In a recent interview, James Taylor, the legendary troubadour, spoke candidly about his vast musical career, his upcoming Broadway-bound stage musical titled ‘Fire and Rain,’ and the various challenges and triumphs he has encountered throughout his life.
Taylor, who has performed for decades, was stumped when asked to estimate the number of concerts he has given since his self-titled debut album was released in 1968. While he initially pondered the calculation, Taylor ultimately admitted he was intrigued by the question.
With a little bit of math, Taylor calculated an average of about 39.6 concerts a year since 1968. However, the concert databases concertarchives.com and setlist.fm provide varying career totals for Taylor, with counts of 2,176 and 2,617 concerts, respectively.
The 77-year-old musician expressed that he was surprised by the lower estimates and questioned their accuracy, especially considering his performances abroad in Europe, South America, and Canada.
Looking ahead, Taylor’s 2025 North American tour will feature two performances on May 10 and 11 at San Diego’s Rady Shell, showcasing his timeless hits such as ‘Sweet Baby James,’ ‘Fire and Rain,’ and ‘Your Smiling Face.’
Reflecting on his long career, Taylor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform across generations and emphasized the joy and fulfillment he still finds in live performances.
This passion, along with some early career missteps, has led Taylor to a reliance on touring for income, especially after experiencing setbacks with record royalties and publishing income early in his career.
Taylor’s music has often intertwined with historical events, including his poignant 1997 ballad ‘Line ‘Em Up,’ which mentions Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974. When asked if he misses Nixon in any way, Taylor surprisingly responded with affirmation, sharing a longing for political leaders who believe in the Constitution.
While Taylor generally avoids political statements during shows, he made an exception on social media recently, sharing his views on Ukraine and critiquing the U.S. stance on supporting Ukrainian resistance against Putin’s aggression.
When questioned if his political thoughts might inspire new songs, Taylor expressed hesitation, noting that he aims to provide audiences with an artistic experience rather than distract them with political content.
Taylor and his All-Star Band prioritizes an engaging, real-time performance, allowing for spontaneous moments that define each concert experience.
With a long history of collaboration with band members, Taylor noted that the dynamic creates an evolution of artistry within performances, fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding and shared experience.
The transition from ‘Band of Legends’ to ‘All-Star Band’ went seamlessly, reflecting the band’s status and public recognition without any feelings of demotion among members.
Taylor is also actively working on a musical that incorporates his songs but is not a direct reflection of his life.
Despite the demands of the musical, Taylor confirmed he is also due for a new album and aims to produce a fresh batch of songs within the next three to five years.
Reflecting on his creative process, Taylor shared that having deadlines motivates him, especially while collaborating with playwrights and directors involved in the musical.
In a more personal reflection, he spoke about how he feels fulfilled in life without any specific bucket list or major outstanding goals. Instead, Taylor expressed gratitude for his engaging life filled with rich relationships and accomplishments.
Lastly, Taylor touched on recurring themes in his songwriting, which include family dynamics, feelings of longing, and the impact of his personal journey.
He concluded by emphasizing the unconscious nature of the creative process, wherein lyrics often manifest alongside musical ideas, shaping the essence of his artistry.
As Taylor prepares for his upcoming shows and works on new creations, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic and emotional resonance of his storied career in the years to come.
image source from：https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/18/james-taylor-on-his-new-musical-songwriting-and-more-it-helps-to-have-a-deadline/
