Though he didn’t take his own advice as a young songwriter, legendary musician James Taylor advises those just starting out to pick an existing song they like and, without stealing it, use it as a template upon which to craft a new original tune. Listen to Taylor share stories from the beginning of his career on his new Audible audiobook memoir titled “Break Shot.” #Colbert #Comedy #JamesTaylor

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20 Replies to “James Taylor's Advice For Young Songwriters”

  1. Im a huge JT fan, never cared for Colbert due to his constant political material. Now I can add the fact he is a horrible interviewer to the reason why. Wow, horrible questions and just awkward all around. Way to completely screw that up

  2. What an artist. James Taylor is an excellent composer & lyricist, and one of the all around great finger-style guitarists.
    His music has greatly enriched my life.
    Thanks, James.
    Thanks, Stephen.

  3. Lineup for the Newport Folk Festival for Sunday, July 20, 1969 (alphabetically by first name):

    Bernice Johnson Reagon
    Happy and Artie Traum
    James Taylor
    Jean Ritchie
    Jerry Jeff Walker
    Jesse Fuller
    John Hartford
    Len Chandler
    Pete Seeger
    Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
    Son House
    Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
    The Pentangle
    Van Morrison

  4. James Taylor singing with Oscar the Grouch on the rooftop on Sesame Street is a must see. Instead of "Your smiling face" they reworked it in to "Your Grouchy Face". The lyrics, Oscar's eyebrows, the penny whistle guy – it is just pure gold.

  5. I've seen James Taylor in concert many times, in venues large and small. He's always been a total professional, giving excellent performances even in difficult cirumstances. At one point circa 1979 he subbed at a club in Boston for Carly Simon, his wife at the time. (She was sick–probably with stage fright.) He played a full set on his own and did a heroic job.

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