Favorite Guitar

Hi Carly,
I love the song, "Amity" you wrote and sing with your daughter. The guitar intro is absolutely clear and so beautiful. Your guitar sounds like it is playing, live in my living room. What kind of guitar did you use for that particular song and which type of guitar is your favorite? I have recently taken up guitar and would love to know your answer. Thanks from a very sincere and loyal fan for the last thirty years! Julie Haslam - San Carlos, CA

I have no idea what guitar I used on that song. I think it was one of my Taylor guitars, but it also might have been my J185 which is my favorite guitar, although sometimes I go for years without changing the strings and so when I get to the studio, it's too late (you know how it is to change strings JUST before a session, they slip like mad). I think it must have been my 'taylor' guitar. Sorry, I can't really help you more than that. Love Carly - 3/22/03
PS - I'm very proud of the song, as I am of my daughter, Sally.

Cass Elliot

I was listening to "The History of the Mamas and the Papas" CD, released in 1992. The second cut is a cover of "Winkin, Blinkin, Nod" which of course was written by your sister Lucy, and recorded by the Simon Sisters.

How did Cass Elliot and the Big 3 come to record the song way back then? Did you and Lucy have a friendly relationship with Mama Cass? Steve C. - Baltimore

Thanks for reminding me of that record.

The group was playing at the Bitter End at around the same time we (Simon Sisters) were and there was a lot of fun exchanging of tunes back stage at that time. My relationship with Mama Cass was more enduring because of Leah Kunkel, Cass's sister who was married to Russ Kunkel, a close family friend and James' drummer for many years. Later on we (Russ and I) played and produced and hung close together. He was a very important influence on my writing and remains one of the close people in my heart. Love, Carly - 3/17/03

I'd Rather It Was You

Dear Carly,
I love this website you have. It is the best for so many reasons.
I would like to know your stream of thought on"I'd Rather it was You" I find it to be somewhat mysterious. You are my favorite singer songwriter.

Sincerely, Anne - Tucson,AZ

Dear Anne,
Thank you for your letter and your particular appreciation of "I'd Rather It Was You". As far as I can remember, when I wrote it, I was trying to communicate with God. I was not having an easy time and I was in the mode of 'longing'. I felt that having a long term relationship with God would be more seriously secure if I could. Love Carly - 3/13/03

Paintings and books

Hi Carly,

After reading many letters about your music, mine is about one of your many other talents - painting. Like so many multi-talented musicians you also are an artist. Do you ever plan on having your work on exhibit, or maybe doing limited edition lithographs? Even a book of your art would be great! What got you started?

Also, any new children's books in the works? Mike Reato - Chicago, IL

Dear Mike,
I haven't painted for two years. I don't know why exactly but some things come in phases. I also haven't written any children's books recently. I've been working on the music for "Piglet's Big Movie" the new Winnie The Pooh movie which comes out in two weeks. So I guess the children's space in me is being readily absorbed by that work. Thank you for writing. Love, Carly 3/8/03