James Taylor Biography: Awards, Songs, Parents, Children, Wife, Height, Age, Net Worth

James Taylor is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame in the 1970s. He is celebrated for his sensitive and affectionate songs, which resonate with people worldwide.

With a career spanning over five decades, Taylor has won numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Profile

• Full name: James Vernon Taylor
• Date of birth: March 12, 1948
• Age: 76 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Boston, Massachusetts
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, guitarist
• Height: 6”0”
• Parents: Isaac M. Taylor (father), Gertrude Woodard Taylor (mother)
• Siblings: Alex Taylor (brother), Kate Taylor (sister), Livingston Taylor (brother), Hugh Taylor (brother)
• Spouse: Caroline Smedvig (married in 2001)
• Children: Sally Taylor, Ben Taylor, Rufus Taylor, Henry Taylor
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: Over $100 million

Early Life and Education

James Taylor, currently 76, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 12, 1948, to Isaac M. Taylor and Gertrude Woodard Taylor.

His father, a physician, came from a wealthy Southern family. His mother, an opera singer, studied singing at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Taylor is the second of five children, with siblings Alex, Kate, Livingston, and Hugh, who are also musicians.

When Taylor was three, his family moved to North Carolina, where he spent most of his childhood. The family often spent summers on Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts.

Taylor’s musical inclination was evident from an early age. He started playing the cello at eight and later switched to the guitar at 12.

His mother’s musical background and his family’s support played a significant role in nurturing his talent. Taylor’s early life was marked by struggles with mental health and addiction, which he overcame with the help of his family and medical treatment.

Personal Life

Taylor’s personal life has been marked by two failed marriages and a long-term struggle with heroin addiction.

In 1972, he married singer-songwriter Carly Simon, with whom he had two children, Sally and Ben. The couple divorced in 1983. In 1985, Taylor married actress Kathryn Walker, who helped him overcome his addiction.

They divorced in 1996. In 2001, Taylor married Caroline Smedvig, the public relations and marketing director for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

They have twin sons, Rufus and Henry, born in 2001. Taylor’s children are also musicians, with Sally and Ben releasing their music.

Career

James Taylor’s music career spans over five decades, with his debut album released in 1968.

His breakthrough came with the 1970 album “Sweet Baby James,” which featured the hit single “Fire and Rain.”

He released several successful albums, including “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon” and “Greatest Hits.”

Taylor’s music combines folk, rock, and pop elements, and his songs often focus on themes of love, relationships, and social issues.

Throughout his career, Taylor has collaborated with numerous artists, including Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Bonnie Raitt.

He has also performed at various benefit concerts, including one for the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

In 2015, Taylor released his first album of original material in 13 years, “Before This World,” which topped the Billboard 200 chart. His most recent album, “American Standard,” was released in 2020.

Awards

Taylor has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:

• Five Grammy Awards
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000)
• National Medal of Arts (2011)
• Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters (2012)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015)
• Kennedy Center Honor (2016)

Net Worth

James Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be over $100 million, earned through his successful music career, album sales and touring.

Controversy

Taylor has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction. In the 1960s, he voluntarily checked himself into a mental institution to address his struggles with depression and anxiety.

He has also spoken about his heroin addiction, which he overcame with the help of his family and medical treatment. Taylor’s personal life, including his marriages and divorces, has been subject to media attention and public scrutiny.

Social Media

• Instagram: @jamestaylor_com
• Twitter: @jamestaylor_com

Discography

• Fire and Rain
• You’ve Got a Friend
• Your Smiling Face
• Handy Man
• You Can Close Your Eyes
• How Sweet It Is
• Sweet Baby James
• New Tune
• I Feel The Earth Move