In this insightful episode, host Dan welcomes James Taylor Junior, a classically trained vocalist who's been singing since the age of two. With a rich musical background and acclaimed performing style, James discusses his upcoming Pride album, the importance of queer community and history, and his personal journey as a queer person. The conversation explores the intersection of identity, belonging, and the power of music to connect people across different experiences.

Key Topics:

• James's upcoming Pride album and its development
• The continued importance of Pride as a concept and movement
• Exploration of queer history and visibility
• Gender, masculinity, and changing cultural norms
• Finding belonging within the LGBTQ+ community
• Childhood experiences growing up queer in Kentucky
• Coming out to family and parental relationships
• The significance of "Over the Rainbow" to queer children
• The Wizard of Oz's enduring connection to LGBTQ+ culture
• Future musical projects and creative challenges

Episode Timeline:

00:00:16 - Introduction to host Dan Hall and the show's mission

00:00:51 - Introduction to guest James Taylor Junior

00:01:55 - Discussion of James's upcoming Pride album project

00:03:06 - Conversation about why Pride remains necessary today

00:04:18 - Historical perspective on LGBTQ+ people during WWII

00:06:04 - The importance of queer historical visibility and documentation

00:07:09 - Discussion about increased LGBTQ+ visibility in modern times

00:08:05 - Conversation about rising identification rates in younger generations

00:09:21 - Perspectives on evolving concepts of masculinity and gender expression

00:10:14 - Examining toxic masculinity within the queer community

00:12:03 - James's experience finding belonging within the LGBTQ+ community

00:14:24 - Childhood experiences growing up in Kentucky

00:16:29 - Family dynamics and coming out experiences

00:20:03 - Advice for parents of LGBTQ+ children

00:21:34 - What James's 15-year-old self would think of him now

00:22:20 - The significance of "Over the Rainbow" to queer children

00:24:14 - Queer connection to The Wizard of Oz beyond stereotypes

00:26:04 - James's future projects and musical direction

00:27:35 - Where to find James online and his music

00:28:39 - James's gateway track: "Pride (Stripped)"

Resources Mentioned:

• James Taylor Junior's website: JamesTaylorJuniorMusic.com
• "Pride (Stripped)" - James's recommended gateway track
• James's cover of "Too Much" by the Spice Girls
• The Wizard of Oz film and L. Frank Baum books
• "The Marvellous Land of Oz" (1906) - featuring Princess Ozma
• Melanie C's acoustic cover of "Too Much"

Guest Information:

James Taylor Junior is a classically trained vocalist who has been singing since the age of two. With a diverse musical style that defies easy categorization, James is currently working on a Pride album that began development in 2019 before being delayed by the pandemic. His music aims to create connection and community, particularly for those who may feel excluded from mainstream LGBTQ+ spaces. James brings both technical vocal skill and emotional depth to his performances, including his stripped-down version of "Pride" and creative covers of pop classics.

Connect & Support:

• Visit James's website at JamesTaylorJuniorMusic.com
• Listen to "Pride (Stripped)" on major streaming platforms
• Follow James on social media (links available on his website)
• Contact the podcast at [email protected]
• Visit inthekeyofq.com for all previous episodes
• Subscribe to In the Key of Q on your favorite podcast platform

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