James Taylor Biography

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James Taylor's career began in the 1960's. He didn't find his audience until the 1970's when he was singing sensitive and acoustic songs. He had a "Greatest Hits" album from 1976 that was certified as diamond and sold more than 11 million copies. Taylor has had many albums released beginning in the 60's through the 2000's when some of his best-selling and most-awarded albums have been released.

James Taylor first learned the cello as a child. He played the cello until he moved over to the guitar in 1960. While attending a prep school Taylor met Danny Kortchmar and the two began playing folk music together. He then dropped out of school and formed a band with his brother Alex. He was committed to McLean Hospital for depression where he earned his HS diploma. After leaving the asylum he formed a band called the "Flying Machine" with Kortchmar and Joel O'Brien. The band produced one single, but was not a success.

In 1968 he was signed to Apple Records and released his debut album, "James Taylor". This album did not sell very well and Taylor's drug addiction worsened. He checked himself in to Austin Riggs Hospital to break his drug problem. By 1969 he was well enough to perform and played in an LA club. He also performed at the Newport Folk Festival.

He signed to Warner Brothers Records and moved to California. His second album "Sweet Baby James" was a great success and helped his first album receive the success it desired that it didn't receive the first time around. In 1971 he had another successful album, "Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon" and he won a Grammy Award for his version of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend".

In 1972 he released "One Man Dog" and married Carly Simon. He released several more albums during this time including his best selling album, "Greatest Hits". Taylor and Simon had two children, but later divorced in 1983. He then went on to sign with Columbia Records and released JT which he received another Grammy Award for "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" for "Handy Man".

During the 80's and the 90's he began touring regularly and became very popular on the American summer outdoor amphitheatre circuit. His concerts which continue today feature songs throughout his career as well as great musicianship of his band and back-up singers. That leads us to the 2000's-in 2001 Taylor remarried and had twin boys, Logan and Henry. He had two greatest hit releases as well as his "James Taylor: A Christmas Album".

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