When James Taylor released his self-titled debut in 1968, the 20-year-old seamlessly filled into his role of distilling folk-rock traditions for generations to come. Over the course of seven decades, the artist’s imprint expanded to transcendent collaborations and shape-shifting contributions to music history. Taylor reigns as one of the best-selling artists of all time, and his evolution over 50 years is evident in his greatest hits.
Check out the list of highlights from each decade of James Taylor’s artistry below:
Videos by American Songwriter
1960s: “Carolina in My Mind” | James Taylor, 1968
1970s: “Fire and Rain” | Sweet Baby James, 1970
1980s: “Only One” | That’s Why I’m Here, 1985
1990s: “Copperline” | New Moon Shine, 1991
2000s: “October Road” | October Road, 2002
2010s: “Watchin’ Over Me” | Before This World, 2015
2020s: “Teach Me Tonight” | American Standard, 2020
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CANADA – OCTOBER 13: It was a family affair at Massey Hall Saturday night when Kris Kristofferson and his wife Rita Coolidge brought on a deluge of applause from the 2;716 people in the audience. Peter Goddard says everyone felt a part of the process. (Photo by Ron Bull/Toronto Star via Getty Images) -
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 5 — Pictured: Musical guests The Grateful Dead: (l-r) Bob Weir, Donna Godchaux, Jerry Garcia perform on November 11, 1978 — Photo by: Fred Hermansky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank -
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of EAGLES; L-R: Bernie Leadon, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Don Felder – posed, group shot, c.1974/1975 (Photo by Gems/Redferns) -
Singer Joe Strummer (1952 – 2002, left) and bassist Paul Simonon performing with British punk group The Clash, New York, September 1979. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
4-3-2-1 Hot and Sweet, Musiksendung, Deutschland 1970, Gaststar: Elton John. (Photo by Arthur Grimm/United Archives via Getty Images) -
country singer/songwriter Corb Lund, who writes stunning story songs
