Award-winning performer Darren Coggan is bringing the timeless songs of James Taylor to life in his critically acclaimed show Fire and Rain - The James Taylor Songbook.

The heartfelt performance takes audiences on a musical journey through Taylor's iconic catalogue, featuring classics like How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You, Country Road, Carolina in My Mind, Sweet Baby James, You've Got a Friend and Fire and Rain.

Darren, one of Australia's most exciting and diverse artists, has carved out an impressive career in the country music industry with a collection of Golden Guitars, Independent Country Music Awards and the coveted Toyota Star Maker under his belt.

His touring productions celebrating the songbooks of Glen Campbell, John Denver, James Taylor and Cat Stevens have inspired audiences globally, including sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Liverpool Philharmonic.

“With James Taylor, I hope that I can deliver the same sense of joy and yearning that he had,” Darren said.

“That the audiences emerge from the theatre feeling as uplifted and inspired by the songs as I do.”

Darren has been immersed in Taylor's music since childhood, rating Secret O’ Life', as one of his favourite songs of all time.

“I have been a fan of James Taylor for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“I find great refuge in his albums and Taylor's baritone is so comforting, familiar, warm and friendly, but it is so much more than the voice.

“He is a superb storyteller whose songs are enduringly relevant and take you on a journey, in a very personal way.”

The performer's career began in country music after winning the Toyota Star Maker quest in 1996.

“'It was from there I managed to get myself a record deal through ABC EMI,” he said.

“My debut album was called Hometown back in 1997.”

His transition into musical theatre came unexpectedly when he was cast as Richie Cunningham in the arena musical Happy Days.

“I got to work with Henry Winkler, the real Fonzie was part of the production as one of the creatives and Tom Bosley and an all-star Australian cast,” he said.

“For me, it was seriously jumping in the deep end, I'd never done anything of that size before.

“Being cast in that opened up a whole lot of doors for me within the musical theatre genre.”

He has since performed in productions of Grease the Musical, Shout and Quambatook, a musical about John Williamson.

The celebratory shows Darren has produced over the past 10 years marry his two worlds together.

“I take great responsibility in recreating these songs as accurately as I can to the original,” he said.

“People are hungry for these songs and for these artists, for these great songs to be kept in the conversation of music.”

Darren particularly appreciates Taylor's unique guitar style and finds his songs comforting.

“It is like someone has given me a beautiful, big bear hug,” he said.

Fire and Rain - The James Taylor Songbook will be performed at Echuca Paramount Theatre on Saturday, March 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 5482 3399 or visiting echucaparamount.com

To hear more about Darren's love for James Taylor's music, listeners can hear The Riv talks … podcast at riverineherald.com.au/podcasts

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Wednesday, 20th September 2028

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