Hands up if you love James Taylor! I can already hear some of you shouting, “Me! Me! Me!” But for those who might not know him, let me introduce you. James Taylor is a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist, admired by fans and fellow musicians alike. If you’re a diehard fan, bear with me as I share some background for those new to his music. And if you’re just discovering him, get ready to dive into the world of a true musical icon!
James Taylor has received many awards throughout his career. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, honored by France as a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2012, and in 2015, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the U.S. On top of that, he has won six Grammy Awards and was named the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year. If you ever needed proof of his impact, just look at the star-studded lineup from his MusicCares tribute concert. But hold on—we’ll get to that soon!
Now, let’s talk about a beautiful moment between James Taylor and his son, Henry. In a 2021 video, the two perform together, and you can just see the love and pride in James’s eyes as they sing side by side. There’s something truly magical when family members harmonize, and this performance is no exception. One fan, US Citizen, summed it up perfectly: “When people who are biologically related sing together, there is a magic undefined by words. This performance: Yes, yes, and still again yes!” Another fan, Huge-JT-fan The Cream, was surprised to learn about Henry’s musical journey, saying, “Wow, I didn’t know his son was following in his footsteps.”
Sea Chi shared a touching thought about the song they performed, “You Can Close Your Eyes.” The lyrics include, “And you can sing this song when I’m gone,” which adds a whole new layer of meaning when passed from father to son. This song, one of Taylor’s most beloved, first appeared on his 1971 album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. Many believe he wrote it for his former girlfriend, the legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
During the pandemic, James and Henry Taylor made a special appearance on The Voice, performing the classic song “Moon River.” Henry later reflected on that time: “We were stuck in Montana for a lot of the pandemic where there wasn’t a lot to do besides music. Dad taught me his fingering, his approach to songwriting, his technique with vocal warmups.” That quality time clearly paid off because, when concerts resumed in September 2021, Henry officially joined his father’s band as a backing vocalist.
So, what was it like for Henry to become part of his father’s legendary group? He shared, “I have literally known this band all my life. There’s one photo where Arnold (McCuller) is holding me when I’m just three months old. There’s one with Kate (Markowitz) from the same time. And Jimmy Johnson. I feel as if the band is family. They have always treated me in such a kind and warm way. It can’t be easy to have the ‘boss’s kid’ working next to you. And although being a part of this incredible ensemble of hugely talented musicians is a little overwhelming, I am excited to be doing what I love most. I do feel pressure. But I’m hoping the singers will put up with me and continue to teach me as they’ve done so graciously in the past.”
Now, let’s go back to that 2006 MusicCares event, where some of the biggest names in music paid tribute to James Taylor by performing his songs. The lineup included Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Sting, Keith Urban, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, David Crosby, India.Arie, The Chicks, Jerry Douglas, and Paul Simon. That’s an amazing mix of talent, showing just how much respect Taylor has earned over the years.
James Taylor’s career has had incredible milestones. His first album to hit #1 on the Billboard 200 was Before This World in 2015—an incredible 45 years after he first entered the charts! His 2020 album, American Standard, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, making him the first artist to have a U.S. top-charting album in every decade since the 1970s.
In his personal life, Taylor has four children: Sally and Ben with his ex-wife Carly Simon, and twin sons Rufus and Henry with his third wife, Caroline “Kim” Smedvig.
Want to hear more from James Taylor? You can subscribe to his YouTube channel, follow him on Facebook, or visit his official website for updates.
What do you think about James Taylor’s legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
