My favorite thing to learn is what songs artists love the most and how it informs their own art. It could be as dense and complex as musical attributes and writing quirks or as personal as emotional connection and what it evokes in the song's tapestry. It could even be something simple, like how Jelly Roll uses one of particular song to boost his singing confidence before shows.
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Back in 2020, Jelly Roll
posted a video of himself singing acapella to one of his favorite artists James Taylor. There, he croons "Fire and Rain," a classic in Taylor's discography and one that the "Save Me" star adores for personal reasons. "This was my fathers and I favorite song. I actually sing it to warm up my voice before every studio session and show. It makes me think of him," Jelly Roll writes in the caption.Jelly Roll Pumps Himself Up With Classic James Taylor Record Before Shows
Additionally, the country heavyweight gets a little sheepish about his singing quality. However, he still embraces it wholeheartedly and teases his own personal rendition of the James Taylor record. "Even though I'm far from the best singer, I love singing. I feel it's a way to expression how I'm feeling. With that being said - should I do a acoustic cover to this song?" Jelly Roll ponders with his audience.
When you read James Taylor's lyrics, it becomes more than evident why Jelly Roll loves "Fire and Rain." You can certainly criticize him for being a little too melodramatic. Or it could just be that his songs tend to steamroll past its tender messages. It lacks the tenderness of your best folk records. But the writing itself, the subject matter, it all registers as peak Jelly Roll. I read these lyrics from James Taylor and immediately hear Jelly up on stage telling another emotional speech. "Won't you look down upon me, Jesus? You've got to help me make a stand. You've just got to see me through another day. My body's aching and my time is at hand and I won't make it any other way," Taylor sings.
