James Taylor is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, November 11, as part of the Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration. The legendary singer-songwriter has sold over 100 million albums and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Taylor has worked with many country artists, including Chris Stapleton and his friend Vince Gill, who is also an Opry member. In 2011, he performed “Wichita Lineman” at the White House with Lyle Lovett and Alison Krauss. Taylor won a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration for his duet with Krauss on “How’s The World Treating You?”
George Hamilton IV was one of the first country artists to cover Taylor’s songs, recording “Carolina in My Mind” in 1969 and “Sweet Baby James” in 1971, helping to bring Taylor’s music to country fans.
At the Opry, Taylor will be joined by Gill and Emmylou Harris. Other artists scheduled to perform include Scotty Hasting, Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan, and Gary Sinise with the Lieutenant Dan Band.
Dan Rogers, the Opry’s executive producer, expressed excitement about Taylor’s appearance, saying, “To have one of the very best ever with us to celebrate 100 years is amazing.”
In other news, a new stage musical based on Taylor’s music is in the works. Titled Fire & Rain, it will feature his songs in a new story by playwright Tracy Letts, known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work on August: Osage County.
You can shop for James Taylor’s music on vinyl or CD now!
