James Taylor, recipient of the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year, performs at the close of a benefit gala in his honor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. The biggest names in the music business performed at the event, part of Grammy week celebrations.
Singer-songwriter James Taylor accepts the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year award during a benefit gala honoring him in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. The 57-year-old Taylor was honored for a 30-year career that included recording such hits as "You've Got a Friend," "Fire and Rain" and "Carolina in My Mind."
The musician Sting performs a tribute to singer-songwriter James Taylor during the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Sting said he first saw Taylor in Newcastle, England, in 1971 and realized then that Taylor was "a virtuoso of the guitar."
Bruce Springsteen performs a tribute to singer-songwriter James Taylor during the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Springsteen, who performed "Millworker," hailed the North Carolina-reared Taylor as "an authentic Southern voice."
David Crosby, left, Sheryl Crow, center, and Jackson Browne perform a tribute to singer-songwriter James Taylor at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Other performers included Alison Krauss and Paul Simon.
Singer Bonnie Raitt bows to singer/songwriter James Taylor in the audience after performing a tribute to him at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Raitt, who sang "Rainy Day Man," recalled being a college student in Massachusetts and playing shows with Taylor.
Singer India.Arie performs a tribute to singer-songwriter James Taylor during the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. India.Arie came on stage carrying a purse with Taylor's black-and-white picture on it.
Country star Keith Urban performs a guitar solo during a musical tribute to singer-songwriter James Taylor at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring Taylor in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. he was acommpanied to the event by his girlfriend, actress Nicole Kidman.
Singer-songwriter James Taylor holds his 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year award as he arrives backstage with his wife, Kim, at the annual benefit in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6., 2006.
Actress Maria Bello arrives at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring James Taylor in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6., 2006.
Singer-songwriter Carole King walks the red carpet at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring James Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6., 2006. At the event, Taylor and King performed together on the song "You've Got A Friend," which was a hit for both of them.
Actress Rhona Mitra arrives at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit, honoring James Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6., 2006.
Singer Sheryl Crow walks the red carpet at the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit honoring James Taylor, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Crow was 12 when she saw Taylor at her first concert and it changed her life: "It was the first time I ever smelled pot and I knew I wanted to be a musician."
Singer-songwriter James Taylor, second from right, mugs with his 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year award at the annual benefit in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006. Looking on are Neil Portnow, far left, president of the Recording Academy, Taylor's wife Kim, second from left, and Les Bider, far right, chairman of the board of MusiCares.