Beloved singer/songwriter James Taylor was briefly considered for the lead role in Steven Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln biopic after composer John Williams insisted he was a dead ringer for the late U.S. president.

Taylor reveals he was pitched as the perfect Lincoln before Liam Neeson landed the role, and years before Daniel Day-Lewis replaced the Irish actor.

The Sweet Baby James singer admits his casting became a mission for Williams, who composed the score for the film.

He says, "John wanted me to play that part. He actually stood up for me there and suggested me at one point... but it was never going to happen."

Taylor can't quite see the resemblance apart from the fact both he and Lincoln are "tall and somewhat skinny".