Secret O’ Life: The Epic Endowment of Sweet Baby James

The following was posted on Facebook by my friend Jay Blotcher, which led to my asking if he would like to share his story with my audience. He kindly agreed.

Jay writes:

In his new memoir, "I Was Better Last Night," actor-playwright Harvey Fierstein recounts a chance meeting he had with James Taylor -- and the singer’s epic penis -- in a hot tub some years back. Fierstein was impressed and complimented the troubadour.

The anecdote was sweet vindication for me. In 2004, I had penned an investigative piece about the legendary musician and his member. I interviewed several experts on the matter. Curiously, I never found a magazine to run the story. So here it is ...

To read, click HERE. 

Teen Beat

All of these were taken by a teenage fanboy in the 1970s! Meet the photographer and see more classic photos HERE.

And in other music news, Webster Hall (formerly The Ritz) has been sold and will close soon -- to return as Spectrum Hall in 2020. (Sigh.)

Relive some of the venue's most memorable moments HERE.

Song of the Day: 'You Can Close Your Eyes' by James Taylor and Carly Simon

I'm nearly finished with Carly Simon's memoir, "Boys in the Trees," and all I can say is oh-my-f**king God, it's so juicy! I'm actually delaying polishing it off because I don't want it to be over, although I already tell no matter what comes next it will leave me wanting way more. (She JUST tied the knot with James and there aren't many chapters left!) So much is revealed, but despite the fact that their relationship was strained from the get-go, there's no denying their voices were a marriage made in heaven.

Song of the Day: 'Mockingbird' by James Taylor and Carly Simon

The first couple of 1970s music -- bring on the dirt!

Song of the Day: 'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)' by James Taylor

What does it say about James Taylor that he's a gifted songwriter yet such an incredible interpreter of other people's work?

Song of the Day: 'Close Your Eyes' by James Taylor, Featuring Carly Simon

Oh, pop music. This is probably the last video "featuring" someone I cared about. 

Song of the Day: 'Secret of Life' by James Taylor

 I recently had a long talk with a friend who is going through a rough patch, dealing with some of the indignities of growing older and the realization that some youthful dreams may never came true. I hear him. It's the things that don't happen in life that are often more devastating than the things that do. But as corny as it is to admit, whenever I get to feeling this way I like to listen James Taylor's "Secret of Life." There's something reassuring about lyrics -- like "But since we're on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride" and " Sliding down / Gliding down / Try not to try too hard ...  It's just a lovely ride" -- that always manages to snap me out of it, and remind me that ultimately we're all in the same situation, some just seem more glamorous than others..

"Secret of Life"

 The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
 Any fool can do it
 There ain't nothing to it
 Nobody knows how we got to
 The top of the hill
 But since we're on our way down
 We might as well enjoy the ride

 The secret of love is in opening up your heart
 It's okay to feel afraid
 But don't let that stand in your way 'cause anyone knows that love is the only road
 And since we're only here for a while
 Might as well show some style
 Give us a smile Isn't it a lovely ride
 Sliding down
 Gliding down
 Try not to try too hard
 It's just a lovely ride

 Now the thing about time is that time
 Isn't really real It's just your point of view
 How does it feel for you
 Einstein said he could never understand it all
 Planets spinning through space
 The smile upon your face
 Welcome to the human race

 Some kind of lovely ride
 I'll be sliding down
 I'll be gliding down
 Try not to try too hard
 It's just a lovely ride
 Isn't it a lovely ride
 Sliding down
 Gliding down
 Try not to try too hard
 It's just a lovely ride

 Now the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time

Song of the Day: 'Her Town Too' by James Taylor and JD Souther

 Felt like the president over the weekend, with my James Taylor obsession on full display. Started when I read that Rosanne Cash was in Los Angeles on Friday for a songwriters-in-the-round presentation for HBO music programmers and execs, along with Dave Stewart, Marvin Etzioni and JD Souther. The news immediately brought to mind "Her Town Too," the hit JD wrote with James and Waddy Wachtel back in 1981 for JT's "Dad Loves His Work" LP. Pop songs have dissected breakups from every possible angle, but I don't think there has ever been a song like this one. Although the album title is a reference to the end of James' marriage to Carly Simon -- who reportedly told him to choose between working so much and their family -- the song sounds like it's about the (unfamous) former wife of someone really famous. The identity of who's so vain still remains a mystery, but I want to know whose town this used to be, too.

Music Box: James Taylor and Carly Simon

 

If I ever got married -- something I wouldn't even consider until it's legal in all 50 states -- this would definitely be my first dance with Michael, with whom I recently celebrated seven years together.

View all Music Box posts HERE.