Nashville, TN — Music icon James Taylor, 77, has just shared his deeply personal list of his five favorite songs from his own catalog, giving fans a rare inside look into how he views his own work. The revelation came during a lively interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on February 5, 2026 — marking one of the most talked-about musical moments early this year among classic rock and folk audiences.
Who is James Taylor
James grew up in North Carolina after his family moved there. Music ran deep in his home—his siblings also became musicians. As a teen, he battled depression and checked into a psychiatric hospital, where he picked up his guitar more seriously. Dropping out of school, he formed his first band, The Flying Machine, in New York City.
That early band fizzled amid personal troubles, including drug issues. But at 19, James headed to London with demos that caught Peter Asher's ear at Apple Records—the Beatles' label. He became their first American signing, recording his debut album in 1968.
Why This Announcement Matters in 2026 Music News
James Taylor isn’t just another artist — he’s a Grammy-winning, Hall of Famer whose songs have become personal soundtracks for millions worldwide. His decision to publicly highlight his favorites gives a unique peek into his creative soul at a time when many musicians revisit legacy and impact.
Fans around the world instantly reacted to the list — some in celebration, others in playful surprise — especially because one iconic hit surprisingly didn’t make the cut.
James Taylor’s Top 5 Songs — and Why He Chose Them
Here are the tracks James Taylor selected, along with his personal reflections shared on TV:
Mean Old Man
Taylor began his list with “Mean Old Man,” a track from his 2002 album October Road.
Taylor shared how Paul McCartney personally praised the song, telling him it was a reason he bought the album — making this choice especially meaningful to him.
Millworker
Next up was “Millworker,” a deeply emotional piece originally written for the Broadway musical Working before Taylor included it on his 1979 album Flag.
It has a special place for its storytelling and introspective heart.
Sweet Baby James
One of Taylor’s most beloved songs, this lullaby-like classic from the 1970 Sweet Baby James album helped define his early career and is often cited as one of his most influential works.
The Frozen Man
A powerful track from the 1991 album New Moon Shine, “The Frozen Man” earned praise from fellow legend Bob Dylan, who personally complimented the song to Taylor.
Carolina In My Mind
Written while Taylor was abroad and deeply missing his home state of North Carolina, this song has become symbolic of his roots and emotional story as an artist.
Fan Favorites vs James Taylor's Top 5 Comparison
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Inside the Legacy: What These Songs Say About James Taylor
Taylor’s top choices give more than nostalgia — they reflect his musical journey, storytelling craft, and emotional honesty. From Broadway inspirations to lullabies, these songs highlight both lyrical depth and career highlights that influenced generations of musicians.
Many of these tracks regularly appear in live setlists or fan-curated “best of” rankings, proving their enduring strength.
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