James Vernon Taylor, born March 12, 1948, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is a five-time Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Taylor's soft rock and folk-infused sound, characterized by his distinctive baritone voice and introspective lyrics, has captivated audiences for over five decades. He rose to fame in the early 1970s with hits like "Fire and Rain," "You've Got a Friend," and "Carolina in My Mind," and continues to tour and record new music, solidifying his place as a beloved and influential figure in American music.