The general public can hum a James Taylor song and he has the status of fellow musicians. His contribution was officially recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall-Of-Fame in 2000. Taylor made an impact at the renowned Newport Folks Holiday in 1969 but his first album had disheartening sales. The follow up however, Sweet Baby James, was a big success and produced the hit single, Fire and Rain.
The thirrd album, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, was another best seller and produced another hit single. This time, it wasn’t a James Taylor song but a cover of Carole King’s you seem to have a Mate , a song that Taylor made his very own. The single won a Grammy award and was number one on the Poster advertisement chart. It featured a new version of another famous James Taylor song, Carolina On My Mind. Fellow musicians can be heard on the album, on backing vocals, including David Crosby, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon.
A 2nd compilation came in 2000 when the best Hits Volume two was released. As well as James Taylor song titles, the album contains 2 great covers. Again, guest musicians help out on the album, including Stevie Wonder on harmonica and Yo Yo Ma from the classical world, on cello. The tracks include Winter Wonderland, Baby, It’s Cold Outside with Natalie Cole, Jingle Bells and Santa Is Coming To City .
He continues to entertain his legions of fans that now span different generations. A James Taylor song has always delivered his rich, mellow voice and accomplished guitar playing. Taylor’s capability as a composer places him up there with the other greats.
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