His full name is James Vernon Taylor

He has earned 40 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards

The year 2000 saw Taylor's induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2011 he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House.

Taylor wrote his first song on guitar at age 14, and continued to learn the instrument effortlessly.

He performed at the Newport Folk Festival as the last act, and was cheered by thousands of fans who stayed in the rain to hear him.