“Tonight, we celebrate 120 years of Carnegie Hall. When we think of Carnegie Hall, we usually think of classical music. But all kinds of people have performed on this stage. In fact, I performed here 40 years ago this spring. I’ve brought some of my friends together and we’re celebrating non-classical Carnegie Hall. Folk. Jazz. Broadway. Pop. Carnegie has always brought the world of music to this stage. And tonight, that tradition continues.” — James Taylor

There’s No Business Like Show Business — James Taylor
Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin’s Carnegie Debut, 1939
Ethel Merman’s Carnegie Debut 1935

Frozen Man — James Taylor
Music and lyrics by James Taylor
James Taylor’s Carnegie Debut, 1970

Foggy Mountain Breakdown — Steve Martin
Music by Earl Scruggs
Lester Flatt and Earl Scrugg’s Carnegie Debut 1962
Steve Martin’s Carnegie Debut 1971

Western Plains (When I Was a Cowboy) — James Taylor and Vince Bruce
Music and lyrics by Lead Belly
Lead Belly’s Carnegie Debut 1946

Sweet Baby James — James Taylor
Music and lyrics by James Taylor

My Traveling Star — James Taylor and Tanglewood Festival Chorus
Music and lyrics by James Taylor
Tanglewood Festival Chorus’ Carnegie Hall Debut 1973

Don’t Explain — Dianne Reeves
Written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.
Billie Holiday’s Carnegie Debut 1944
Dianne Reeves’ Carnegie Debut 1989

Lenny Bruce — Kevin Pollak
Lenny Bruce’s Carnegie Debut 1961
Kevin Pollak’s Carnegie Debut 2011

Pirate Jenny — Bette Midler
Music by Kurt Weill
Lyrics by Bertolt Brecht
Kurt Weill’s Carnegie Debut 1959
Lotte Lenya’s Carnegie Debut 1959

Nashville Nightingale — Barbara Cook
Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Irving Caesar
Gershwin’s Carnegie Debut 1925

Here’s to Life — Barbara Cook
Music by Artie Butler
Lyrics by Phyllis Molinary
Barbara Cook’s Carnegie Debut 1975

Not While I’m Around — Barbara Cook and James Taylor
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Sondheim’s Carnegie Debut 1992

Carolina In My Mind — James Taylor
Music and Lyrics by James Taylor

Jubilation Day — Steve Martin
Music and Lyrics by Steve Martin

Penny Lane — Sting
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Beatles’ Carnegie Debut 1964
Sting’s Carnegie Debut 1991

How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You) — James Taylor, Sting, Steve Martin
and Tanglewood Festival Chorus
Written by Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Edward Holland, Jr.

Shower the People — James Taylor, Sting, Steve Martin, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
and Young People’s Chorus of New York
Music and Lyrics by James Taylor

You Can Close Your Eyes — James Taylor and Kim Taylor
Music and Lyrics by James Taylor

Over the Rainbow — James Taylor
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Judy Garland’s Carnegie Debut 1961