Geriatric Rock Star Week continued last night with a James Taylor performance at the Moda Center here in Portland. He is a very spry 70 years old, but due to the health-related cancellation of Bonnie Raitt the show moved very slowly since he had a lot of time to fill. He told several stories, including one about the album and single “Sweet Baby James,” recorded in December of 1969. It was written about the son of his older brother Alec, who named the child after him, so James Vernon Taylor is singing about baby James Richmond Taylor born May 16, 1967. This is the chorus:

“Goodnight you moonlight ladies
Rockabye sweet baby James
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose
Won’t you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James”

It’s funny what you find on the internet. One report I read indicated that Baby James was put up for adoption and renamed Edward. The story sounds similar to my own adoption, since the mother, Brent, was still in high school. Baby James would have just turned 51 and be eligible for an AARP card. Another version has the couple getting married later, retrieving the adopted child, and then having Sweet Baby James. Nonetheless, Baby James has managed to keep a low profile, despite his namesake’s fame.

Speaking of old farts, I officially received notice today of my 50th class reunion next summer. It will be held August 9th & 10th in my hometown of Elkhart – home of the “Blue Blazers.” Just as Lewis and Clark “blazed” a trail to Portland, I will “blaze” my way back to Indiana for this monumental event. I have two friends here in Portland from Elkhart, but both were in the younger Class of 1970. I have not been good about staying in touch with with my Class of 1969 friends, although a few are on Facebook. I also follow the “I was born in Elkhart, Indiana” FB posts. My sister, her kids, and several cousins still live in the area. Our adoptive parents passed away 4 years ago. The timing will make it possible for my wife to be with her mother to celebrate a 98th birthday, since she’s only about 50 miles from my hometown.

Last night, James Taylor made other Septuagenarians proud. I’m only a Sexagenarian, so the “sex” is still there. I was not as impressed with Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, although his “Danettes” were young, sexy background vocalists. I’m looking forward to our next concert with Train along with Hall & Oates, since lead vocalist Patrick Monahan is only 49. He will be the youngest performer I’ve seen this year. Paul Simon, who we saw a few months ago is 76 and the oldest, while Daryl Hall is 71 and John Oates is also a “septu” at just seventy. The Doobie Brothers were all in their late 60’s, still performing their hits from the sexy 60’s. Yet to go this year is the “youthful” Def Leppard, Journey without 69-year old Steve Perry, and to kick-off the new year 71-year old Elton John on his “final” tour.