James Taylor and The Beatles: A Musical Legacy Intertwined

June 16, 2025 – Boston, Massachusetts – The connection between James Taylor and The Beatles is profound and cyclical. Taylor, a celebrated singer-songwriter, drew inspiration from The Beatles, even as he became a significant figure in the music world after they disbanded. Their mutual influence showcases the intertwined paths of music’s evolution.

Taylor was among the first artists signed to Apple Records, the label founded by The Beatles, in 1968. During his audition for the label, he performed ‘Something In The Way She Moves,’ one of his most iconic songs, which notably inspired George Harrison’s ‘Something’ from the 1969 album Abbey Road.

Harrison acknowledged this influence, reflecting on his writing process, stating, “I could never think of words for it… there was a James Taylor song called ‘Something In The Way She Moves,’ which is the first line of that.” Taylor, in an interview, remarked he never perceived Harrison’s use as theft, indicating the collaborative spirit in music. “All music is borrowed from other music,” he stated.

The circular inspirations didn’t stop there. Taylor indicated that elements of his song were influenced by The Beatles’ sound. “The circular pattern of the guitar playing in ‘Something In The Way She Moves’ was a reference to ‘I Feel Fine,’” Taylor said.

In a 2020 interview, Taylor opened up about his experiences in the studio alongside The Beatles. “We intersected in the studio a lot… I often came in early and would sit in the control room and listen to them recording,” he explained, further highlighting their creative exchange.

This musical relationship not only influenced Taylor but established a legacy that connected generations of artists. As their sounds weaved through time, the echoes of their collaborations remind us of music’s unifying threads.