Claim: James Taylor made an album.
Evidence: Taylor achieved his breakthrough in 1970 with the No. 3 single `` Fire and Rain '' and had his first No. 1 hit the following year with `` You 've Got a Friend '' , a recording of Carole King 's classic song.
Records as a single from his second album , Sweet Baby James , in February 1970 , the song follows Taylor 's reaction to the suicide of Suzanne Schnerr , a childhood friend , and his experiences with drug addiction and fame.