A new documentary will explore James Taylor’s and Carole King’s creative relationship. “Carole King & James Taylor: Just Call Out My Name,” will premiere on CNN and stream on HBO Max. King and Taylor’s relationship marks one of the most liked, and celebrated friendships in the music industry.
“Carole King & James Taylor: Just Call Out My Name,” narrates the pair’s 2010 world tour. The Troubadour Reunion Tour. The name’s origin? King and Taylor gigged at West Hollywood’s Troubadour club in their early musical beginnings in 1970. Additionally, in 2007, the pair returned to play six nights to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary. The two sang “You’ve Got a Friend” and “I Feel The Earth Move” as they celebrated the iconic venue.
Part of the film’s title is named after a lyric in King’s “You’ve Got A Friend.” “Just Call Out My Name” is an iconic part of King’s catchy, still highly praised tune. King wrote, “You’ve Got A Friend” while writing for her “Tapestry” record. She notes that the song is a response to Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.” King says, “Here’s your friend.” As soon as I heard it, I wanted to play it.”
In fact, both singer-songwriters recorded their own versions, respectively. Taylor’s cover skyrocketed to Number One and both won Grammys. Carole King is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the second time. In 1990, she entered as a non-performer. But this time, she’s being inducted as a performer.
The Kennedy / Marshall Company
The film’s producer and director, Frank Marshall, already has a reputable resume as a music historian. His latest documentary, “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart,” achieved massive success and critical reception. The documentary follows brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb as they navigate early success in their careers. In addition, they steer through family complexities as they write over 1,000 songs and go on to score 20 Number One hits.
One of the film producers on The Bees Gees documentary, Aly Parker, is also working on the King x Taylor film. “I’ve been listening to and playing their music my whole life, so it’s especially meaningful to me and such an honor to be able to put together a film about this special reunion concert by these two extraordinarily gifted friends.”
CNN’s EVP for talent and content development Amy Entelis says, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Frank Marshall and The Kennedy / Marshall Company for this brilliant look into one of the most prolific music partnerships of a generation. Frank’s discerning vision shows fans the stories behind the legendary creative teamwork of Carole King and James Taylor.”
The Kennedy / Marshall Company’s documentary “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash” is popular.
