James Taylor performed at the Bournemouth International Center in 2014.
James Taylor, the multi-Grammy award-winning songwriter and guitarist is finally releasing a new music album. It is his first album in thirteen years. His new album is titled, ‘Before This World.’ It releases on Tuesday, June 16.
He began working on 'Before This World' two years ago. James shared his realization that this might be his last music album in an interview with Rollingstone Magazine on Friday. He worked alone in his apartment in Rhode Island to write new songs. Recording the music with his tour band happened in his barn in Massachusetts.
"I have no idea what releasing an album even means anymore," said James in an interview with Rollingstone magazine. "Friends of mine say, 'James, you have to adjust your expectations. People don't buy these things.' Not to be presumptuous, but Vincent Van Gogh sold just two paintings while he was alive. If that's what your medium is, you simply must do it."
He is one of the legendary musicians in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to the James Taylor official website, he has two honorary doctorate degrees. His first one was from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and he received his second one from Williams College in Williamstown, MA.
James’ past was full of ups and downs. In his high school years, he suffered from severe depression. Due to depression, he did not enroll into college. Instead he entered McLean hospital, a psychiatric hospital. He revealed this in an interview with CBS news.
He checked out of the hospital after nine months and moved to New York to start a band. At New York, James faced a new battle with drugs like heroine. After years he checked into an anti-drug program and into several hospitals to treat his mental conditions.
"I really should have been dead at least three times," said James, referring to the times he overdosed on drugs.
After recovery, James moved to California in the 1970’s where his career took off. He was on the cover of Time magazine and his songs reached the top ten on Billboard. He also received his first Grammy nominations during this time.
Keith Urban, India Arie, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, the Dixie Chicks and Sting are among the many music artists who paid tribute to James at the 2006 Grammy Awards ceremony. They performed his songs and cited him as a major influence on their music careers. The “You’ve Got a Friend,” performer is the recipient of five Grammy awards. He was the Grammy Award Person of the Year in 2006. His last album was ‘October Road,’ which released in year 2002.
