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NC Icon James Taylor Plays a Special Show for Obama For America Volunteers at Depot Street Headquarters

By Paul T. Choate

James Taylor performs a private show for Obama For America volunteers at their re-election campaign headquarters on North Depot Street in downtown Boone. Photo by Paul T. Choate

Oct. 12, 2012. On Friday, Oct. 12, the Boone Obama For America re-election campaign headquarters in downtown Boone hosted five-time Grammy winner James Taylor for a private invite-only performance to thank all the campaign volunteers. 

Prior to the performance, Taylor toured SOS Printing and the High Country Press offices, both of which share the same building the Boone Obama for America headquarters is located in.

“I think we need four more years,” Taylor said to the approximately 60 people in attendance. “We need to have more healing. We need head firmly for another four years in the right direction and keep Barack Obama in office.”

Taylor widely praised President Obama, calling him an “intelligent, compassionate leader,” and also criticized the Republican party.

“I think this idea of trickle-down economics that the Republicans portray as job creation — I think that’s just the worst kind of shenanigans,” Taylor said.  

Following his opening remarks, Taylor played about a 30-minute set to a visibly delighted crowd. 

James Taylor has been widely touring in support of President Obama’s re-election campaign. Photo by Jesse Wood

Taylor has been touring extensively to support President Obama’s re-election campaign. He will be performing at Westglow Resort and Spa in Blowing Rock at 7 p.m. this evening. Ticket prices for the performance range from $500 for students and “youth” (under 30) to $1,000 for anyone aged 30 and up. For tickets to attend the performance and a private dinner afterward with Taylor, the price is $2,500.

In addition to being a five-time Grammy winner, Taylor is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as being an icon in the state of North Carolina.

Though he was born in Massachusetts, Taylor’s parents relocated to Chapel Hill in 1951 when he was only three years old. He attended primary school there and, although he spent a few years attending Milton Academy in Massachusetts in the early 1960s, he returned to North Carolina to finish high school at Chapel Hill High School.

Taylor’s legendary music career began in the late 1960s and has spanned for over 40 years. His first hit solo was “Fire and Rain,” and one of his most famous songs is “You’ve Got a Friend.”

For more information about the performance later this evening at Westglow, call 828-295-5146. Do not call the Westglow front desk for event information or tickets.

For more information about James Taylor and to watch videos of his past performances, visit jamestaylor.com.

Video
Video by Ken Ketchie

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