July 1971 – a song popular in this month – You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor
Written and recorded by Carole King in 1971, this song became the biggest, and most well-known hit for then 23-year-old James Taylor, and his only #1 in America. It was the first single off of his third album.
Interesting facts about You’ve Got a Friend & James Taylor
According to Taylor, Carole King told him that this song was a response to his 1970 hit “Fire and Rain,” where Taylor sings, “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.” King’s musical response: “you’ve got a friend right here.”
Taylor’s version of this song won the 1971 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The song also won for Song of the Year, an award that goes to it’s writer, Carole King.
James Vernon Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His family moved to Chappel Hill, North Carolina in 1951. James’ older brother, Alex Taylor has a son named James Richmond Taylor. Alex sadly lost his life on March 12, 1993, James’ 45th birthday.
Garth Brooks is a big fan, and named his first child Taylor in honor of James.
Taylor has done very well with cover songs, recording popular versions of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You,” Jimmy Jones’ “Handy Man,” The Drifters “Up On The Roof” and Buddy Holly’s “Everyday.”
This information was provided by Songfacts.com
One of my all time faves! But I think I like the Carol King version the best 🙂
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Thanks Jodi, yes I do also like Carol’s version! 🙂
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Both Fire and Rain and You’ve Got a Friend, take me right back, to those teenage years. And because I’m a girl of a certain age, Carol King’s album Tapestry was our freedom album. We knew every song and played the album Constantly. Ahhhh….thank you for the good memories on this fabulous Sunday afternoon. 🙂 Alexis
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Thank you Alexis, yes I certainly liked the Tapestry album also. Glad you enjoyed the post and have some good memories of these songs. Thank you for stopping by today and a fabulous Sunday afternoon to you as well. 🙂
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I love this song Terry! Always great choices!
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Thank you Lynn, hope you are having fun with those grandbabies! 🙂
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Home now
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I have mixed feelings, Terry. I have heard this song so often that I think I don’t like it anymore. It’s a bit like Adele. Every time I hear her voice, I think I am being waterboarded!!!
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LOL, oh my goodness, I am sorry you were waterboarded today! I understand dear, I know of a few songs also that I feel that way. I will try never to waterboard you again! Hope your Sunday is filled with energy! 🙂
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Ha, ha, ha! I have stopped thinking about it now… 🙂
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🙂
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Love this song. Just what I need on a cold, wet Monday morning.
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Glad you enjoyed it Su. Hope your Monday is wonderful, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. 🙂
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Got some loaves of sourdough baking and the coffee machine is on, so my Monday isn’t looking too bad. Hope things are ok with you Terry.
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That sounds wonderful, I hope my Monday starts like that! Life is good with me today, thanks for asking Su – very nice of you! 🙂
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I’m glad to hear that 🙂
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I love this song – it’s one of my favorites 🙂
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So very glad you like it Molli! Thanks for reading and commenting – always appreciated! Happy day my friend! 🙂
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So interesting to learn the carol wote that song as a response to james.
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Yes, lots of interesting facts! Thanks Bernadette for stopping by today – hope all is well with you! 🙂
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Oh, this is so cool 🙂 I remember this. Hope you are having a great day 🙂
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Thanks Lynne, glad you enjoyed! My day is great so far, early here, hope all is well with you. 🙂
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“Fire and Rain” was written in response to his friend’s dying in a small plane crash. I really love the melancholy feel of that song. Have you seen” Beautiful”? The musical about Carol Kings\’s early years? It is very well done and filled with great music. of course.
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I have not seen ‘Beautiful’, but have heard many good things about it. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to see it. Appreciate you reading Clare, and hope all is well in your part of the world! 🙂
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I’m sure it will be playing somewhere on your travels. You’ll love it.
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And you do have a friend….kat
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Thanks kat, I truly appreciate you as my friend. 🙂
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I will give you a twirl tonight under the moon….but you will be fine….kat
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Thank you! 🙂
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I love James Taylor, especially when he sings with Carole King. I keep playing their live concert in Troubadour.
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They are both excellent artists! James is one of my favorites! Thanks for stopping by today, appreciate it very much! 🙂
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