Brad's Music Room

He is one of the best-known artists of our generation. Did you know many of his most popular singles are chock full of inspirational lyrics?

James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

You’ve Got a Friend

Carole King wrote You’ve Got a Friend” is a 1971. It was first recorded by King, and included in her album Tapestry. Another well-
known version is by James Taylor from his album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. Taylor released his single in 1971. Eventually it reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

Taylor and King both won Grammy Awards for “You’ve Got a Friend”. Taylor (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and King (Song of the Year).

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

The Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland wrote this song in 1964. Marvin Gaye released the first recorded version in 1965.

James Taylor released his version as the lead single from his album Gorilla (1975). Taylor’s 1975 single has been the most successful remake of the song to date. Eventually hitting No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart and No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Shower The People

James Taylor selected “Shower the People” as the opening track on his 1976 album In the Pocket. “Shower the People” reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. that fall. Remaining in the Top 40 for eight weeks. It also topped the Easy Listening chart for one week, Taylor’s third song to do so, following 1971’s “You’ve Got a Friend” and 1975’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”

When you think of Marvin Gaye “spiritual” is probably not the adjective that first comes to mind. However, this minister’s son allows his spirituality to shine through some of his music.

Gaye was born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939, at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., to church minister Marvin Gay Sr., and domestic worker Alberta Gay (née Cooper). His first home was in a public housing project, the Fairfax Apartments (now demolished).  The neighborhood was primarily a vast slum. Most buildings were small, in extensive disrepair, and lacked both electricity and running water. The alleys were full of one- and two-story shacks, and nearly every dwelling was overcrowded.

Gaye started singing in church when he was four years old; his father often accompanied him on piano. Gaye signed with Tamla, and pursued a career as a performer of jazz music and standards. He had no desire to become an R&B performer.

Before the release of his first single, Gaye was teased about his surname, with some jokingly asking, “Is Marvin Gay?” Gaye changed
the spelling of his surname by adding an e, in the same way as did Sam Cooke. 

Marvin Gaye released his debut single “Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide“ May 1961. It was the first release off Gaye’s debut album, The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye.

What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye released the concept album What’s Going On  in 1971.

He tells the story from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for. Sadly he sees only hatred, suffering, and injustice upon his return. Gaye’s introspective lyrics discuss themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War.

The album was ranked number six both on Rolling Stone‘s 2003 list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time“. In addition, he has been credited with promoting awareness of global warming before the public outcry against it had become prominent.

“God Is Love” is the B–side to the single “What’s Going On”.

My “This Day in History” podcast just reminded me that  one year ago we lost Tom Petty. Specifically, Petty died on October 2, 2017, one week after the completion of the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour.

Thomas Earl Petty (October 20, 1950 – October 2, 2017) was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor.

Petty recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. He sold more than 80 million records worldwide. Therefore making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. 

I became a Tom Petty fan a bit later than many. He released eight albums with the Heartbreakers between 1976–1991. I purchased his Greatest Hits album in 1993.

Wildflowers

Amanda’s au pair Annika gave me the CD Wildflowers for my birthday in 1994.

Wildflowers is the second solo studio album by Tom Petty, released on November 1, 1994. Furthermore The Recording Industry Association of America certified the album 3x platinum in the United States.

A fan posted this video of Tom Petty’s last performance of Wildflowers 9.25.17 at Hollywood Bowl.