James Taylor

James Taylor

James Taylor

James Taylor and Carole King Perform Together

James Taylor and Carole King have linked up to start their "Live at the Troubadour" tour. Taylor and King originally performed at Troubadour on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, California November of 1970. At the time, Taylor had just released his debut album and King was getting her feet off the ground as a songwriter. The time was pivotal for both performers' careers, which stemmed the idea of having a reunion, now thirty years later.

James Taylor has had a successful career that started in 1968. Selling over 40 million albums and earning 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards has made him a household name. Popular singles from Taylor's career include: "Fire and Rain," "Country Road," "Something in The Way She Moves," "Mexico," "Shower The People," "Your Smiling Face," "Carolina In My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "You Can Close Your Eyes," "Walking Man," "Never Die Young," "Shed A Little Light," "Copperline" and many more.

Taylor is also known for setting a precedent as a solo singer/songwriter who has inspired countless young musicians.

James Taylor found success quickly, by 1970 his release "Sweet Baby James" went triple-platinum and helped set off his first Top 10 hit "Fire and Rain." By 1971 "Mud Slide Slim and The Blue Horizon" was another hit single. This was followed by his hit "You've Got A Friend", a song written by Carole King. The song won a Grammy Award in 1971.

Carole King has also held her own when it comes to accolades. King wrote her first Number 1 song in 1959, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". In addition to writing hit songs for other performers, King has also made 25 solo albums. She has won four Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She holds the record for the longest time for an album by a female to remain on the charts and the longest time for an album by a female to hold the #1 position.

King's most popular album Tapestry was released in 1971. The album ranked No. 1 for 15 consecutive weeks and remained on the charts for six years. Tapestry sold over 25 million copies worldwide and was certified diamond in the US by the RIAA. The album also won four Grammy Awards and Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as well as Record of the Year.

The return to the Troubadour by Taylor and King hold's many memories for the couple. The small venue also served as the home to musicians such as the Eagles, Elton John, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell. Taylor and King say performing at the Troubadour was meant to rekindle a wonderful memory as well as celebrate a love of music and making music. Taylor states: "The Troubadour in 1971 wasn't the beginning, but it was a big step into the light for both of us. When we reunited for the Troubadour's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2007, it felt like yesterday. It was, and still is, all about the music and the celebration of performing together." King adds, "What's even more remarkable is that James's and my musical connection and friendship continue to transcend time and place. Whenever we're together, there we are. I feel a tremendous gratitude to be able to share this experience with James, with this fine band, and most of all, with the fans."

The 60-concert "Troubadour Reunion" world tour kicked off in Melbourne, Australia on March 26th and will travel to New Zealand and Japan before coming to North America in May. For the Troubadour Reunion tour, King and Taylor will once again be joined on stage by Kortchmar, Sklar and Kunkel.

About the Author

Jeff Bachmeier is owner of 977music.com, an online music and online radio station network providing live streaming Internet Radio channels with music from the 50's thru Today. Users can also choose to create their own customized on demand playlist through their own social media profile. For more information please visit http:///www.977music.com.