James Taylor

:This article deals with James Taylor, the singer-songwriter and guitarist. For other people of the same name, see James Taylor (disambiguation).

Early career

Taylor first learned the cello as a child in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, then switched to the guitar in 1960. His style on that instrument evolved from listening to hymns, carols, and Woody Guthrie, and would later become an easily recognized linchpin of his sound. While attending Milton Academy, a prep school in Massachusetts, Taylor met Danny Kortchmar at Martha's Vineyard and the two began playing folk music together. After dropping out of school, James formed a band with his brother, Alex, then was committed to McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, due to depression. He believes that this action on his behalf saved his life. He earned a high school diploma while in the asylum, then left and formed a band called the Flying Machine with Kortchmar and Joel O'Brien. The band was signed to Rainy Day Records and released one single, "Brighten Your Night with My Day" (B-side: "Night Owl"); the song was not a success.

Related Topics:
Cello - Guitar - 1960 - Hymn - Carol - Woody Guthrie - Milton Academy - Danny Kortchmar - Folk music - McLean Hospital - Belmont - Joel O'Brien - Rainy Day Records

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While living in New York City, Taylor became addicted to heroin. One night, after receiving a desperate phone call, his father (Dr. Isaac Taylor) drove to New York and "rescued" him. Later, Taylor wrote a song called "Jump Up Behind Me," that paid tribute to his father's help during a time of desperate need. The song also reflects on Taylor's memories of the long drive from New York back to his home in Chapel Hill.

Related Topics:
New York City - Heroin

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In 1968, Taylor moved to London. He was signed to Apple Records after sending a demo tape to Peter Asher (of Peter & Gordon) and released his debut album, James Taylor. The album did not sell very well and Taylor's addiction worsened. Moving back to the United States, Taylor checked into Austin Riggs Hospital in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to try to break his drug problem. By 1969, he was well enough to perform live and had a six-night stand at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. On July 20, 1969, he performed at the Newport Folk Festival. Shortly after that, he broke both hands in a motorcycle accident on Martha's Vineyard and was forced to stop playing for several months.

Related Topics:
1968 - London - Apple Records - Peter Asher - Peter & Gordon - James Taylor - United States - Stockbridge - 1969 - Los Angeles - July 20

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