James Taylor looks back

I was born on 1990 and spent my whole life on Hip-hop and R&B. The day i heard Carolina on my mind and fire and rain is the day my music evolved.

Several years ago, while on vacation, I was sitting at a table outside a cafe waiting for my son to get his food when I looked across the way and there sitting at another table was a gentleman who looked very familiar. Is that? IS it? At that moment our eyes locked and he recognized that I recognized and there was slight glimmer of panic in his eyes. Yep. It was James Taylor. So I just nodded and mouthed, "Thank you." A look of relief came over his face and he smiled slightly and nodded back. The best celebrity encounter I have ever experienced.

My mom raised me on James Taylor's music. She had unfortunately never seen him in concert. Was so happy to make that happen for her the other night. A show with Taylor and Jackson Browne that neither of us will ever forget.

I've been lucky enough to see him in concert several times. No matter how old he gets..his voice never wavers. He sounds pure and brilliant each show. Its always a pleasure.

When I was in medical school - way back in the late 'seventies - I worked for a while with a local obstetrician. He was a real Southern gentleman in all meanings of the phrase, genteel and kind. As we chatted one day during a procedure, the subject of music came up. He related that when he was a young resident in North Carolina - Chapel Hill, I think - he'd often been a guest at the home of an older doctor whose son later became a musician. "After dinner, the young man would sometimes sing and play the guitar for us. He was somewhat troubled but VERY talented. I heard that he later did well for himself as a musician." "What was the doctor's name?" I asked. "Doctor Taylor," came the reply. I felt the hair rise on the back of my neck. "What was the boy's name?" "I don't remember." "It wasn't James, was it?" "Yes, that's it! James. James Taylor." I took a breath. "Yes, Dr. B., he did well. Well, indeed." Absolutely true story. Just a personal note: It is impossible to convey how much James Taylor's music has meant to me in my lifetime. My love for it attracted my first girlfriend - later to become my wife - later the mother of my two sons. I was heartbroken over the breakup of James and Carly, but I understood that he was just too wild to be a husband in those days. I've followed his career for fifty years; his musical influence cannot be overstated.

James Taylor one of the few singer/songwriters to sound as pure as he did when he began. Countless hours have been spent singing his songs and ones I have passed on to my young daughter. He lived through it all and we sure are glad. You rock James.

He is truly a national treasure but mostly he's a remarkable songwriter. His poetry and imagery are brilliant and his songs can carry you away into other worlds. Amazing talent!

I saw him in concert in 9/ 2009. At his 20 min intermission. His band members walked backstage. He walked to the edge of the stage. And spent every min with his fans. Then back to the microphone. What a music night!

James Taylor is a national treasure - god bless him

I saw James Taylor in concert one time, and it was truly remarkable. I am only a couple years younger than James, and I "grew up" with him. I love his music--it means so much to me. Good interview. Many more years, James.

"You've Got a Friend" gave me chills! James Taylor, I was raised listening to you back in the 70's, and I want you to know that you have a very special place in my heart! Thank you!

I am 71 years old. I bought my first James Taylor album when I was 21 years old. I just Love the song “Walking Man” that was on my first James Taylor album. I wore that album out. My wife and I got to see him live many years ago when we lived in Manassas, VA. I cut the grass this morning, listening to James Taylor songs on my IPhone. I have been playing the Saxophone since I was 40 years old. In my quiet moments in my home in Alabama, I listen to James Taylor sing in my headphones and I play my saxophone along with him. When I do this, the World is alright with me. Recently I bought a guitar. My goal, is to be able to play “Sweet Music” like James Taylor. -Art Tysen.

James Taylor’s music reaches my heart and soul. I love spending and listening to his song every day and night.

Thank you Mr. Taylor for sharing your musical gift with the world. Your work is timeless whether listened to in winter, spring, summer, or fall. 🌞

Perfect Jane Pauley interview! Always beautifully done, artful, respectful and sensitively honest. A real gem. Two voices from that day, James Taylor and John Denver marked time for us.

Anyone else shedding tears as you're watching this? My God, the difference one person can make and the beauty of life. Our singers and comedians are really intellectuals disguised as court jesters! Thanks for the interview, CBS...🇵🇷🇺🇸😎

I've seen James live 8 times in the UK, and had the joy of talking to him personally, purely by chance, as he sat at a little cafe before a performance at the Birmingham Symphony Hall. The most gracious, talented, humble of human beings. If only everyone in the world were as kind and thoughtful as James Taylor, then the world would be a better place. A genius of music, and a true gentleman.

I remember being 16 years old and sitting in my girlfriends bedroom listening to a James Taylor album on her turn table. We would look at the James Taylor album cover and we would experience an altered state of reality.. didn’t need any drugs to take us there just James’ voice and his beautiful lyrics.. sweet memories!

Still a powerful live performer, able to create magic on stage with just his voice and his timeless songs.

James still magical on this Sunday morning.