He’s one of the great singer/songwriters of modern times, but there was a time when he wasn’t known at all!
Did you know that The Beatles gave Taylor his start?
They signed him to their Apple record label and released his first album, which included the song “Something In The Way She Moves”. Here are the opening lyrics:
There’s something in the way she moves Or looks my way, or calls my name That seems to leave this troubled world behind If I’m feeling down and blue Or troubled by some foolish game She always seems to make me change my mind
In this restored footage James performs his song “Something In The Way She Moves“ on the BBC2 series “Disco 2” on December 5, 1970.
And yes, some fun trivia: that first line was poached by George Harrison to use in his ballad “Something” for the “Abbey Road” album!
Of course, Clive over at “Take It Easy” has an in-depth look at this debut album – so go there now to see much more from James!
His co-star Dennis Wilson was, of course, the drummer of The Beach Boys, a band that included his brothers Carl and Brian….with Brian the last one left…here’s a look at the very last Beach Boys song ever, the hauntingly beautiful goodbye “Summer’s Gone”…but we visited the place where they shot this iconic album cover!
Check out Paradise Cover and enjoy this look back at some very young Beach Boys!
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What a great story! James Taylor was and is a favorite. When we moved to Groton in the early 80’s, we learned that James Taylor would come to Bull Run (an old, established restaurant in the next town over), once in a while and unannounced, and sing a few songs. We were never lucky enough to catch him there. Also, I’m not surprised the Beatles helped give him his start. They have done that before, and were always supporters of other singers. I once saw a Beatles poster of a show they did (I think in NYC), and on the bill were the Chiffons. Really!! My final thought (apologies for rambling) is what I heard on the news last night. There was the story of a rock group and a fan who had medical issues. The rock group came forward to help him. The take away for me was the statement, “Music is medicine.” I was blown away, and it’s so true. Best to you, John.
Two-Lane Blacktop was better than I expected it to be. I went to see it at the cinema because Warren Oates was in it, and I don’t thik he ever gave a bad performance in anything.
The only James Taylor record I ever bought was ‘Fire And Rain’, but I still like that song.
Best wishes, Pete.
You can't take the Scotland out of a girl... Reel entertainment reviews and more from that Darlin Husband’s Scottish, square-eyed and film-mad wife living in Finland.
I too love James Taylor. An incredible voice and is someone who has aged well.
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I love James Taylor’s songs. I think my favourite one is ‘Fire and Rain’. Didn’t know about the film he’d made. Thanks John.
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What a great story! James Taylor was and is a favorite. When we moved to Groton in the early 80’s, we learned that James Taylor would come to Bull Run (an old, established restaurant in the next town over), once in a while and unannounced, and sing a few songs. We were never lucky enough to catch him there. Also, I’m not surprised the Beatles helped give him his start. They have done that before, and were always supporters of other singers. I once saw a Beatles poster of a show they did (I think in NYC), and on the bill were the Chiffons. Really!! My final thought (apologies for rambling) is what I heard on the news last night. There was the story of a rock group and a fan who had medical issues. The rock group came forward to help him. The take away for me was the statement, “Music is medicine.” I was blown away, and it’s so true. Best to you, John.
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always really loved his voice, and I haven’t thought about that movie in many years
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Two-Lane Blacktop was better than I expected it to be. I went to see it at the cinema because Warren Oates was in it, and I don’t thik he ever gave a bad performance in anything.
The only James Taylor record I ever bought was ‘Fire And Rain’, but I still like that song.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That Director is a slow and moody filmmaker, so it’s a slow burn to be sure…thanks for commenting!
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Thanks for the mention, John. And also for the reminder of JT’s brief movie career!
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An excellent voice…..saw him in person at Branson….great talent chuq
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I saw him perform at The Hollywood Bowl with Carole King – what a night! Thanks for commenting, always great to hear from you!
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It is always a pleasure…..be well chuq
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