Iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor today announced he will return to New Zealand for the first time in seven years for two very special performances.
With a career spanning nearly 50 years since first signing to The Beatles’ Apple Records in 1968, James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms, resonating with people all over the world, while his warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music
His songs have had a profound influence on both songwriters and music lovers of all generations and from all walks of life; Fire and Rain, Country Road, Something in the Way She Moves, Sweet Baby James, Carolina In My Mind and many more. In 1971 James scored his first #1 single with You’ve Got a Friend, written by longtime friend Carole King and earning him his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Male Vocal.
James reunited with Carole for the once-in- a-lifetime Troubadour Reunion tour - kicking off the world tour in Melbourne in 2010 – going on to become one of the most successful concert tours of the decade. The Australasian leg was marked by sold out shows and rave reviews.
In the summer of 2015 Taylor released Before This World, his first new studio album in thirteen years, which earned him his first ever #1 album on the Billboard Charts and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Recorded at his home studio The Barn, in Washington, MA, Before This World explores many of the themes that have absorbed Taylor throughout his career.
Next February over Waitangi weekend, James Taylor and his All Star Band return to perform at Vector Arena in Auckland and Church Road Winery in Napier .
As a recording and touring artist James Taylor has set a precedent to which countless young musicians and solo singer/songwriters have aspired, and has been a compass for fans, articulating moments of both pain and joy. James has sold more than 100 million albums, earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards, with his Greatest Hits album earning him the prestigious Diamond Award given for sales in excess of 10 million units in the USA.
In a career marked by artistic triumphs, the past few years for Taylor have been notable for both creative virtuosity and recognition of exceptional achievement. In 2011, Taylor was honoured with a Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, which consisted of four concert evenings presented by Carnegie Hall and featuring Taylor and personally selected musical guests. In 2012, he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government and in 2011, was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. Both medals are their Nation’s highest honours for artistic excellence recognizing “outstanding achievements and support of the arts.” In November 2015, Taylor was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honour.
Most recently it was announced that Taylor will be the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in December of this year. The Honors are presented annually to individuals who have enriched American culture by distinguished achievement in the performing arts.
Don’t miss the wonderful James Taylor and his All-Star band next February!
James Taylor
Auckland - Saturday February 4 - Vector Arena
Napier - Sunday February 5 - Church Road Winery
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