Introduction
During Thursday night’s episode of The Tonight Show, audiences were treated to a deeply moving performance by James Taylor, who sang “You Can Close Your Eyes” alongside his wife Kim and their son Henry. Filmed from the comfort of their home in Montana, the performance resonated with warmth, closeness, and a sense of serenity that felt especially needed during these uncertain times.
Taylor opened the song with his familiar, calming voice and acoustic guitar—his trademarks for decades. As Kim and Henry joined in with soft, heartfelt harmonies, the classic lullaby took on a new, personal dimension. Lines like “This old world must still be spinnin’ around / And I still love you” struck a chord with listeners, offering solace at a time when much of the world was navigating isolation and uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally released in 1971 on Taylor’s Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon album, “You Can Close Your Eyes” has long been cherished for its gentle message and emotional depth. But in this stripped-down family rendition, it became something more—a quiet moment of unity and comfort shared with the world.
Beyond the performance, Taylor has recently taken on a new role as the Mega Mentor for Season 18 of The Voice. In this capacity, he’s working closely with coaches Blake Shelton, Nick Jonas, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson, bringing his decades of musical wisdom to the next generation of talent. The new season premiered on April 13th.
Like many artists, Taylor’s plans for the year have shifted due to the pandemic. His anticipated summer tour with fellow singer-songwriter Jackson Browne has been postponed. Still, Taylor continues to make a difference—most notably through his $1 million donation to Massachusetts General Hospital to help fund ongoing relief efforts.
Earlier this year, Taylor also released a new album that reimagines beloved musical standards. Reflecting on the project, he shared, “We honored the original melodies and harmonies, but we aimed to bring a fresh, intimate perspective. That’s how these songs continue to live and breathe anew.”