James Taylor's October Road

(CBS)  James Taylor has written and performed such classics as "Fire and Rain," "Shower the People," and "You've Got a Friend."

Now, Taylor comes off his 1997 Grammy-winning album, "Hourglass," with a new project he calls "October Road." He visited The Early Show to perform some tunes from the CD.

"October Road" is Taylor's 16th album and perhaps it will be another classic for the 54-year-old musician that won 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards.

The album contains 10 original songs and two covers that is distinctly Taylor with its semi-autobiographical tunes centered on his understated guitar playing and distinctive voice.

Taylor started writing music in the mid 1960's as a student at a New England boarding school, far removed from his family and friends in the Piedmont Hills of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Taylor decided to pursue his own path as a songwriter and musician, moving to New York City joining a band. Subsequently moving to London to further his career, Taylor was introduced to Paul McCartney by his soon-to-be producer/manager, Peter Asher, and signed to the Beatles' Apple record label.

After his tenure at Apple Records, Taylor was picked up by Warner Brothers Records, for whom he recorded six albums.

Today, he's a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriter's Hall of Fame.