James Taylor

In a career marked by artistic triumphs, this past year for James Taylor has been notable for both creative virtuosity and recognition of exceptional achievement. In March 2011, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House. The medal is the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence recognizing “outstanding achievements and support of the arts.” Also this spring, Taylor was honored with a Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, which consisted of four concert evenings presented by Carnegie Hall and featuring Taylor and personally selected musical guests. The first of these concerts was a gala benefit celebrating the 120th anniversary of Carnegie Hall. Three months after the National Medal of Arts ceremony, Taylor returned to the White House to perform for President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a state dinner held in the Rose Garden.