James Taylor "JT"
James Taylor's career began in the mid-1960s, but he found his audience in the early 1970s, singing sensitive and gentle acoustic songs. He was part of a wave of singer-songwriters of the time that also included Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Carole King, John Denver, Jim Croce, Don McLean, and Jackson Browne, as well as Carly Simon, whom Taylor later married.
His 1976 album Greatest Hits was certified diamond and has sold more than 11 million copies. He has retained a large audience well into the 1990s and early 2000s, when some of his best-selling and most-awarded albums were released. JT's top 10 hits include "You've Got A Friend" (his only #1 single), "Fire and Rain", "Mocking Bird" (with Carly Simon), and "Handy Man".
In 1988, he released Never Die Young. He began touring regularly. especially on the summer amphitheater circuit. His recent concerts feature songs from throughout his career and are marked by the musicianship of his band and backup singers. Taylor performed the National Anthem at Game 2 of the World Series in Boston on October 24, 2004 and in an odd coincidence he again sang the Anthem at Game 2 of the World Series in Boston on October 25, 2007. On November 28-30, Taylor, accompanied by his original band and Carole King, headlined a series of six benefit shows at The Troubadour. The appearances marked the 50th anniversary of the venue, where Taylor, King and many others, such as, Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Guns N' Roses began their music careers.