Like most people my age, I’m a big fan of James Taylor.

My favourite is “Long Ago and Far Away“.

In 2020 he published an audio/music autobiography of his first 21 years:

Break Shot: My First 21 Years

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

In an era of many folk singer / songwriters, James got lucky when a friend gave a demo tape to Peter Asher, head for the Beatles‘ newly formed label Apple Records.

Paul McCartney and George Harrison liked his voice. Told Asher to sign him to the label.

James recorded his 1st album 1968 at Trident Studios, at the same time the Beatles were recording The White Album.

Though born into a privileged (dysfunctional) family, James struggled with depression and drug addiction.

The big breakthrough was 1970 with “Fire and Rain“.

“Fire and Rain” was inspired by the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr, a childhood friend, and James’ experiences with drug addiction and fame:

I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again

Carole King wrote You’ve Got a Friend” as a reaction to that line. It was his first #1 hit 1971.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch You’ve Got A Friend on YouTube.