The first time I heard "Sweet Baby James", I was permanently ensconced in the James Taylor fan club, even if "Steamroller Blues" on the same album made me wince a little every time I heard the lyrics (well I was only in my early 20s and it was a different era). The link above will tell you about all his struggles with depression and self commitment to a mental hospital. His heroin addiction has been recounted often, along with his Marital problems with Carly Simon followed by divorce, recovery and remarriage. He has now seemingly reached an age and peaceful acceptance with his life. Through it all, at every stage, there was the poetry and music.
If somewhere along the line, you got stuck back with Fire and Rain, then it is time for a visit to his website to hear selections from his latest album, "Covers" and check out tour dates or just to catch up on the albums of the last 40 plus years.
So how does this all fit in with this week's Manic Monday? One of the older songs with a fitting message from 1976's "In The Pocket" album: Shower The People
Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at the Manic Monday blog. Today's theme is Shine.
