James Taylor

Tuesday, June 18, 2025

Here we are again. Another day when I am just so lucky to be me. I just walked over to the backyard next door and visited my friend. They were apparently filming a movie there, because the yard looked like the background of every movie ever shot with teens hanging out at the pool. It was awesome. Rob said there were kids inside watching a movie, making friendship bracelets. playing ping pong, playing video games, plus the bunch in the hot tub. It’s an all-inclusive resort!

We went to see James Taylor tonight. We had seats WAY up high, straight back from the stage. I loved it. It was so cool seeing everyone enjoying the show. We were far, but it looked so cool and we could see him on the monitors. I was nostalgic for the 60s some of the time – a bit of a change from being such a 50s fan. At least I was alive during the 60s! James (I assume I can call him James. One audience member shouted out, “I love you, James!” and he responded, “That’s nice to know.” If she can call him James, I can). He told us about all the songs, which I loved so much. He talked about recording his first album in the same studio at the same time that the Beatles were recording the White Album. They would have a long session, leave, and he would scuttle in, then stay as long as possible in hopes of running into them on their return. He said it was those recordings that opened up the door to the rest of his life.

His band was great. One of the back-up singers is his son, Henry, which is fun because image your dad is James Taylor, and you are touring with him is fun. His saxophone player is Lou Marini (Blood, Sweat and Tears, the SNL house band, and the Blues Brothers!! And he’s played with just about everybody). That was cool.

James sang You’ve Got a Friend. He said the second he heard it, he knew it was destined to be a hit. He was so excited to learn it and sing it that night. He said he had no idea he would be singing it every night for the rest of his life. 🙂 Apparently, Carol King wrote it in response to Fire and Rain: “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend”. That is probably a thing that people know, but I didn’t and I am happy I do now. When he got done singing it, he repeated “Carol King.” He paused a moment and said, “Well, I think we are supposed to have NO Kings,” and the arena EXPLODED. The audience was appreciative and excited the whole evening – it’s fun to be in a full house – but all that support was dwarfed by the wall of sound for NO Kings. Wow. And YAY.

I wore my new pink dress and felt lovely in it. I am never going to look in a mirror when I am wearing it. (I feel brilliant about that.) It was a wonderful concert and a wonderful evening. I am so aware, again, how lucky I am!