James Taylor

James Vernon Taylor, born on March 12, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who became a defining figure in the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. His music blends soft rock, folk, and pop, and he is known for his warm baritone voice and distinctive fingerpicking guitar style. Taylor grew up in a musical family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and began playing the cello before switching to the guitar. His early life was marked by personal struggles, including depression and heroin addiction, which he has referenced in his music.

Career Breakthrough

In 1966, Taylor formed the band The Flying Machine. After the group broke up, he moved to London and was signed to The Beatles' Apple Records, releasing his debut album, James Taylor, in 1968. However, his major breakthrough came with his second album, Sweet Baby James (1970), which included the hit single "Fire and Rain". This album and the song's success catapulted him to fame, and in 1971 he appeared on the cover of Time magazine. His first number one hit came in 1971 with his cover of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend".

Notable Albums and Songs

Throughout his career, Taylor has released over 20 studio albums and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His 1976 Greatest Hits album is certified Diamond, having sold over 11 million copies in the U.S. alone. Some of his other successful albums include Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971), JT (1977), Hourglass (1997), and October Road (2002). In 2015, he achieved his first number-one album in the U.S. with Before This World. His well-known songs include "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)," and "Handy Man".

Awards and Recognition

James Taylor is a six-time Grammy Award winner. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2016, he received the Kennedy Center Honors.

Personal Life

Taylor has been married three times. His first marriage was to singer-songwriter Carly Simon from 1972 to 1983, with whom he has two children, Sally and Ben. He was then married to actress Kathryn Walker from 1985 to 1995. Since 2001, he has been married to Caroline "Kim" Smedvig, with whom he has twin sons, Rufus and Henry. Taylor has been open about his past struggles with addiction and has been sober since 1984. He is also a liberal and environmental activist.