In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Choral Arrangements of
James Taylor

1971 - Grammy Winner - Song of the Year

In March 2011, James Taylor was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House. The medal is the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence recognizing "outstanding achievements and support of the arts."

Taylor's music embodies the art of songwriting in its most fundamental form. He has been at it for decades, transforming introspective meditations into lyrics, melodies, and harmonies that comfort and reassure the listener with the sense that these sometimes painful, sometimes celebratory moments are a part of life shared by us all. In 1971, Taylor was featured on the cover of Time magazine, heralded as the harbinger of the singer-songwriter era. Today, this quintessential singer-songwriter has seen that era cross over into the 21st century.

As a recording and touring artist, Taylor has set a precedent and blazed a path to which countless young musicians have aspired. His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music and his guitar-playing has established its own standard. Taylor has sold more than 50 million albums throughout his career, beginning in 1968 when he was signed to The Beatles' Apple Records.

His songs have had a profound influence on both songwriters and music lovers of all generations and from all walks of life: "Fire and Rain," "Country Road," "Something in the Way She Moves," "Mexico," "Shower the People," "Your Smiling Face," "Carolina In My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "You Can Close Your Eyes," "Walking Man," "Never Die Young," "Shed a Little Light," "Copperline," "Caroline I See You," and many more.

Throughout his long career, Taylor has earned 40 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards for a catalog that runs from Sweet Baby James (1970) to Hourglass (1997) and October Road (2002). His first Greatest Hits album earned the Recording Industry Association of America's elite Diamond Award, given for sales in excess of 10 million units in the US. For his artistic accomplishments, Taylor was honored with the 1998 Century Award, Billboard magazine's highest accolade, bestowed for distinguished creative achievement.

Taylor released Sweet Baby James in 1970. It went triple-platinum and spawned his first Top 10 hit, the intensely personal "Fire and Rain." The following year saw the release of another million-seller, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, with the No. 1 single "You've Got a Friend," written by his longtime friend Carole King. The recording won a Grammy Award in 1971 for Best Pop Male Vocal. In 1972, Taylor scored another gold album with One Man Dog, followed up in 1973 with Walking Man.

The album Gorilla (1975) included two more major chart entries: "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" and "Mexico." Following his final Warner Brothers recording, In the Pocket, Taylor moved on to Columbia Records and released a string of critically praised and commercially successful albums: JT, his 1977 double-platinum Columbia debut; Flag (1979); Dad Loves His Work (1981); That's Why I'm Here (1985); Never Die Young (1988); New Moon Shine (1991); the double-disc Live album (1993); Hourglass (1998), garnering Taylor his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Album; and October Road (2002)-all certified platinum.

The year 2000 saw Taylor's induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences selected him as its MusiCares Person of the Year in 2006, and his One Man Band (2007) was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special in 2008.

In May 2010, Taylor released the Live at the Troubadour CD/DVD of his November 2007 live performance with Carole King at the Troubadour nightclub in Los Angeles. Their subsequent Troubadour Reunion tour was one of the most successful concert tours of the decade. Most recently, Morgan Neville's acclaimed documentary, Troubadours: The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter was nominated for the Jury Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was recently broadcast on PBS as part of its prestigious American Masters series. Taylor has received honorary doctorates of music from Williams College and the Berklee School of Music. Raised in North Carolina, he now lives in western Massachusetts with his wife, Caroline, and their sons Henry and Rufus.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-3 of 3 items.

James Taylor : You've Got A Friend - Five James Taylor Classics

Five James Taylor songs are included in this value-packed collection for treble voices! Your singers will enjoy rehearsing and performing these hits arranged by composer/conductor and former King's Singer Philip Lawson. Includes: Carolina in My Mind, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James, You've Got a Friend.

Songlist: Carolina In My Mind, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Fire And Rain, Sweet Baby James, You've Got A Friend

Various Arrangers : James Taylor - A Cappella

"Sweet Baby James" is from James Taylor's first U.S. album, this gentle acoustic lullaby has a sweet country feel to it. Extended accompanying vocal harmonies support the solo melodic line of the verse which unfolds into a rich homophonic chorus, serving to highlight the poetry of the lyrics. "That Lonesome Road" - James Taylor's beautiful ballad gains new life in this simply stated a cappella setting by arranger Kirby Shaw. Sensible voice leading makes chords easy to tune, uncomplicated rhythms allow the text to speak. Awesome, accessible writing in every edition. "Your Smiling Face" - A show stopper, for sure! Arranged in a collegiate, street-corner a cappella-style, with a featured Tenor solo. A fantastic change of pace.

Songlist: Sweet Baby James, That Lonesome Road, Your Smiling Face

James Taylor : Sweet Baby James

The title track from James Taylors breakthrough album of the same name in 1970, this sweet song in triple meter evokes dual impressions of childhood and of the lone traveler and will fill your performance space with a warm, nostalgic glow!

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-16 of 16 items.

Roger Emerson : Fire And Rain

Patterned in the style of Roger's skillfully-crafted arrangement of Dust in the Wind, this famous James Taylor pop hit is ideal for beginning choirs. Offering easy call-and-response phrases on the verse, followed by solid harmonies on the chorus, this setting will be a strong addition to your next concert. Available: 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: James Taylor Performed By: James Taylor

Audrey Snyder : How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

With easy parts and lots of choreography options, this James Taylor and Marvin Gaye classic will leave your audience with a smile.Available separately: SSA and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:15.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composers: Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier Performed By: James Taylor

Mark Brymer : How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You

A hit by Marvin Gaye in 1965, a hit for James Taylor in 1975, this perennial classic gets a big band swing remake by Michael Bublé! A wonderful showcase for pop, show, jazz or community groups, your audience will rave! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, bsx, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Marvin Gaye Performed By: James Taylor

Roger Emerson : Mockingbird

This pop song that gained its first popularity during the folk revival of the early 60s, but was really based on an earlier traditional song Hush Little Baby, and was then covered by James Taylor and Carly Simon in 1973. This arrangement, well-crafted for young singers, offers call and response lines and accessible harmonies to assure success.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composers: Inez Foxx and Charlie Foxx Performed By: James Taylor

Matt Astle : Our Town

Written by the incomparable Randy Newman and originally performed by James Taylor for the soundtrack of the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars, this song sets a sweet and melancholy scene that addresses the heartache and yearning for a simpler time. This arrangement from Matt Astle was one of the winners of the Lou Perry Arranging Contest in 2016 and provides a nice medium ballad vehicle with plenty of room for interpretation.

Arranger: Matt Astle | Composer: Randy Newman Performed By: James Taylor | Musical: Cars

Audrey Snyder : Our Town

You will enjoy the poignant message in this song recorded by James Taylor for the Disney/Pixar animated feature, CARS. Time goes by, time brings changes ..Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:35.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composer: Randy Newman | Lyricist: Randy Newman Performed By: James Taylor

Greg Jasperse : Shed a Little Light

James Taylor's artistry and influence shine through in this impassioned plea for understanding and brotherhood. Powerful!

Arranger: Greg Jasperse | Composer: James Taylor Performed By: James Taylor

Audrey Snyder : Sweet Baby James

The title track from James Taylor's breakthrough album of the same name in 1970, this sweet song in triple meter evokes dual impressions of childhood and of the lone traveler and will fill your performance space with a warm, nostalgic glow!

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composer: James Taylor Performed By: James Taylor

Philip Lawson : Sweet Baby James

From James Taylor's first U.S. album, this gentle acoustic lullaby has a sweet country feel to it. Extended accompanying vocal harmonies support the solo melodic line of the verse which unfolds into a rich homophonic chorus, serving to highlight the poetry of the lyrics. Duration: ca. 4:00.

Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: James Taylor | Lyricist: James Taylor Performed By: James Taylor

Kirby Shaw : That Lonesome Road

James Taylor's beautiful ballad gains new life in this simply stated a cappella setting by arranger Kirby Shaw. Sensible voice leading makes chords easy to tune, uncomplicated rhythms allow the text to speak. Awesome, accessible writing in every edition.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: James Taylor Performed By: James Taylor

Kirby Shaw : Up On The Roof

Here's a great arrangement of the 1962 doo-wop classic by the Drifters, as recorded by James Taylor in 1979. Excellent for developing pop style and blend!Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composers: Carole King and Gerry Goffin Performed By: James Taylor

Audrey Snyder : Up On The Roof

Here is a song that celebrates the idea of having a place of your own, where you can go to be alone to relax, contemplate and dream. First recorded by The Drifters in 1962 and then again in 1979 in a soulful version by James Taylor, this arrangement is especially crafted for younger choirs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composers: Carole King and Gerry Goffin Performed By: James Taylor

Mac Huff : You've Got A Friend

Carole King's classic hit from 1971 and covered by James Taylor offers a universal message of hope and reassurance. Recently included in the Broadway musical Beautiful, this is a wonderful feel-good song for choirs of all types and many concert occasions!

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composers: James Taylor and Carole King | Lyricist: Carole King Performed By: James Taylor

Mark Brymer : You've Got A Friend

Kids, parents, and teachers will love the nostalgia of the great James Taylor classic in this well-written arrangement. Smooth harmonies, a terrific message, and a great recorded track! Available: 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composers: James Taylor and Carole King Performed By: James Taylor