James Taylor - Fire And Rain (RARE live TV, 1969)

Courtesy of the Clark Santee video archive, one of the earliest solo James Taylor performances, 21 years old in 1969 and set to become a massive star, his signature song destined to be a much-covered hit and future standard. Extraordinary talent on display

[Jabongify]

He was 21 years old here, incredible.

[gwernovsky]

“But I always thought I’d see you again”
Crushes me

[dstorm]

A lot of us heard this song in the military thousands of miles from home. Great song about loss.

[kathyneville]

❤1969 I saw him at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, PA. Small venue, sat right in front of the stage. I am 76 now, long time ago.

[louisevad]

I feel sad knowing that our great generation is ending. Have you ever been aware of the moments in life as being your finest or is it only in retrospect you realize the moments that were great just pasted you by? I love the great music by this generation of singer songwriters. Thanks James for your contribution to humanity.

[HKGweilo]

A man, a voice and a guitar that rocked the world.

[SusanGray-pp]

I am now 68 and think about the better days of my past. Music had meaning then and it was simpler times. Wish my child & Grandkids could live those kind of days.

[DoctaRon]

In the midst of the civil turmoil of the late 60s and 70s, James Taylor's warm, soothing voice, haunting lyrics and simple yet beautiful musical style were an anchoring point for a great generation.

[indiakhetri]

I am 63 and I cry most days for the life that has disappeared …a world that is no longer like it used to be….the music and the audience seem to reinforce the sadness of a softer world …

[DavidCrumb-uo]

I'm 62 ..it ain't over yet..God bless you all

[sparkspark]

That’s how you do it. No bs. No auto tune…no histrionic’s…that was just AWESOME!!! Such a great and powerful song…losing none of that with just him singing on a acoustic guitar. True greatness.

[stefanhall]

One of my best friends grew up with James. He took me to a coffee house in Boston to hear James play. James had this male nurse to take care of him. The best was after the gig when a snow storm moved in and we just sat in a Volkswagon bus, drinking beer, smoking pot and listening to James play in the back!

[MrJad]

His guitar skills do not get enough credit. Such mastery.

[adamtki]

So glad youtube / internet is here to offer me gems like this. You'd never see stuff like this on Cable... or it would be very hard to find.

[Job.Well.Done_]

This is my burial song.
So many moments in this life I’ve longed for, and so many I wish never happened.
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end.

I love you all.

[johncopeland]

The guy who sings with perfect pitch in his voice ...not many can compare, really ! Mr James Taylor ..oh yes .

[JayBarberTennessee]

I am a huge James Taylor fan, I have never seen this video before. Thank you.

[zoomtulips]

His voice is just as beautiful still. Saw him at the Royal Albert Hall maybe 6 years ago. He never left the stage during intermission…..talked to the people one on one the whole time. Gorgeous person.

[bb]

I always loved this song, but I don't think I ever "got it". Just loved it as a beautifully made piece of music. I lost my best friend a year and a half ago. I get it now.

[CP-kpgm]

James at this stage and this song embodied so much and yet shows what we have lost. What a song, singer and time!