Raise your hand if you’re a fan of James Taylor! For those enthusiastically shouting “Me! Me! Me!”—welcome aboard! Now, for those who might be scratching their heads, let me introduce you to this legendary musician. James Taylor is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who commands immense respect in the music industry.
Let’s dive into his accolades: Taylor has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He’s also been bestowed with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France in 2012, and in 2015, he received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. On top of all that, he’s won six Grammy Awards and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2006, an award sponsored by the Grammys.
Now, let’s talk about his 2021 video, which features a special appearance by JT’s son, Henry. But before we dive into that, let’s touch on the incredible lineup of artists who performed at his MusiCares event. Trust me, it’s enough to silence any doubts about James Taylor’s impact and influence in the music world. We’ll circle back to that in just a moment.
It’s often said that there’s something truly magical when family members sing together, especially when they share a strong bond. This sentiment rings true in the performance we’re witnessing here. Just take a look at the proud and loving smiles exchanged between JT and his son Henry as they harmonize beautifully.
A fan, US Citizen, perfectly captures the enchantment of familial harmony, expressing that when biologically related individuals sing together, there’s an indescribable magic that transcends words. Another avid JT fan, The Cream, is pleasantly surprised by Henry’s musical talent, commenting, “Wow, I didn’t know his son was following in his footsteps.”
Sea Chi offers a poignant reflection, noting the profound significance of passing the torch from one generation to the next, particularly at this stage of life. The song they’re performing, “You Can Close Your Eyes,” holds a special place in Taylor’s repertoire. It’s both beloved by fans and highly praised by critics. Originally featured on his third album, “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon” released in 1971, many believe it was written for Taylor’s former girlfriend, Joni Mitchell.
Now, before we delve into the extensive list of artists who graced Taylor’s MusiCares event, let’s enjoy this pandemic-era treat from The Voice 2020.
Now, let’s dive into the star-studded lineup of performers who honored James Taylor at the televised MusiCares event back in 2006. The list reads like a who’s who of music legends: 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. Quite an impressive and diverse array of talent, wouldn’t you agree?
Turning our attention back to the virtual performance on The Voice, James and Henry Taylor treated viewers to a rendition of the classic American song, “Moon River.” Reflecting on this period, Henry Taylor shared, “We spent a lot of time stuck in Montana during the pandemic, where there wasn’t much to do besides make music. My dad taught me his guitar techniques, his songwriting approach, and his vocal warm-up routines.”
Since venues began opening up again in September 2021, Henry has been hitting the road with his father, James Taylor, serving as a backing vocalist. When asked about his new role as a full-fledged member of his father’s band, Henry expressed deep gratitude and a sense of familiarity, noting that he’s literally grown up surrounded by the band members. He reminisced about old photos where bandmates like Arnold McCuller and Kate Markowitz cradled him as a baby. Henry sees the band not just as colleagues but as an extended family who have always treated him with kindness and warmth. While acknowledging the added pressure of being the “boss’s kid,” he’s thrilled to pursue his passion alongside such talented musicians and hopes to continue learning from them.
A few interesting tidbits: James Taylor’s album “Before This World,” released in 2015, marked a significant milestone as his first album to top the Billboard 200 chart, more than 45 years after his debut. His 2020 release, “American Standard,” entered the Billboard 200 at #4, making him the first artist to achieve #1 albums in each of six consecutive decades. James Taylor has four children: Sally and Ben with Carly Simon, and twins Rufus and Henry with his third wife, Caroline ‘Kim’ Smedvig.
For those interested in more from James Taylor, you can subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Facebook.
