James Taylor’s music is coming to the stage. The folk icon‘s work will be the inspiration for a new musical, titled Fire & Rain, according to new reports.
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The musical is being developed by Tracy Letts, who came up with an original story for the show. Letts previously penned August: Osage County, which won the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
The show will be directed by winner David Cromer, who previously won a Tony for directing The Band’s Visit.
Fire & Rain will be produced by Gail Berman, Sam Feldman, Michael Gorfaine, and Jimmy Nederlander. It is being produced in association with Frank Marshall and Jere Harris.
Fire & Rain Producers Praise James Taylor
Per Deadline, those behind the production praised Taylor’s work. They called his legacy “one of profound influence on American music, particularly in the genres of folk, pop, and singer-songwriter traditions.”
“His career spans over five decades, and his impact can be felt in both the personal nature of his songs and his stylistic innovations,” the press release read. “His deeply personal, introspective lyrics and soulful delivery helped define the era’s musical landscape.”
The musical’s title comes from Taylor’s iconic track, which appeared on his 1970 album, Sweet Baby James. According to the outlet, the track, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, “helped solidify James Taylor’s career and introduce him to a wider audience.”
“The song’s vulnerability and honesty made it resonate with listeners and became one of the defining songs of his career,” the release read.
Taylor has certainly had a storied career. He has won six GRAMMYs. Additionally, Taylor is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Halls of Fame.
No timeline for the show’s development have been announced.
Other Jukebox Musicals
Taylor is far from the first artist to have their career explored on the stage. Michael Jackson (MJ: The Musical), Carole King (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Tina Turner (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) all previously got the Broadway treatment.
Additionally, Alicia Keys and Dolly Parton both have musicals featuring their music in the works.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
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