Taylor, James (1948-…), an American singer and composer, became one of the most popular performers of the 1970’s. Taylor’s songs and dry, sad singing voice reflected a pessimistic view that seemed to suit the mood of many people in that decade. However, Taylor continued to perform live and record into the 2000’s. He has won a number of Grammy Awards for his music.
James Vernon Taylor was born on March 12, 1948, in Boston. He began playing the guitar as a boy and accompanied himself on the instrument in his concerts. In 1967, Taylor formed a music group called the Flying Machine. He recorded his first album in England in 1969. Taylor became a star with the release of his first American album, Sweet Baby James, in 1970. The album included the hit song “Fire and Rain.”
Taylor was married to the American singer Carly Simon from 1972 to 1982. They recorded the hit song “Mockingbird” in 1974. Taylor’s other hits include “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971), “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” (1973), “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” (1975), “Shower the People” (1976), “Handy Man” (1977), “Wonderful World” (recorded with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, 1978), “Up on the Roof” (1979), “Everyday” (1985), and “New Moon Shine” (1991). Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He became a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2016.
