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THE JAMES TAYLOR STORY
Presented by Bob Harris
Tuesday 13 & 20 January 2004, 2030-2130
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Radio 2 explores the troubled life of James Taylor, as the star talks Bob Harris through heroin addiction, working for the Beatles, his Grammy wins and relationship with London.
This two part series includes contributions from some of the biggest stars in the world. As well as containing an exclusive new interview with James himself, perspectives are offered by:
Sting, his manager of 30 years, Peter Asher, Pat Metheny, Danny Kortchmar, Marti Pellow, Amy Winehouse, Tony Bramwell, Michael Brecker, Rickie Lee Jones, and his son, Ben.
Programme One: After growing up in a musical family, by 1968 Taylor had become addicted to heroin. In an attempt to overcome his addiction, he moved to London, where he submitted a demo tape to Peter Asher, former member of Peter and Gordon, then working for the Beatles' Apple Records label for whom he recorded his first album.
Taylor signed to Warner Bros. Records, moved to California, and, retaining Asher as his manager and producer, recorded his second album, Sweet Baby James. It was released in February 1970 and became a major success during the course of the year, spurred by the single "Fire and Rain," a song that reflected on his experiences in mental institutions.
Programme Two: How James Taylor brought himself back from obscurity to sit again on top of the music world, praised by a new generation of musicians and listened to by millions of new fans and earning himself 4 Grammys just for good measure.
Find out more from the links below.
With so many great songs to choose from, we thought we'd ask some Radio 2 presenters for their thoughts about James Taylor and which songs have a special meaning to them. This is what they said:
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Terry Wogan's favourite is the little known but much loved cover of 'Getting To Know You', from a Disney Album called 'For The Children'. Much dancing, rocking, waving of hands and general cavorting takes place in the studio whenever it's played! |
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Ken Bruce chooses 'Sweet Baby James' - 'because, like so many of his songs, it's a blend of happiness and sadness - and all this from a man who looks like an accountant and sings like an angel'. |
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Bob Harris, who did a 'Whistle Test' show with James Taylor and Carly Simon in Martha's Vineyard says that he's 'the gentleman of American songwriting'. |
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Johnnie Walker's favourite is 'Sweet Baby James', and he says of JT: 'Most people know how much he's been through in life and he's not lost his sensitivity or his understanding of human emotion. He has such humility, the way he talks to the audience and the way he carries a show - he's a beautifully gentle man.' |
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Sally Boazman says: 'To me, he's a brilliant modern day poet who puts wonderful words to equally wonderful music. His songs can be romantic, political, funny or raunchy. He really is something to everyone - and he's gorgeous!' |
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Producer of Wake Up To Wogan, Paul Walters selects 'Carolina In My Mind' as his favourite because it takes him back to his hippy days - yeh man! |
Essential Listening
Discover more about James Taylor's music with our handy guide to some of his greatest albums.
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Official Site
Featuring news, tour information and details about the latest album.
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Unofficial Site
A fan site with live chatroom, forum, articles and much more.
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BBC Artist Database
Featuring a detailed biography and discography.
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LINKS
BBC Ticket Unit
Get free tickets to forthcoming BBC Radio and TV programme recordings.
BBC Music website
Search the live music listings for details of gigs and concerts in your area.
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James Taylor
