This five time Grammy Award winner has received his rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the 2000s managed to be ‘Oprah Approved’ by showing up to the 24th premier for the Oprah Winfrey Show.
The successful singer and songwriter has turned in a whopping $59 million over the years from his 2011 tour at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Here are some of his Top 10 most successful tracks:
1. Fire and Rain
Australian locals may recognize this as it was covered by Marcia Hines or for those into country music may recognize Willie Nelson’s rendition in the 70’s, does not mean the original should be forgotten, here is James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”
2. Carolina in My Mind
Written by Taylor himself, this country track is for the homesick and has become a signature track for any of James Taylor’s performances.
3. You’ve Got a Friend
No we are not talking about the Toy Story song, as great as that song is, James Taylor’s version is a lot more soulful captivating an audience of thousands.
4. How Sweet It Is
Timeless, this song is not only a goldie, but a beautiful southern rendition of what it means to be loved.
5. Change
A meaningful song for those that feel the need to be grounded, a humbling collaboration that needs to be on everyone’s playlist. With the addition of Charlie Puth, it bridges the gap between the old and young.
6. Your Smiling Face
The falsetto notes in this gave Taylor some difficulties during live performances but still managed to reach number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Mexico
Appearing as the opening track of Gorilla, it not only reached #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 but did even better on the Adult Contemporary chart as #5.
8. Sweet Baby James
Played at nearly every one of Taylor’s concerts and serves as a ‘self-lullaby’ for James Taylor himself.
9. Something In The Way She Moves
This is the very same song that inspired the Beatles to write ‘Something’, the #1 track everyone still replays every now and then. Taylor’s original version is a song for the romantics due to the sweet acoustic guitar.
10. Country Road
Featured in his “Greatest Hits” album, it was inspired by a forest near Mclean Hospital where Taylor spent time treating his depression.
