'The responsibility to reach out'

 

“I believe musicians have a duty, a responsibility to reach out, to share your love or pain with others.”  – James Taylor

Born on March 12, 1948 Taylor is a writer, singer, poet, performer and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.   He also has written several bestselling books, including Life and Break Shot.  His lyrical creations -- writing both words and music for most of his own songs -- have resulted in over 100 million record sales. 

 

“It is a process of discovery,” he said of his creative process.  “It’s being quiet enough and undisturbed enough for a period of time so that the words can begin to sort of peek out … in an emotional way.” 

Taylor’s song (and lyric) writing include the Grammy-winning “Fire and Rain,” his first number one hit, the amazing “You’ve Got a Friend,” and the joyful “Your Smiling Face,” 

“Though 'Fire and Rain' is very personal, for other people it resonates as a sort of commonly held experience,” he said.  “And that's what happens with me. I write things for personal reasons, and then in some cases it becomes a shared experience.”