Early Life
James Taylor was born on March 12, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents Isaac Moseley Taylor and Gertrude Woodard Taylor.
His father was a medical equipment salesman, and the family moved frequently during James' early years.
Music Career
Taylor's music career began in his teenage years when he started playing guitar and writing songs.
In 1966, he formed the folk band The Flying Machine with friends Dan Furman and Bruce Monroe.
However, the group disbanded after a year, and Taylor continued to pursue a solo career.
Breakthrough and Success
Taylor's breakthrough came in 1968 when he released his debut album 'James Taylor,' which included hits like 'Carolina in My Mind' and 'Something in the Way She Moves.'
He continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s, including 'Sweet Baby James' (1970) and 'Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon' (1971).
Personal Life
Taylor married singer Carly Simon in 1972, but they divorced in 1983.
He then married actress Kathryn Walker in 1985, but they also eventually divorced.
In 2001, he married Caroline 'Kim' Smedvig, and the couple has twin sons, Rufus and Henry.
Awards and Recognition
Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the same year.
He received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 1995 and another one from Williams College in 2009.
Legacy
Taylor's music has had a lasting impact on the folk-rock genre, influencing artists like Taylor Swift and John Mayer.
He continues to tour and perform to this day, with his most recent album 'American Standard' released in 2020.