Tune In Turn On
One of the truly special long-standing figures in American music, James Taylor is coming to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena this Saturday, June 27, with his All-Star Band. Taylor has certainly led quite a charmed life, despite a serious one-time drug addiction that almost not only threatened to derail his then-promising career, but also his very existence.
Taylor, 78 — whose career started way back in 1960 — was the first artist to be signed and have an album released on The Beatles’ fledgling Apple Records imprint, which released his eponymous self-titled debut, James Taylor, in 1968. Not long thereafter, and following his recuperation from a severe motorcycle accident, Taylor relocated to California and released his iconic, career-defining album Sweet Baby James, which featured the now-classic tracks “Country Road,” “Fire and Rain,” the title track and more.
Sweet Baby James went all the way to No. 3 on the Billboard album chart. More importantly, Taylor is credited as being one of the main proponents who launched the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s.
In his long, storied career, Taylor has been recognized with six Grammy Awards and 19 nominations. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2011. He was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.
Oh, and did we mention Taylor’s marriage to the lovely and talented Carly Simon, at one time the heartthrob of virtually every American teenage male? Simon famously declared she was going to marry Taylor nine months before they even had their first date after seeing his photo on the cover of Time magazine.
Taylor and Simon became one of the most well-known power couples of the 1970s, with Simon even singing backup on several of Taylor’s albums — Walking Man, Gorilla and JT, among others. The couple’s marriage was unfortunately imperiled by Taylor’s continued addiction. They divorced in 1983. Their marriage produced two children, Sarah and Benjamin.
These older star musicians — and James Taylor certainly is included in this category — won’t be performing too much longer, so it’s important to see them while we still can. Here’s one show that shouldn’t be missed. Take your significant other!
James Taylor and his All-Star Band, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $139. Information: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/james-taylor.
Tune-Ups
Ana Popovic & Fantastafunk at Tony Mart AC Concerts on the Boardwalk, Wednesday, July 1: One of today’s premier blues-rock guitarists took a bit of a detour on her most recent full-length release, her 12th overall, Dance to the Rhythm. Listeners expecting a full-throttle blues-rock record might be surprised by the direction the Belgrade, Serbia-born musician took. Nonetheless, expect to hear Popovic, 50, and her band Fantastafunk rock out on the Boardwalk that night. 7 p.m. Free. Information: www.tonymart.com.
Joe Bonamassa at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City, Saturday, June 27: One of the biggest names in the blues world, the guitarist’s most recent release is titled Breakthrough. Tickets start at $72.
Sharp Pins at Anchor Rock Club, Atlantic City, Saturday, June 27: Breakout young rock artist Kai Slater fronts Sharp Pins, with sets that evening by Te Vista, Super Jack and a special appearance by WFMU’s well-known Todd-o-Phonic, who was one of the main organizers of the memorable indie rock concert Frantic City, which took place in Atlantic City in September 2022. Also of note: Te Vista guitarist Niko Berardo recently played several tour dates with Slater, so expect them to jam together at the Anchor. Tickets are $20.14. Information: www.anchorrockclub.com.
