Shed a Little Light
May 9, 2013
James recently taped and sent a personal video message to Mrs. Lapidus' 5th Grade Class at Pine Tree Elementary School in Monroe, NY.
Click here to read the students' story and to see James's video message.
THE BOSTON GLOBE - Biggest names in Boston music to join The One Fund benefit
May 3, 2013
By Mark Shanahan and Meredith Goldstein
As we reported first, a blockbuster concert benefiting the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings will be held May 30 at TD Garden. Live Nation’s Don Law, one of the event’s organizers, will announce the lineup Friday at a press conference at the House of Blues. We’d heard the benefit for The One Fund would include some of the biggest names in Boston music, and, apparently, we heard right. According to people privy to the planning, among the acts expected to perform are Boston, the J. Geils Band, James Taylor and Carole King, New Kids on the Block, and Jimmy Buffett. (Although Buffett isn’t from Boston, the “Margaritaville” singer has a rabid fan base here and is close friends with Law.) No word on what tickets to the rock ’n’ roll fund-raiser might cost or what, if anything, will be done to prevent ticket resellers from selling tickets at sky-high prices. In the days leading up to the 12.12.12 Concert for Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden, tickets originally priced from $150 to $2,500 were selling on the secondary market for several thousand dollars each. The lineup for The One Fund benefit is stellar — each of the acts has sold out the Garden in the past — and we’re told more bands could be added. Reached at home in the Berkshires Thursday, Taylor said he was thrilled to be asked to participate and even happier to say yes. “The One Fund event at the Garden is destined to be a true Boston landmark,” he said in an e-mail. “From the promoters to the sound & lights, to the performers, and the Garden staff; everyone involved has responded from the heart in a spontaneous and simultaneous desire to be there, and to do what we can for the city we love. I am honored to be part of it, and . . . I can’t wait.”
[Source:
BostonGlobe.com]
THE MAUI NEWS - James Taylor, Baby-Boomers, and Under the Stars
Apr 15, 2013
Pacific Memories and VisionsBy Ray Tsuchiyama
In March this year singer-songwriter and guitarist (and he is an excellent guitarist) James Taylor turned 65 years old, born three years after the end of World War II. His music would influence successive generations, but his biggest impact was on baby boomers. In a metric of his music's influence and impact, Taylor’s
Sweet Baby James album would be listed at #103 on
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003, with the song "Fire and Rain" listed as #227 on
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time the year after.
Perhaps the best-known representative of "baby boomers" or children born as World War II ended is President Bill Clinton, who turns 67 this August.
When the young James Taylor first met the already-iconic Paul McCartney of the Beatles in 1968, the latter star was only a couple of years older than him. Brooklyn-ite Carol King -- the author of Taylor’s 1971 Billboard #1 hit "You've Got a Friend" – is 71. Even British rocker (he is in way better shape than me) Mick Jagger turns 70 this July.
So in a sense, my 22 year-old daughter probably looks at James Taylor as I viewed my parents’ following Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams – so goes the generational gap.
When at the MACC concert James Taylor recalled singing at the Los Angeles Troubadour* nightclub in the late 1960s with Carole King (whose
Tapestry album was a global best-seller and contains songs that sound fresh today), there are some individuals on Maui who were in the smoke-filled club audience.
There are also a few on Maui who were at clubs in Harvard Square or Greenwich Village in the 1970s, and probably more who attended Taylor concerts at amphitheaters at large universities, like UC Berkeley, Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Texas at Austin.
There are of course others who listened to Taylor songs on KPOI-FM in Honolulu or on Maui or even in London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney.
There are many who would recall exactly what they were doing when they heard the song first and again and again: the 1970s hit songs are forever in one’s mind, like "Mockingbird" (with Carly Simon), "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and "Handy Man", and plus many more.
Based on sweeping and deep nostalgia, a huge crowd assembled at the A & B amphitheater on the evening of April 12: the weather was a bit overcast, but remained balmy, no strong winds.
Five-time Grammy Award winner James Taylor is a professional and generous performer:
He started on time, just a few minutes after 7:30 pm.
He was humorous, self-deprecating during his song introductions.
He was generous in his highlighting of his back-up singers and musicians.
He acknowledged cries of "I love you, James!" from the audience.
He spent ten minutes after the half-way intermission began to allow concert-goers to take photos, give him leis, and engage in easy, unselfish banter.
He said "Thank you, Mahalo" constantly (and referred to President Barack Obama’s Hawai’i roots – he is an Obama supporter).
Taylor deserves his artistic resurgence during the last two decades when some of his best-selling and most-awarded albums (including
Covers and
October Road) were released. It is not only the music – it is also the viral reputation of the artist.
Given that I have been at concerts where the lead act took agonizingly long to appear on stage (after I paid good money for my ticket), I felt warmth, compassion, and a freshness about the world after hearing his songs – yes, even after playing since the late 1960s, you can feel his enduring life-long love of singing and playing. His herky-jerky motion while enjoying a rock-and-roll guitar riff reminded me of a tall Pinocchio manipulated by a puppet-master; on ballads like "Sweet Baby James" he is still, collected, his voice so unusual in his phrasing, notes, and range.
I joined in the happy crowd’s refrains of "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and returned to my youth, joyfulness, and vigor. It is times like this that I think about how wonderful Life is . . . and is in my pantheon of another "Magical Maui Night".
*A few years ago Taylor released a CD of his 2010 L.A. Troubadour nightclub performance – with Carole King.
[Source:
MauiNews.com]
Guitar Lesson Seven!
Mar 18, 2013
Click on the image below to navigate to the latest video lesson.
Lesson Seven: "SECRET O' LIFE"
Check out James's previous guitar lesson videos here and let him know what you think. Enjoy!
TUBERVILLE and Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Mar 18, 2013
Help support Tuberville by watching episode three of Tuberville The Series! In the month of March, Space Research will donate funds for each new viewing (up to 20,000 views).
Of special note: In this 10-minute film is a cameo by former Red Sox southpaw legend, Bill "Spaceman" Lee.
Tuberville is a New England-based charity dedicated to reducing hunger within our community and yours.
TICKET PRESALES FOR HAWAII
Feb 5, 2013
After a 10-year absence from the Aloha State, James is thrilled to announce two special concerts in Hawaii this spring. Accompanied by his band, James will appear on April 12 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului followed by a concert on April 13 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.
The JamesTaylor.com Store will be hosting a Best Seats ticket presale for both of these performances beginning Thursday, February 7 at 10 am HAST. For full details, check out the Schedule page.
James is also offering fans a special selection of premium seats to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and a charity of your choice. These tickets are available exclusively through TicketsForCharity.com.
BERKSHIREEAGLE.COM - Inauguration Day: When President Obama called, James Taylor and family answered
Jan 25, 2013
When James Taylor performs "America the Beautiful" during President Obama's public inauguration ceremony on Monday, it will reflect the close ties the singer-songwriter and his family developed with the first family during the 2008 and 2012 election campaigns.
Taylor and his wife, Kim, and their 11-year-old twin sons, Rufus and Henry, will travel from their home in the Berkshires hilltown of Washington to Washington, D.C., on Saturday morning for a three-day whirlwind weekend of inauguration activities.
The singer and his wife plan to attend a black-tie reception for family and friends of the Obamas at the White House on Monday evening. Earlier in the weekend, they'll attend a reception hosted by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, a co-chairman of the president's re-election campaign, and his wife, Diane.
Taylor and his sons also have been invited to a special tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, their first visit to the popular attraction.
During Obama's 2012 campaign, Taylor, accompanied by his wife as backup vocalist, spent more than a month performing at rallies and fundraisers in North Carolina, where the Boston native spent most of his childhood, as well as Detroit; Atlanta; Chicago; Miami; Dallas; San Francisco; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Norwich, Vt. The Taylors wound up their campaign tour on Nov. 3, the final weekend before the election, at a rally in Nashua, N.H.
In an interview with The Eagle, Taylor said the invitation to sing at the inauguration came directly from the president.
"He mentioned it several times to us when we saw him earlier this fall at events in Washington," said Taylor. "It's quite a thrill."
Taylor will perform after Vice President Joe Biden is sworn in and right before U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administers the oath of office to Obama.
Two pop-music superstars also will perform during the nationally televised ceremony at the U.S. Capitol: Beyoncé Knowles, singing the national anthem, and Kelly Clarkson, singing "My Country, ‘Tis of Thee."
"I know both Beyoncé and Kelly -- not well -- but I admire their music and them personally," Taylor said.
As for the Taylor twins, said Kim Taylor, they are most excited about the Kids Inaugural Concert, organized and hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. The event, held in honor of military families, includes singers Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, and Marc Anthony, along with the cast of "Glee" and Mindless Behavior, a boy band.
"It's their first concert that's not one of Dad's, and they're really keen to go," Kim Taylor said. "They're also hoping to meet Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson."
James Taylor said he is looking forward to the rehearsal Sunday at the Capitol.
"It will be great to be able to run through the song and know where exactly we'll be," he said.
Taylor was asked if he foresees progress on Obama's second-term policy proposals despite ongoing partisan wrangling on Capitol Hill.
"I've gotten used to thinking we all want our government to cooperate, find consensus and move forward, but perhaps I'm wrong," Taylor said. "It seems that half the Congress feels it is their job to paralyze government. And evidently, their constituents back home agree, or they wouldn't keep electing them."
He added, "One thing we should agree on: We should raise enough taxes to pay our commitments. One of the great divides of Red/Blue partisan politics is over the issue of government spending. Republicans might prefer to limit it to defense, police and highways, while Democrats are perhaps more interested in health, education and welfare."
Interviewed at home during a break in October, Taylor said: "Kim and I love this president and feel it's really important that he continue for another four years with the vision he has for the country."
Obama awarded Taylor the National Medal of Arts at the White House in 2011.
Clarence Fanto, Special to The Eagle
Source:
BerkshireEagle.com
USATODAY.COM - Beyonce, James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson to sing for President Obama
Jan 9, 2013
Those three will be the big names at the inauguration (besides President Obama).
Beyoncé, James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson will perform the patriotic songs at the second inauguration of President Obama on Jan. 21, the inauguration committee will announce today.
Beyoncé, who's also starring at the Super Bowl halftime show next month, will sing the national anthem, always a tough tune to pull off well.
Taylor, the Sweet Baby James icon of '70s folk-rock, will sing "America the Beautiful".
And Clarkson, the first winner of American Idol (2002), will sing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", the song with different lyrics but the same tune as the British national anthem. At the first Obama inaugural ceremony in 2009, soul diva Aretha Franklin sang it while wearing a memorable hat.
More announcements about entertainment at the inauguration are expected in coming days.
All this will take place during the public swearing-in ceremonies on the Capitol steps, when President Obama delivers his second inaugural address before a crowd likely to top more than 1 million.
Obama will officially take the oath of office at the White House on Jan. 20, as per the Constitution, but the repeat swearing-in ceremony, the inaugural parade, the lunch with Congress and the inaugural balls will take place on Monday.
In 2009, an estimated 1.8 million people turned up on the National Mall to watch the historic inauguration of the nation's first black president; this time, in light of the economic situation, the inauguration will be more low-key, with fewer people expected and only two official balls.
Maria Puente, USA TODAY
Source: USAToday.com
Christmas Video Series, Part Two
Dec 27, 2012
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Enjoy the final two episodes in the Christmas album video series. In video #1, James reveals his favorite holiday memories (including his favorite Christmas present of all time!). In video #2 James demonstrates his fire building techniques for keeping The Barn warm during the frigid Berkshire winters.
We will be back in the New Year!
Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for the year 2013!
Christmas Video Series, Part One
Dec 20, 2012
Get into the holiday spirit!
In the video below, James reflects on the creation of his newly re-released Christmas album, James Taylor At Christmas.
Be sure to click through each of the other videos to get James's personal insights into the recording of each of the album's 14 tracks.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!
CharityBuzz "12 Days of Giving" Auction!
Dec 12, 2012
"Gratitude is the best attitude, to realize how very fortunate we are. This beautiful country, our precious freedom, secured for us by the sacrifice of so many...Give thanks!...Pass it on!" — James Taylor
Take part in the charitybuzz 12 Days of Giving event for your chance to win an autographed, personalized copy of "Carolina in my Mind" music; an autographed, personalized acoustic guitar; or even a Berkshires holiday escape including an evening at the theatre with James in Pittsfield, MA!
Proceeds will benefit these three charities: Tuberville, the Berkshire Theatre Group and the Ortum Girls Project of the Center for Global Collaboration and Health Initiatives.
See and bid on charitybuzz auction items here.
CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM - Singer James Taylor suggested for lead role in "Lincoln"
Dec 10, 2012
Reporting by: Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by: Jill Serjeant and Lisa Shumaker
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Singer-songwriter James Taylor says he doesn't see the resemblance, but he was pitched — without success — to play the role of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in the new film.
Taylor told a packed audience at the National Press Club on Friday that Oscar-winning musician John Williams — who composed the soundtrack for "Lincoln" — had pushed for Taylor to play the lead role in Steven Spielberg's new film.
The role of Lincoln in the historical drama ultimately went to Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis.
"John wanted me to play that part. He actually stood up for me there and suggested me at one point," said Taylor, 64, adding, "It was never going to happen."
The "Fire and Rain" singer, who has no professional acting experience, said he was flattered that some people thought Day-Lewis' portrayal of Lincoln reminded them of him. But he did not see much resemblance aside from the fact that they were "tall and somewhat skinny."
"He doesn't look like me to me, but I live in here, so I'm apt to notice the difference," Taylor said.
British-born actor Day-Lewis, who already has two Oscars, is seen as a front runner to take home another golden statuette at the Academy Awards in February.
Taylor said he had no ambitions to go into acting after what he called "an interesting ride" of a performance career in which he essentially played himself.
"This is fine. I've spent my life being myself for a living," said Taylor, a five-time Grammy Award winner.
"There are performers who develop and assume a character that they then play for the public. But I don't know anyone who is as much themselves publicly for a living as I am," he said.
Taylor and his third wife, Kim Taylor, campaigned actively for then-candidate Barack Obama in 2008 and again in 2012. The singer performed in Washington on Thursday evening at the 90th annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree, presided over this year by President Obama and his family.
[Source: ChicagoTribune.com]
James to Appear at National Press Club Luncheon
Nov 30, 2012
James will be the featured guest speaker at the December 7 luncheon for the prestigious National Press Club. His chosen topic will be "election reform".
Want to be involved in this conversation? Email your question to president@press.org and watch the live stream of the event at Press.org, starting promptly at 1PM EST. You can also tweet your question to @QNPCLunch during the event and see what others are saying by following the conversation on Twitter with #NPCLunch or by reading it on Facebook.
Tickets for this event will cost $19 for club members, $30 for guests of members, or $37 for the general public and can be reserved by emailing reservations@press.org or calling 202-662-7501.
Guitar Lesson Six!
Nov 16, 2012
Click on the image below to navigate to the latest video lesson.
Lesson Six: "CAROLINA IN MY MIND"
Check out James' previous guitar lesson videos here.
Let James know what you think. Enjoy!
James Taylor to Sing at National Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov 14, 2012
James Taylor is among the stars who will participate in the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, which will take place on December 6 on the Ellipse at President’s Park in Washington, D.C.
Some of the other big names who will gather around the tree to serenade the crowd with holiday favorites at the National Park Service-sponsored event are Colbie Caillat, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and American Idol champ Phillip Phillips. The tree lighting will be streamed live at TheNationalTree.org starting at 4:30 p.m ET that day. The ceremony also will air nationally on public television throughout December — check your local listings.
More performers and additional guests for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
[Source: ClassicHitsAndOldies.com]
Holiday Shipping Cut-off Dates
Nov 13, 2012
Planning on treating loved ones to something from the JamesTaylor.com Store this holiday season? To help ensure that your gift purchases are delivered in time, please place your order by the following dates:
- International addresses - Sunday, December 2
- US addresses - Saturday, December 15
THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE - James Taylor takes tour hiatus to focus on new album
Oct 22, 2012
Written by: Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle Staff
In a quest to complete his first new album of original songs in 10 years, James Taylor plans to suspend touring for the full year of 2013, hunkering down at his home and studio in the town of Washington to prepare for the recording project.
Taylor revealed his intention to take a break from the road during a conversation with The Eagle on Friday.
"I’m taking the year off, I’m not touring, I’m trying to write an album," he said.
Asked if that meant no Tanglewood appearances next summer, Taylor responded: "It’s difficult to play Tanglewood without booking at least a month of work, because I can’t pull my band together for one gig and have them miss out on other work. These guys need to fill their schedules if they can."
However, he added, "We’re still talking about whether or not there’s something I can do at Tanglewood. But I’ve told my band we’re not going to do a big tour, it’s going to wait until I’ve made the new album."
The goal is to have the album released by the summer of 2014, he said. "That’s what I’m hoping for."
He acknowledged that "it’s hard to take the year off, there are a lot of very compelling things that come up and it’s amazing how the entire calendar fills up."
"For three years in a row, I’ve intended to take the fall off," he said. "I have to get really serious about it, and yet offers come along from old friends and things I’d love to do, and also the opportunity to work and bring home a paycheck. It’s very hard to turn work down."
As Taylor put it: "They say if you work for yourself, you have the toughest boss available. You’re reluctant to turn things down, but I’ve really got to write this album, it has to happen now. It’s certainly worth a try."
Back in the Berkshires after four weeks on the campaign trail performing at rallies and fundraisers for President Obama’s re-election campaign, Taylor said he’s committed to one more event for the president, a "living-room concert" in Norwich, Vt. — a "high-cost ticket" event to raise money for the campaign, Taylor explained — and to do one more event for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren.
Most of his performances in recent weeks have been aimed at raising funds for field offices to maximize the grass-roots orientation of the Obama campaign, said Taylor.
His road trip for the effort has included appearances in North Carolina, his boyhood home, as well as stops in Detroit, Nashville, Atanta, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, San Francisco, the Silicon Valley of northern California, and Santa Barbara, Calif.
"We’re just trying to do the best job we can and let go of the results," said Taylor, sitting with his wife, Kim, who has accompanied him on the road as a vocalist along with Boston Symphony Orchestra cellist Owen Young.
"Kim and I love this president and feel it’s really important that he continue for another four years with the vision he has for the country," Taylor said. "We made ourselves available to the campaign, asked what we can do, and it’s been very spiritually invigorating and uplifting to be in contact with the people working in the campaign."
Taylor called the cascade of campaign financing "kind of crazy" in the wake of the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling that opened the floodgates to unlimited spending by unidentified political action groups.
"It was a real mistake and not what the country wanted," he said. "The country has been trying to get the money out of politics, anonymous money from God knows where. I think it’s a distraction and confusing to people."
Taylor said he finds it difficult to watch the presidential debates because of their "combative nature. I find them confusing and off the point."
"There are things to be learned about how a candidate handles the camera and the stress," he said, "but aside from that, I feel what’s needed is a forum in which people express their vision and their plan for the country if they’re elected leader."
"I don’t know whether your ability to come out on top in a competition like that really is much of an indication of how good a leader, a team builder you would be."
Taylor suggested a greater focus on the candidates’ actual plans.
"We get a lot of that information, but it comes across in such a confusing context. Any real issues are so loaded the candidates don’t go near them, the really important stuff doesn’t get talked about," Taylor said.
[Source: BerkshireEagle.com]
James Taylor At Christmas, Featuring One Brand New Track!
Oct 15, 2012
Get into the holiday spirit with James Taylor At Christmas, a collection of 14 holiday favorites recorded by James throughout the years. The album features his brand new track, "Mon Beau Sapin," a French rendition of "O Christmas Tree" arranged by James, Dave Grusin and Larry Goldings, which is only available on this collection. The album also includes a moving version of "Here Comes the Sun," recorded with cellist Yo-Yo Ma plus 12 other timeless holiday classics detailed below.
James Taylor At Christmas will be re-released on October 30, 2012, through Universal Music Enterprises, and is now available through the JamesTaylor.com Store.
Track Listing:
- Winter Wonderland (Featuring Chris Botti)
- Go Tell It On The Mountain
- Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
- Jingle Bells
- Baby, It's Cold Outside (Featuring Natalie Cole)
- River
- Here Comes The Sun (Featuring Yo-Yo Ma)
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- Some Children See Him
- Mon Beau Sapin
- The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) (Featuring Toots Thielemans)
- Who Comes This Night
- In The Bleak Midwinter
- Auld Lang Syne
The French Honor "Monsieur Taylor"!
Aug 28, 2012
James has received word that the French government has conferred on
him the distinguished honor of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres was created
in 1957 to recognize eminent artists and writers, as well as individuals
who have contributed to furthering the arts in France and throughout the
world. The Order is given out twice annually to only a few hundred people
worldwide. Americans who have received the award include Robert Redford,
Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman and Marilyn Horne.
The announcement will be followed by a private medal ceremony at a later
date at the French Embassy in New York.
James Taylor and Jimmy Buffet Featured on New Jesse Winchester Tribute Album
Aug 21, 2012
James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett are among the contributors to a new album paying homage to respected folk artist Jesse Winchester. Quiet About It: A Tribute to Jesse Winchester features 11 of the singer/songwriter's tunes recorded by Taylor, Buffett and such other stars as Little Feat, Rosanne Cash, Lyle Lovett and Elvis Costello.
The album was organized by Buffett and Costello, who initiated the project after learning that Winchester was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year. Since then, Jesse has undergone surgery and therapeutic treatment and, thankfully, his doctors have deemed him cancer-free. He currently has a handful of tour dates on his schedule.
Winchester is perhaps best known for his songs “Biloxi” and “Brand New Tennessee Waltz.” Over the years, his compositions have been recorded by Buffett, The Everly Brothers, Wilson Pickett, Joan Baez and many others.
Quiet About It currently is being sold as a digital download via iTunes and will be available for purchase at other online music sellers on September 3. The album also be released as a physical CD on September 25.
Here is the album's full track list:
James Taylor, "Payday"
Rosanne Cash, "Biloxi"
Jimmy Buffett, "Gentleman of Leisure"
Allen Toussaint, "I Wave Bye Bye"
Vince Gill, "Talk Memphis"
Mac McAnally, "Defying Gravity"
Lyle Lovett, "Brand New Tennessee Waltz"
Lucinda Williams, "Mississippi You're on My Mind"
Rodney Crowell (featuring Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill), "Dangerous Fun"
Little Feat, "Rhumba Man"
Elvis Costello, "Quiet About It"
Source: ClassicHitsAndOldies.com
Guitar Lesson Five + bonus video!
Aug 2, 2012
Click on the images below to navigate to the latest video lessons.
LESSON FIVE: "Enough To Be On Your Way (Intro)"
LESSON FIVE BONUS VIDEO: "Tuning"
USA TODAY — "Talking Tech with James Taylor" — July 31, 2012
(article and bonus videos featuring James's Guitar Lessons by Jefferson Graham)
"Fire and Rain" Guitar Lesson Contest Winner!
Jun 13, 2012
A big congratulations goes out to our "Fire and Rain" Guitar Lesson Contest winner: Gordie Brooks from Michigan!
Gordie has won an autographed and personalized vocal orchestral part to "Fire and Rain" from James's personal library.
Thank you to everyone who entered the contest and helped us celebrate the release of James's "Fire and Rain" guitar lesson!
Stay tuned for the next guitar lesson, coming soon!
One Potato, Two Potato
Jun 13, 2012
As you may already know, James is a loyal supporter of Tuberville — a charity dedicated to reducing hunger within our communities.
A few months ago we introduced you to an innovative and entertaining approach that Tuberville has taken to raise awareness and grow their organization. We are talking about Tuberville: The Web Series!
Take a moment to watch One Potato, Two Potato — the second of eight episodes in Tuberville: The Web Series. Tell us what you think. Share it. Like it.
Please consider joining Tuberville and donating to this wonderful cause. All donations are tax deductible!
CharityBuzz.com Tuberville Auction!
May 29, 2012
Meet James Taylor by bidding on two VIP tickets to his Atlantic City concert on July 7 through the charitybuzz.com auction. All funds raised will benefit
Tuberville, a charity that James supports.
Great Seats For Great Causes
May 29, 2012
A limited number of charity tickets are available for James's Tanglewood performances on July 2, 3 and 4. These tickets will benefit The Berkshire Natural Resources Council and other national and local charities through Tickets-for-Charity®!
Additionally, a special selection of VIP charity seats is also available for his summer tour! Tickets for these shows will benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council as well as other great charities! To learn more, please visit TicketsForCharity.com.
Guitar Lesson Four + Contest!
May 9, 2012
Click on the image below to navigate to the latest video lesson then read below for contest details!
LESSON FOUR: "Fire and Rain"
"Fire and Rain" Guitar Lesson Contest!
James is thrilled to announce a new contest to celebrate the release of his
"Fire and Rain" guitar lesson.
Entering is simple! Just share the video with your friends and you'll be automatically eligible to win an autographed vocal part to "Fire and Rain" from James's personal library, personalized to you or whomever you choose!
For your chance to win, and for more details including the official rules, click here.
ADDITIONAL TANGLEWOOD TICKETS
Apr 19, 2012
We're pleased to announce that we've received a new supply of tickets for James's Tanglewood performances on July 2 and 3 in Lenox, MA!
Tickets for both of these shows are available right now, so visit the JamesTaylor.com Store immediately if you want to secure your seats for this great venue.
RAVINIA FESTIVAL PRESALE
Apr 19, 2012
As previously announced, James and his band will be performing at the Ravinia Festival on July 27 and 28 in Highland Park, IL. Our Store will be hosting ticket presales for both of these shows, starting April 23 at 10 am CDT.
As always, tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure that you're in the Store and ready-to-go shortly before 10 am CDT, this Monday, for your best chance at great seats!
TANTE GRAZIE! THANK YOU, ITALY!
Apr 4, 2012
Ringrazio tutti gli italiani per il successo dei miei concerti!
Grazie ancora,
James (Giacomo) Taylor
Evansville, IN, Show & Presale
Mar 23, 2012
It’s just been announced that James and his band will be performing at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN, on July 11, as part of his 2012 North American summer tour.
JamesTaylor.com will be hosting a Best Seats ticket presale for this show starting Monday, March 26, at 10 am CDT.
As always, tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure that you’re in the Store and ready-to-go shortly before 10 am CDT, this Monday, for your best chance at great seats!
To see the full calendar of James' upcoming tour dates visit the Schedule page.
JAMES TAYLOR & BAND REHEARSE "STEAMROLLER" FOR 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR
Mar 12, 2012
February 28, 2012 — James Taylor and band rehearse "Steamroller" at The Barn for the start of the 2012 Winter/Spring European tour.
Personnel: James Taylor, voice/guitar; Jeff Babko, piano; Jimmy Johnson, bass; Steve Gadd, drums
JAMES TAYLOR & BAND REHEARSE "SLAP LEATHER" FOR 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR
Mar 7, 2012
February 28, 2012 — James Taylor and band rehearse "Slap Leather" at The Barn for the start of the 2012 Winter/Spring European tour.
Personnel: James Taylor, voice/guitar; Jeff Babko, piano; Jimmy Johnson, bass; Steve Gadd, drums
AUSTRIA ADDED TO 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR!
Feb 24, 2012
JamesTaylor.com is excited to announce a newly confirmed 2012 European tour date for James in Austria.
On May 10, James, accompanied by his band, will appear at the Jazzfest im Glenthof in Imst, Austria.
Tickets for this show are available right now through our Store. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so head to the Store immediately in order to get the best tickets!
The full calendar of James' upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
JamesTaylor.com Store Special - Beat the Winter Blues!
Feb 24, 2012
To help keep your heart warm this winter, the JamesTaylor.com Store is pleased to offer a special 15% off all classic James Taylor apparel.
Visit the Store and check out items such as the Peacock Babydoll T-Shirt, the Seahorse T-Shirt, the James and Ben T-Shirt, and many other timeless pieces!
This special offer is valid until 11:59 pm EST on February 29, 2012. Discounts will be applied automatically at checkout.
Enjoy!
SECOND SHOWS ADDED IN ATLANTIC CITY AND DENVER!
Feb 13, 2012
James has added a second show in both Atlantic City and Denver, as part of his North American summer tour. On July 7, James and his band will perform at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Then, on July 24, they will take the stage at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, CO.
Presale tickets for both shows will be available through our Store beginning Wednesday, February 15. Exact details and presale start times are listed on the Schedule page.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so ensure that you are in the Store before the presale start time in order to get the best tickets!
Great Seats for Great Causes
A special selection of VIP Charity Seats is also available for these shows to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council and other national and local charities through Tickets-for-Charity®! To learn more, please visit TicketsForCharity.com.
To see the full calendar of upcoming tour dates, visit the Schedule page.
SUMMER TOUR 2012: SECOND MONTRÉAL DATE + 13 CITIES ADDED!
Feb 3, 2012
A series of US dates, plus a second Montréal concert at Place des Arts, have been added to James' 2012 summer tour. These shows will see James and his extraordinary band perform across North America in 13 additional cities, beginning June 20 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The JamesTaylor.com Store will be offering presale tickets for all of the US shows, with some sales starting February 6 and the rest beginning February 7. Exact details and presale start times are listed on the Schedule page.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so ensure that you are in the Store before the presale start time in order to get the best tickets.
Tickets for the Montréal show are on sale right now in the JamesTaylor.com Store, so head over immediately!
Great Seats for Great Causes
A special selection of VIP Charity Seats is also available for these shows to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council and other national and local charities through Tickets-for-Charity®! To learn more, please visit TicketsForCharity.com.
To see the full calendar of upcoming tour dates, visit the Schedule page.
CHARITYBUZZ.COM VALENTINE'S DAY AUCTION!
Feb 2, 2012
Is your sweetheart the ultimate JT fan? Then win their heart this Valentine's Day with the perfect gift!
Bid on a personalized piece of signed sheet music ("Steamroller"!) or signed Yamaha F325 Guitar through the charitybuzz.com Valentine's Day Auction to benefit charity.
Tanglewood, 2009
The Berkshire Eagle: Taylor, family, friends connect with space station commander
Jan 30, 2012
James, along with his family and a group of friends, connected with commander Dan Burbank as he was 220 miles above Earth, to see an amazing view of our planet and to play a duet!
Awestruck.
That describes the reaction of James Taylor, his wife Kim and their twin sons, Rufus and Henry, as well as 20 friends, relatives and associates gathered on Sunday for a close encounter of the most unusual kind with outer space.
Through an iPad and satellite hookup from the high-tech recording studio at Taylor's hilltop home base overlooking Lenox, to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and then 220 miles above the Earth to flight commander Dan Burbank aboard the International Space Station, the conversation about space exploration and music flowed freely, thanks to a near-flawless technical setup.
A high-def, two-way video screen and camera displayed stunning images of the space station — the size of a football field — and its rotating view of planet Earth for the Taylor gathering, while Burbank had a chance to play a duet with his favorite singer.
Check out the full article in our Press Archive.
PRESALE ON NOW FOR BARI, ITALY!
Jan 25, 2012
James and his legendary band will be playing the TeatroTeam in Bari, Italy on March 27, 2012. This concert is part of James' previously announced spring tour of Italy. JamesTaylor.com is pleased to announce your chance to secure tickets via our exclusive presale going on now at the JamesTaylor.com Store.
Don't forget. Seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to visit the Store right away to get the best seats!
To check out the full calendar of upcoming tour dates, drop by the JamesTaylor.com Schedule page.
Two New 2012 North American Dates
Jan 23, 2012
James and his band have added two new dates to their summer tour schedule. On June 27, they will perform at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts (Festival International de Jazz de Montréal) in Montréal, QC. Then, on June 30, they will take the stage at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH.
Presale tickets for both shows will be available through our Store beginning tomorrow, January 24, at 10 am EST.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so ensure that you are in the Store before the presale start time in order to get the best tickets!
The full calendar of upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
JAMES TAYLOR AT TANGLEWOOD
Jan 16, 2012
Celebrate Independence Day with James, who returns to Tanglewood with his extraordinary band of musicians for three concerts in the Koussevitzky Music Shed on July 2, 3, and 4. Presale tickets for all three dates will be available in our Store beginning January 18 at 10 am EST.
The July 4 concert will include a special fireworks display and all proceeds that evening will benefit Tanglewood! This year's performances mark James' twenty-first summer at Tanglewood since his debut in 1974.
These presale tickets will go quickly, so ensure you are in the Store before the presale start time. More details are listed below and a full list of upcoming show dates can be found on the Schedule page.
AMSTERDAM ADDED TO 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR
Jan 16, 2012
JamesTaylor.com is excited to announce a newly confirmed 2012 European tour date for James in Amsterdam.
On May 16, James, accompanied by his band, will appear at Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, NL.
Presale tickets for this show will be available tomorrow (January 17) at 10 am CET through our Store.
ICELAND ADDED TO 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR!
Dec 15, 2011
JamesTaylor.com is excited to announce a newly confirmed 2012 European tour date for James in Iceland.
On May 18, James, accompanied by his band, will appear at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Presale tickets for this show will be available tomorrow (December 16) at 12:00 pm GMT through Midi.is.
The full calendar of upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
ROME AND BILBAO ADDED TO 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR!
Dec 7, 2011
Stops at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome, Italy, and the Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao, Spain, have been added to James and his band's 2012 European Tour.
Tickets for these shows are available right now through our Store. To purchase your tickets, click here.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so head to the Store now in order to get the best tickets!
The full calendar of upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
HOLIDAY REMINDER FROM THE JAMESTAYLOR.COM STORE
Nov 29, 2011
The JamesTaylor.com Store is pleased to be celebrating the holidays by offering special seasonal discounts to you and yours!
Enjoy a 15% savings on James' popular holiday CD, James Taylor At Christmas, plus seasonal discounts on a variety of other items including classic James Taylor apparel and various albums such as Covers, One Man Band and James Taylor (Remastered).
Don't forget, if you'd like to get your gift in time to get it under the tree, be sure to place your order before our Christmas shipping cut-off dates:
US & Canada: December 14
Rest of World: December 1
BARCELONA & MADRID ADDED TO 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR!
Nov 25, 2011
JamesTaylor.com is excited to announce two newly confirmed 2012 European tour dates for James in Spain.
On May 4, James, accompanied by his band, will appear at the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona. Then on May 7, they will perform at the Sala Riviera in Madrid.
Tickets for these shows are available right now through our Store. To purchase your tickets, click here.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so head to the Store now in order to get the best tickets!
The full calendar of upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
JAMES TAYLOR & BAND CONTINUE 2012 EUROPEAN TOUR!
Nov 23, 2011
A series of ten European dates has been added to James' schedule. These new dates will see James and the band perform across six additional countries, beginning April 22 in Oslo, Norway.
Tickets for this show are available right now through our Store. To purchase your tickets, click here.
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so head to the Store now in order to get the best tickets!
The full calendar of upcoming tour dates can be seen on the Schedule page.
LAST NIGHT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN — JAMES WITH TAYLOR SWIFT!
Nov 23, 2011
James made a surprise appearance last night at Taylor Swift's final Speak Now concert of 2011, in Madison Square Garden. In a wonderful introduction, Taylor revealed to the crowd that her parents named her after James. The two then performed James' hit "Fire and Rain" together, followed by James playing guitar while Taylor performed her song "Fifteen".
"You know, the funny thing about playing Madison Square Garden is magical, magical things can happen. And uh, you never know if James Taylor might just walk out on stage," Taylor said.
To watch the full introduction and performance, click here.
