1994 – “Time Works On All the Wild Young Men” on mom Carly’s album “Letters Never Sent.”
1995 – “I Will” (Beatles hit) on the “Bye Bye Love” movie soundtrack. Co-produced by dad JT.
1998 – “Green Dragon, Name a Fox” – Work Group Records – Unreleased
2002 – “Famous Among the Barns” – Iris Records 2004 – “EP #1” – Iris Records
Sally Taylor (born 1974)
1998 – “Tomboy Bride” – Blue Elbow
1999 – “Anywhere But Here” Soundtrack – Co-wrote and performed the track “Amity” with mom Carly Simon.
2000 – “Apt. #6S” – Blue Elbow 2001 – “Shotgun” – Blue Elbow
Carly Simon
1971 – “Anticipation” – Elektra 1971 – “Carly Simon” – Elektra 1972 – “No Secrets” – Elektra 1974 – “Hotcakes” – Elektra
1975 – “Best of Carly Simon” – Elektra 1975 – “Playing Possum” – Elektra 1976 – “Another Passenger” – Elektra 1978 – “Boys In the Trees” – Elektra
1980 – “Come Upstairs” – Alex (import) 1981 – “Torch” – Warner Bros.
1983 – “Hello Big Man” – Warner Bros. 1985 – “Spoiled Girl” – Warner Bros.
1987 – “Coming Around Again” – Arista 1988 – “Greatest Hits Live” – Arista
1990 – “Have You Seen Me Lately?”- Arista 1990 – “My Romance” – Arista
1992 – “This Is My Life” Soundtrack – Reprise 1994 – “Letters Never Sent” – Arista
1995 – “Clouds In My Coffee 1965-95” – Arista 1997 – “Film Noir” – Arista
1999 – “The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does it Better” – Arista
1999 – “Anywhere But Here” Soundtrack – Co-wrote and performed the track “Amity” with daughter Sally Taylor.
2000 – “The Bedroom Tapes” – Arista
2002 – “Christmas Is Almost Here” – Rhino 2002 – “Anthology” – Rhino
2004 – “Reflections” – BMG
2005 – “Moonlight Serenade” – Sony
RECORDINGS BY JT ALUMNI
Rosemary Butler
Frequent backup singer
1983 – “Rose” – Capitol/EMI
Clifford Carter
Keyboardist
1994 – “Walkin’ Into the Sun” – Soul Coast
Valerie Carter
Frequent backup singer
1977 – “Just a Stone’s Throw Away” – Sony 1978 – “Wild Child” – Sony
1996 – “The Way It Is” – Ulg Records 1998 – “Find a River”
Larry Goldings
Keyboardist
1991 – “Intimacy of the Blues” – Verve – with Larry Goldings Trio
1992 – “Light Blue” – Minor Music – with Larry Goldings Trio 1994 – “Caminhos Cruzados” – Novus/BMG – with Larry
Goldings Trio
1995 – “Whatever It Takes” – Warner Bros. – with Larry Goldings Trio
1996 – “Big Stuff” – Warner Bros. – with Larry Goldings Trio 1997 – “Awareness” – Warner Bros.
1999 – “Moonbird” – Palmetto – with Larry Goldings Trio 2000 – “Voodoo Dogs” – Palmetto – with Voodoo Dogs 2001 – “As One” – Palmetto – with Larry Goldings Trio
Don Grolnick (Died in 1996) Produced two of JT’s albums
Played piano/keyboard and was the band’s musical director 1985 – “Hearts and Numbers” – Hip Pocket Records
1996 – “Medianoche” – Warner Bros.
Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar
JT’s friend since childhood
Member of bands The King Bees, The Flying Machine, The City, Jo Mama, The Section, Attitudes, and Slo Leak.
1968 – Now That Everything’s Been Said” – Ode – with The City 1970 – “Jo Mama” – Atlantic – with Jo Mama
1971 – “J Is For Jump” – Atlantic – with Jo Mama
1972 – “The Section” – Warner Bros. – with The Section 1973 – “Kootch” – Warner Bros.
1973 – “Forward Motion” – Warner Bros. – with The Section 1975 – “Attitudes” – Dark Horse – with Attitudes
1977 – “Fork It Over” – Capitol – with The Section 1977 – “Good News” – Dark Horse – with Attitudes 1980 – “Innuendo” – Asylum
1996 – “Slo Leak” – Pure – with Slo Leak
1999 – “When the Clock Strikes 12” – TVT – with Slo Leak
David Lasley
Frequent backup singer Member of the band Rosie
1976 – “Better Late Than Never” – RCA – with Rosie 1977 – “Last Dance” – RCA – with Rosie
1981 – “Demos” – Almo/Rondor 1982 – “Missin’ Twenty Grand” – EMI 1984 – “Raindance” – EMI
1990 – “Soldiers On the Moon” – Agenda 2000 – “Back To Blue-Eyed Soul”
2001 – “Expectations of Love” – Thursday Market 2005 – “Demos Vol. 2 – Take A Look” – Cool Sound
Kate Markowitz
Frequent backup singer
Has also performed as Kate Yanai
2003 – “Map of the World” – Compass Records
Arnold McCuller
Frequent backup singer
1990 – “Circa 1990” – What’s Good Records
1994 – “Exception To the Rule” – Coyote Records 1999 – “You Can’t Go Back” – What’s Good Records 2002 – “Back To Front” – What’s Good Records 2002 – “Live” – What’s Good Records
Andrea Zonn
Violinist and backup singer
2003 – “Love Goes On” – Compass Records
POINTERS
WHERE TO FIND JT’S ALBUMS
All of the U.S. albums are still in print. Most of the CDs, including the non-U.S. ones, are for sale at James Taylor Online:
http://www.james-taylor.com/shop/
Vinyl albums can be more difficult to find. Any store that carries old vinyl albums is likely to have at least a few JT LPs, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, try eBay. eBay is also a good place to find memorabilia and bootlegs:
Keep in mind that there are at least two other performers named James Taylor who are often mistakenly listed along with JT. Albums credited to James “JT” Taylor (formerly of Kool and the Gang) or the James Taylor Quartet (a jazz group) have nothing to do with The JT.
FAN MAIL
JT doesn’t have a public E-mail address.
You can send JT regular mail through his manager. Mail does get forwarded to him, but he generally does not reply:
James Taylor c/o Borman Entertainment 1250 6th Street, Suite 401 Santa Monica, CA 90401