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Remembering Tony Bennett
Jul 25, 2023I remember seeing Tony Bennett on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, the children’s TV show. He was basically explaining what his job was to the children who were the show’s audience. It was a straight-ahead presentation of a working jazz musician, a description of himself that was simple and honest.
Tony was such a bright light in our world and the longevity of his career gave him a depth, a gravitas that tied together two main generations of contemporary, popular music, Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder. Our baby boom generation turned away from our parents’ music: Sinatra and the Las Vegas Rat Pack ethos, Big Band swing and Broadway. In the mid 60s, starting with folk music and Dylan, then the Beatles, Motown, Memphis, San Francisco… we would have our own music, and we drew a distinct line with the past. Somehow, Tony Bennett weathered that abandonment and persevered. Then, in his late 70s, he was reborn. I remember his MTV, Unplugged appearance. Tony was back on top and there was never a more worthy comeback.
He embodied the sophistication and urbane gentility of the High Society Jazz Era but without the macho arrogance and decadence of the Rat Pack, as parodied on SNL by Bill Murray’s Lounge Lizard. I never met a more believably positive person. He radiated his love of being alive. You never got a whiff of sarcasm or cynicism. I first met him at a benefit (for something which now escapes me) but he was immediately open and present and, when he told me he dug my music, I totally believed him. Whenever our paths crossed, he’d insist I run for President. I was never completely sure he was kidding.
He offered advice on maintaining my voice and gave me a tape of Bel Canto exercises that I still use today: ”Use it or lose it, James.” We must have worked together a dozen times. He joined me for my series at Carnegie Hall and later invited me to sing on his Duets album; a high point for me. Whenever I wonder just how long I should carry on touring and performing in public, I think of his example: Tony Bennett, the greatest last man standing…
~ James Taylor
Photo: Michael LutchThe newspapers call me state of the art…
Jul 21, 2023Here’s James with a solo performance of “The Frozen Man” (a song from his 1991 album, New Moon Shine) in this footage from a 1993 episode of the BBC’s The Late Show. Watch now!
LPs on sale!
Jul 19, 2023Visit the JamesTaylor.com store now to save 15% to 20% on all in-stock vinyl LPs. Prices are valid only while inventory lasts, so order today!
I’ve seen sunny days…
Jul 14, 2023In this clip from a November 1993 episode of the BBC2 program, The Late Show, JT performs a lovely rendition of his classic, “Fire And Rain”. Click now to enjoy!
<em>JT</em> re-released on vinyl
Jul 14, 2023Heads up, collectors: James’s classic 1977 album, JT, has just been pressed on stunning red vinyl by European re-issue specialists Music On Vinyl. Limited to just 1000 copies, this is the first of several of James’s titles coming from MOV in the coming months. Visit MusicOnVinyl.com for more information on JT, and stay tuned for more!
It’s only right for me to tell you…
Jul 7, 2023Click below to see James perform “I Will Not Lie For You” (originally recorded for the album, Flag), live at the Blossom Music Center in the summer of 1979, and be sure to subscribe to see what comes next!
Dreaming the dreams I’ve dreamed…
Jun 30, 2023“Long ago” is where we’re headed in the latest treat from JT’s video vault! Click now to watch “Long Ago And Far Away”, from James’s July 1979 show at the Blossom Music Center!
Summerfest!
Jun 30, 2023James and the band performed at Milwaukee’s Summerfest last Saturday night – click now to see an album of photos from the show.
Photo: Ryan Pergola/Summerfest
Say goodbye and say hello…
Jun 23, 2023This week’s clip from James’s video vault is “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, live at the Blossom in July 1979. Click now to watch!
Atlanta concert photos
Jun 23, 2023James and Henry were presented with personalized Atlanta Hawks jerseys before last week’s concert in Atlanta — click now to see an album of photos from the show.
Photo: Kyle Hess Photography
