James Taylor Shares ‘Sesame Street’ Performance

James Taylor unearthed a performance of “Up On The Roof” from his 1983 visit to the children’s television show Sesame Street. Taylor posted the video on his YouTube page.

The famed singer-songwriter was backed by guitarist Waddy Wachtel, guitarist Dan Dugmore, pianist Bill Payne of Little Feat fame, bassist Lee Skylar and drummer Rick Marotta for a cover of the song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and first recorded by The Drifters in 1962. Watch James Taylor’s performance of “Up On The Roof” below:

Taylor also reworked his own “Your Smiling Face” as “That Grouchy Face” in honor of Sesame Street character Oscar The Grouch as part of his visit to the show. Additionally, James wrote “Jellyman Kelly” just for Sesame Street with his wife at the time, Carly Simon providing lyrics and daughter Sally Taylor among the children singing along. Famed tuba player Howard Johnson also helped out on “Jellyman Kelly.” Check out both tunes below:

That Grouchy Face

Jellyman Kelly