Oprah.com Community: ProducerCA's Blog: Sweet Baby James

Oh man, I love James Taylor. I've been listening to his music since high school. Last year, I became a member of my local PBS station so I could get a copy of his latest concert as the "freebie" that came with it. If I were around when records were the thing, (cassettes were it) I would have worn out the needle on my turntable (remember those?) playing his classics. Whenever I see your smiling face...Carolina on my mind....How Sweet it is....I've seen fire and I've seen rain....(the Sr. Associate Producer on the team told me an hour ago should would only do something I requested if I would stop singing James Taylor songs in my office already...)

Anyway, this is all build-up just to say JAMES TAYLOR IS MAKING HIS FIRST OPRAH SHOW APPEARANCE ON OUR SHOW THIS FRIDAY! And we're the team that's working on it. I'm thrilled. Now, the big issue what classic song should we ask him to play??? Thoughts?

We're also working on packing a bunch of other interesting stories into this Friday's Live show. We've been checking out stories from around the world. Literally. (There's this touching story about a dog in New Zealand that you have to hear to believe. Not sure if we can make it happen by Friday - but for you guys - we'll try everything!) Some serious, some light, trying to work on the perfect mix.

Anyway, back to reading Charlie Rose interview with Yo-Yo Ma and his best friend, Sweet Baby James. There was a young cowboy who lived on the range....

Send me your song choices!

- Caroline

POST SHOW UPDATE:

I have to go on record with this - James and his family were some of the sweetest, kindest, most easy-going guests I have EVER worked with on the show. What you didn't see is that after we finished our live show, JT continued to play for another half hour for the audience. AND THEN he went next door to The Oprah Store and signed autographs and stood for pictures with anyone who wanted them. Took close to an hour. This is one time I can happily report that a guest not only lived up to every (optimistic) expectation I had - but exceeded it. I love you even more now, JT!

- Caroline

15 Comments

Comments

kcostel

Apr 7, 2009 2:12 PM

Hi!
How about Seminole Wind? That's a great song!
Thanks,
Kathy

izoom2

Apr 7, 2009 4:29 PM

Dear Oprah Winfrey,
It is extremely hard to find help especially we are in deep depression all I can I think is to asked a big help from you to help me find a legitimate person who would be a benefit of one of my healthy organs.I do not drink, smoke or do illegal drugs. I am just "Bancrupt".I charged plenty in my credit cards without hesitation when it comes to my families need in the Philippines. I am all alone living with my american husband. Please help me?

mandgjones

Apr 10, 2009 11:15 AM

JT. I consider James Taylor one of the best songwriter, singers of our time. I love his music and would love to meet him some day. I have invited him to play at our local music and arts festival in Hebron, Ohio. When I heard he was going to be on your show, I immediately changed my schedule to watch. He is so down to earth and personable. Any song he sings will be great. Glenna Jones, Hebron, Ohio

fotojenick

Apr 10, 2009 3:58 PM

I love James Taylor -- I am a BIG FAN for many many years. I was so HAPPY when I heard he was going to be on today's show. I've been waiting all week to hear him -- it's making me 'crazy' to not know what he is singing and what he is saying while I'm writing this message.

I'm in East Tennessee and the weather is getting quite bad -- and the WEATHER PEOPLE have pre-empted OPRAH today -- they are talking talking talking about every minute detail of the weather. Is there any possibility that the show will be available to view "on-line" on Oprah.com ????? I am really suffering to know he is on Friday Live and I can't even tape the show since it would only "tape" the weather man ! ! !

Can you help me -- please please -- I'm hoping there is a way ! ! !

Thanks -- Jo Jenick, Knoxville, Tennessee fotojenick@juno.com

mrsvicini

Apr 11, 2009 12:19 AM

Hi Caroline,
I just finished watching the late showing of todays show, James Taylor was Great!!! No surprise there his voice is so soothing and you can feel it comes form his heart. Thank you for another outstanding show your hard work and the hard work of all the staff at Harpo is appreciated. Oprah is successful not only for her talents but because she surounds herself with very talented people. Thanks... Bonnie L. Vicini Yorkville, Il.

dianesu

Apr 11, 2009 10:44 AM

Dear Producercz,
That was a wonderful Show with James Taylor on Friday Oprah Live! I know all of his songs, but I had no idea who he was. Thanks again for a positive, inspiring show!

walktoday

Apr 12, 2009 5:34 PM

It's called a "turntable" - not a "turnstile"! That was how we used to listen to music! What year were you born in?

Also, concerning the YFZ Ranch story. Why didn't Oprah (or even Gayle) ask the tough questions...like, "Do any of the women who are in the plural "marriages" receive state aid because in the US they are considered "single" moms perhaps below the poverty line?

Oprah used to ask interesting and difficult questions - questions that we didn't know the answers to - questions that we cared about hearing the answers to. She's too easy now.

jackiha

Apr 13, 2009 8:04 PM

How about that song on Full Moon Rising CD that begins "Let us turn our hearts today to Martin Luther King. And recognize that we are all together....." That song is so beautiful!!! I am also a huge fan for many years (I'm 47) and we claim JT here in NC because he went to college here and he plays here occassionally. I work most every day but I love the Oprah Show!!! Thanks for all you do. Jacki

skguttovz

Apr 14, 2009 1:46 PM

Hey there! How about adding something that deals with CHDs (congenital heart defects) it's the #1 birth defect and will affect most of your studio and viewing audience. So many babies are having their first, second, third, forth... heart surgery. My daughter, Sydnie 2yrs old, just had her third! CHD's need help in spreading awareness. ALSO.. there is a huge link betwee chds and REGENERATIVE MEDICINE!!! So many lives could be saved. Just a thought! Good luck with your show!
Sundie Guttovz

m_engstrom

Apr 14, 2009 9:27 PM

It was great seeing James Taylor on Oprah's show. I hope he is invited back to play more of his hits. It was also nice to see his lovely family there. His boys are adorable, especially in those cute suits. His wife also seems to be a nice gal.

producercz

Apr 15, 2009 7:08 PM

I have to go on record with this - James and his family were some of the sweetest, kindest, most easy-going guests I have EVER worked with on the show. What you didn't see is that after we finished our live show, JT continued to play for another half hour for the audience. AND THEN he went next door to The Oprah Store and signed autographs and stood for pictures with anyone who wanted it. Took close to an hour. This is one time I can happily report that a guest lived up to every (optimistic) expectation I had - and then exceeded it. I love you even more now, JT!

- Caroline

funshiny

Apr 17, 2009 12:49 PM

My mother sang me to sleep as a child with James Taylor & now I sing my children to sleep with the same. My son (4) loves Sweet Baby James (who doen't like a good cowboy song). My daughter (6) & I watched the Sweet Baby James Video online. My Daughter had tears in her eyes & emailed the link to my mom. What better testement to the power of an artist than the ability to bring generations together in harmony.

Speaking of in harmony. If any one out their has young children get the
IN HARMONY album He & Carly Simon put together with Seseme Street in the 80's. It is great. (Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Livingston Taylor, The Doobie Brother)

PS His son Ben in real Cute & is a singer songwriter with talent right up there with his Dad.

zelle853

Apr 18, 2009 1:13 AM

When I heard James Taylor sing I got tears in my eyes! So many memories.We used to listen to him all the time in our mom's car. It was beautiful! I need to share his music with my children, it's been so l,ong since I've listened to it.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kateperryl

Apr 23, 2009 8:35 AM

How's about that second comment from izoom2?? Do you think she also loves James Taylor?

darkmaiden

Sep 18, 2009 10:42 PM

I and my friend have a serous problem. You see we are stuck living with a woman who has type 2 dibidese and she not only doesn't take care of herself but When she goes off we have to bear the brunt of her yelling and name calling. We really need help to get a home of our own where we can live our life's in peace amd we would be greatfull if Oprah could find this help for us. our story is that I lost a friend thru cancer and my friend lost her mother and the one person who took us in two year's ago changed until she is a stranger who threaten's to kick us out and this worrie's my friend who is a animal lover and all her pet's were saved from the street's