Origin: Boston, MA

Decades: 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's

When people use the term "singer/songwriter" (often modified by the word "sensitive") in praise or in criticism, they're thinking of James Taylor. In the early '70s, when he appeared with his introspective songs, acoustic guitar, and calm, understated singing style, he mirrored a generation's emotional exhaustion after tumultuous times. Just as Bing Crosby's reassuring voice brought the country out of the Depression and through World War II, Taylor's eased the transition from '60s activism and its attendant... Read More

Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and The Beatles

America, Elliott Smith, Jimmy Buffett, Jewel, Vonda Shepard, The Format, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett and Deep Blue Something