$1.99 | iTunes
Aired: 1/21/2009
James Taylor epitomizes the term "singer-songwriter", and in this rare, in-depth interview, he sheds light on the various influences that have shaped his music over the past 40 years or so. With a guitar readily at hand throughout the hour, Taylor shifts easily and engagingly from conversation to performance mode, playing some of his best-known songs ("Fire and Rain", "Sweet Baby James") and some of his favorites by other writers, including Carole King and George Jones. Elvis joins James in song a couple of times, to charming effect. The intimate conversation includes the very personal (Taylor's upbringing, family and occasional struggles with personal demons) and, naturally, the very musical (influences, collaborations and inspirations). Throughout it all, the pure, sweet James Taylor voice that has seduced music fans for four decades now remains a thing of beauty and comfort.