James Taylor and Stephen Duet On "You Can Close Your Eyes"

In this web exclusive, Stephen gets a chance to duet with James Taylor on one of his classic songs.
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[@CSFunk22]

you can see the disbelief on Colbert's face as he's trying to contain his excitement... just fantastic

[@u4ea2m2]

Nice rendition but listen again. The piano comps are just perfect. Nice job John!

[@SuperOrgandonor]

Jean-Baptiste or John-Baptiste or however he spells it is an amazing pianist.

[@maryrosekent8223]

@@SuperOrgandonor He spells it Jon Batiste

[@sblack48]

Totally agree. Jazz guys understand that listening and blending is what it’s about. Listening is more important than playing.

[@BestSellers2122]

I love John!

[@notbraindead7298]

I noticed that the first time. Batiste is to the piano what Einstein was to physics. He is an absolute gentleman and a beautiful person. It’s hard to say how talented he is because there’s nothing to compare him to.

[@ncooty]

I really enjoy hearing Stephen sing, and the fact that he actually sings; he doesn't just timidly follow along and hide his voice. He's such an endearing, talented, and humane man.

[@gmremson]

I was at my lowest and was contemplating taking my life when I heard this song over the radio. I broke down and pulled over to the side of the road where I cried. Although it was my mother's voice that I heard singing over the radio, I also knew that it was James Taylor singing. It was then I realized, everything will be all right.

[@mariag.8242]

I’m so happy you’re here to share this great moment and memory. Thanks for hanging in there!

[@judyfoster9266]

Good for you, Gary .

[@lindseylaney9475]

I hope Everything is alright now and forever. Life is rough...❤️ I wish you the very Best!

[@barbarareyer]

Gary. Your comment wrecked me. Don't do it. Don't ever do it. Please find a reason to stay. You are loved

[@curlygurl1263]

Please take cate of yourself. You will hurt so many people that love you. Sometimes it feels like no one loves you , and you have no where to turn. I have been in your place 2011. I made a promise to my daughter, I've been tempted but I never yield. I pray 🙏. There is so much good in you. Know that . Know that whatever you are going through..ir will pass. The sun will shine again. I have lost my entire family through murder or just sudden death. I lost my job of 14 years to a temporary worker who call me racist names. I reported. I have have been diagnosed with RA, Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia,5th disc denigrating. I hurt most everyday. But I HAVE PUT MY TRUST IN GOD. And when I feel like I can't go on , He tells me in my heart . I AM LOVED. AND SO ARE YOU. 💖💝❤

[@fiddlermikey]

I love the frequent expression of joy that comes across Stephen's face during the performance . Nice perk to get an opportunity like this.

[@saxmanjpr5092]

You should see the look on MY FACE when J.T. let me sing with him TWICE! The videos are on my page!

[@c.t5136]

James Taylor is such a star; his songs make me cry in a very lovely way - thank you James. And Stephen!

[@denisepiekarski4159]

I love how all your voices wove together, magnifying the beauty of James' voice.

[@jbtpa895]

Wow,you can tell that Stephen's expression is joy combined with a touch of terror! James is amazing and humble in concert. He loves what he does and it's so obvious.

[@maureenparker6185]

Oh Stephen that was lovely.

[@lauraparker2058]

This is my favorite JT song. When JT sang the song with Carly Simon it was sublime, but as we know how that story ends, hearing it now is bittersweet. But this was just fine. The combination of JT's generous, sparkling, ageless spirit, SC's grateful and humble spirit, and the pure joy they radiate, all subtly wrapped in the incomparable accompaniment of John Baptist and the lovely background singers.

[@kimeverhart6253]

You said everything just perfectly 💜.

[@TampaDave]

@@kimeverhart6253 with the exception of the spelling of jon batiste’s name. Looks like autocorrupt got it’s slimy code on the msg.

[@laurynblake5379]

THE LOOK ON HIS FACE IS LIKE OMG IM SINGING WITH JAMES FREAKING TAYLOR

[@PABWECG]

Yes, it's so adorable. And he's so flustered at the end.

[@AlanHope2013]

And the look on the face of sweet baby James was, Oh God why do I have to pose with the tourists everywhere I go?

[@petenash7310]

Oh hell, Id be the same way lol

[@billrobbins5874]

What a song it is! ♥️♥️

[@std882]

Wow, not only Colbert have a nice voice and can sing but he can harmonize too. Very talented guy.

[@FMOLETTE]

STD882 Taylor is doing the harmony, Colbert is just singing the melody

[@patriciawilliams7107]

I couldn't tell, at first I thought Colbert was singing melody, then James, but it is so well blended together, it's hard to tell! So well-done! And I had never heard of Colbert til recently. Awesome when the backups join, and wonderful pianist, too! Probably one of my favorite collaborations on this song!

[@juliebiddle1636]

@@patriciawilliams7107 He performed in Company on Broadway. If he can sing stuff Sondheim wrote he can sing anything!

[@user-dn4rx8ev3j]

@@FMOLETTE perhaps you have audio dyslexia? Taylor is singing the melody, Colbert is delivering that fantastic harmony from start to finish.

[@FMOLETTE]

william boyce nah listen again

[@TheFith]

Crazy. I love James Taylor. I love Stephen Colbert. I loved them separately, and now I love them together.

[@arpadelluna]

+TheFith James Taylor, and Stephen Colbert, and Jon Batiste back there, filling out ends of phrases so effortlessly, so ineffably. I love them all together (harmony ladies too).

[@Lori_in_CT]

+Arpa de Lluna the blonde is Jame's wife.

[@Mortimer_Duke]

Seriously. Try to get out more.

[@michiganjfrog366]

What a gift!! Literally and figuratively 🙂 I started crying as soon as Steven looked at the camera and smiled. What a dream come true for him, he deserves it.

[@debbielyons1704]

Wow, awesome!

[@grumgre]

This is such a lovely song, hearing it really calms me down. I love how Stephen and James harmonize with eachother, and how Stephen smiles all the time..! He is such a warm person, and he realy shows that in the late show. And I think I need more of the "real" Stephen Colbert, just singing and being the adoreable geek he is!

[@lc8816]

I sang everyone of James Taylors songs from his greatest hits album. His voice, his lyrics, I just love that man!!

[@hanabi18-78]

Actually Stephen looks very happy and nervous. :)

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

He( Stephen) has a nice voice.🙂

[@joyikelman1540]

Their voices match so well. This is beautiful.

[@hippydippy]

Many people don't realize Stephen was in theater & sang a lot in his earlier years. He's a wonderful man.

[@kathybumgardner4773]

I still want him robrun for president!

[@TampaDave]

@@kathybumgardner4773 let’s just keep him as he is, please. Besides, remember, if you watched his first show, he is a REPUBLICAN!!! Lol

[@notbraindead7298]

Colbert a thespian? I didn’t know that.

[@TampaDave]

@@notbraindead7298 i heard he used to be a philatelist! I hope he has reformed.

[@notbraindead7298]

@@TampaDave I heard that's still legal in red States. (???)

[@bogdog999]

That will be a treasured moment in Stephen's life forever. Seeing/hearing it was one of mine. Glad James is still with us. We've lost so many talented people in the last several years.

[@twwtjohns]

Even though James Taylor is singing backup this is now one of my favorite renditions of this song.

[@amierichan1428]

He's not singing backup. . .???

[@PABWECG]

James is definitely singing the melody on this. Stephen is singing the higher part, but it's not the melody/lead part.

[@Rockingruvin]

@@PABWECGit's hard to split out, but the higher harmonies are more difficult, so, JT took those, at least after the first verse. You can see Colbert clearly singing the lower (and louder 🤦‍♂️) part about 2/3 through. I can't tell on the first verse. They all did a great job of matching JT's vocal pattern, including Stephen. And Scs lower register lines up great with JTs. 🤷‍♂️

[@no_prisoners6474]

Harmony and backup aren’t the same thing I think

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

I like how genuine and natural Stephen is. Who of us born so long ago wouldn't want to sing with JT ?

[@rileydotson6151]

I'm young and wanna sing with James Taylor

[@saxmanjpr5092]

James let me sing "happy birthday" with him TWICE for friends! I was BLOWN AWAY that I got to sing a song...ANY SONG with JT! It was a dream come true. The videos are on my channel!

[@VacantHaven]

I was born 85 and I'd f**kin love to play with JT

[@kathykayc]

I just did.

[@saxmanjpr5092]

James let me sing with him...TWICE! The videos are on my channel!

[@tamikoestomo3275]

Stephen Colbert: a grand singer who isn't afraid to show his feelings..🏆🎖🏆💖❣

[@PABWECG]

Did you see Jon Batiste bow down when he shook James Taylor's hand? Oh my, what a sweet moment. I love Jon, and I love Stephen, and I LOVE James. What a treat to hear and see them together.

[@denisvalente6844]

If I met James Taylor I'd bow too

[@mikamamma]

PABWECG and James bowed right back. First class.

[@jaymontone]

Humbled respect shown by a grounded musician 🙌🏼❤️

[@diannezosche9833]

As he should! It was a nice moment.

[@hummingnectarbird]

I absolutely love it. I inherited my mother’s tendency to harmonise in alto to any song. It just came naturally to her. When Colbert started harmonising, it brought tears of memories.

[@alika207]

It sounds to me like James is harmonizing, but I could be wrong.

[@wgb01001]

Yeah, Colbert is singing the melody here.

[@colleenh7809]

Same.

[@Dulcilady]

@@alika207 watching mouth & facial expression I’d say James is singing lead. Their voices are so close in timbre it does make it difficult.

[@TampaDave]

@@alika207 I disagree. I didn’t spot any time Taylor gave up the melody, even in the 4-part last chorus. (But the piano part was sweet!) I know the song and Taylor’s voice well, having listened to it often, especially in 1970 and ‘71 when he was at his peak.

[@anonymousposs1]

Well done everyone. James’ inimitable voice and beautiful guitar; Stephen’s tender accompaniment; Jon’s superb piano; fine backing vocalists; a gem.

[@gpeddino]

Stephen seemed emotional. He's got a great voice, by the way.

[@ipolygon1]

Gui Porto how could you not get emotional listening to james Taylor. I know for myself I wouldn’t be able to do it. JT’s music just means so much to so many people. I can’t but help think of my mom when I hear his voice.

[@monkeyshinemmie]

I smiled the whole way thru this song. Lovely in so many ways. Stephen, you stood as a place-safer for all of us! James, thank you for a world of beautiful music!

[@DD-ic1bd]

Im blown away! Wow... Stephen sounds wonderful in this duet, they are both amazing!! 🙌👏

[@alicesullivan1790]

STEPHEN COLBERT = YOU JUST SANG A BEAUTIFUL SONG WITH JAMES TAYLOR, AND WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SMILE OF PLEASURE YOU SHARED! One of the many reasons so many people love you!

[@RandomGuy-ne9rd]

Lord, what did I do to deserve James Taylor with Jon Batiste and Stephen Colbert? The rarest of treats, this one.

[@grammy4195]

Damn!!! AWESOME! Stephen do this again!

[@okrajoe]

Surprisingly emotional and touching.

[@cyberlioness]

James Taylor is GOAT. I’ve loved him my entire life! I’m 73 and it just gets better.

[@TailspinTommy]

Congratulations Stephen, you will never get any cooler than this, you just can’t do it. So cool

[@barbaramartinetti3221]

Nothing will jolt a few tears out of your eyes like harmonizing with someone on a beautiful song, or hearing other people do the same. Human heart is tender.

[@Winonaah]

Just saw this and got choked up. I love "my" James and "my" Stephen for the same reason; authentically sweet spirits.

[@jarcha4200]

Not sure why this came up on my feed but I am so glad it did. What a treat.

[@chinookvalley]

My guy (RIP) used to cup my face in his hands, kiss my eyes, and sing this song to me - to stop my fears, my sadness, my loss of hope. Thanks boys.

[@ResearchReveals]

chinookvalley, so very very sorry for your loss. Thank you though for sharing this. Somehow it helps to know another was affected by loss as I was. Not all are, you know. I believe how we're affected reflects the particular relationship we had with the person passing.

[@brownkemosabe]

I'm so sorry. My heart reaches out to you.

[@joanlittlefield4107]

Oh how blessed you are to have had that kind of guy.

[@nylabo]

Wow. Just wow.

[@Carrie25]

I'll never forget the first time I heard that song. It made a really deep impression on me. Really cool to hear Stephen Colbert singing it with him. They sound really good together.

[@ElectroIsMyReligion]

One of my favorite songs of all time!! Stephen you got to be the best host in the world!

[@jennifergeran]

I'm so touched. JT knows exactly how much this means to Stephen.

[@MarkusBoettner]

Stephen Colbert is a hell of a great singer, by the way! Chapeau!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Stephen can sing. James ,well done. ❤❤❤ 🇨🇦

[@randicusack5658]

Don’t know how I haven’t seen this one before. One of my favorite songs, sung perfectly!

[@victoriadavis8326]

Lovely, I watched it again.

[@camliardi2061]

wow stephen actually has a great voice. nice to see these two great entertainers together.

[@blumbe]

Stephen Colbert nailing the harmony part. I’m impressed . Nice job!

[@lukemurray1104]

That was the sweetest moment on tv. James is a treasure and Stephen is a total fan. Fun!!!!

[@cloud__99]

I love seeing how much Stephen adores James Taylor. I can’t think of anyone else he gets that starstruck with. Whenever James is on he gets that wondrous look on his face like “wow this really is my life“

[@peggygallagher5802]

Stephen, you sound phenomenal. 💜 fellow musician. James Taylor saved my Life when I was younger...still call upon him when times get too overwhelming...

[@TheWerequat]

Nice harmony!❤

[@bearlady5694]

Wonderful harmony! Love this with John on the piano and James on his trusty guitar! What a fab experience for Stephen!

[@Winonaah]

At first I couldn't distinguish the voices They harmonized so beautifully. EXCELLENT.

[@carolyncolinhogarth8732]

I love this combination of this group of voices. Such a wonderful sound of softness.

[@TracyS513]

The harmony *goosebumps*. And to get to sing with James Taylor. Dream came true.

[@mollyziegler440]

A mind-blowing experience for Stephen for sure, and I got all the feels while on the receiving side of the performance. Wow... Just beautiful.♥

[@JasmineApple]

WOW! I had no idea Stephen could harmonize like that -- great job!

[@claudiabean2295]

Two of my favorite people, and so thrilled to see them sing one of my favorites of James'. Stephen's voice is so tender and perfect. love peace thanks and shear joy

[@twelge15]

Renaissance man/Talk show host nails it!

[@PlantBasedCyclist]

It's nice to see Stephen so gracious after the performance is over.

[@beckwilde]

Harmonizing is so difficult! Especially throughout the entire song, props to stephen! James Taylor you rock 😊

[@alika207]

I think JT is harmonizing.

[@elijahgoldman6256]

@@alika207 its not

[@mikamamma]

@@elijahgoldman6256 yes, it’s definitely JT singing the harmony, here.

[@elijahgoldman6256]

@@mikamamma Yeah your right just rewatched it

[@starwf07]

0:44 That smile when it hits Stephen what he's doing.

[@stuartswanton1676]

For me, James Taylor is the artist I listen to, then forget about for ages, then something like this makes me dive right back in and enjoy it all over again. What a privilege.

[@MarilynVGreen]

He breaks my heart. I can remember where I was in each of his songs....and I can't help but feel the losses...And now I'm crying again. Dammit.

[@priscillabates4386]

God I love Colbert!

[@Maddiehere89]

Stephen is so happy! A dream come true for him!

[@melonies.7641]

Just being present in a room or auditorium to hear James Taylor sing is an absolute honor. I was lucky enough to see him recently perform at Caesars Palace, and it will be hands down one of the best memories of my life. He is a truly beautiful soul. His energy fills a room and warms everyone in it, which is truly an experience you can't explain to anyone who hasn't lived it. If you have a chance to see him live, do it, even if you are in the last row. He's one of the greatest of all time.

[@PABWECG]

Yes to all of this!

[@melonies.7641]

Still one of my most treasured memories.

[@anaacosta6610]

I've always loved this song. Stephen did great.

[@GreenDragon11]

SO nice and Jon is exceptional on the keys ;)

[@nicholaslong4360]

You can tell how nervous he is because his hands are in his pockets :) Classic telltale when onstage. James' voice has aged like fine wine, hats off to Colbert, always loved his stuff.

[@carolyndukeanderson8880]

It’s like he was keeping his hands in his pockets for safety/grounding purposes and he kept his focus directly on James. He was NOT going to do anything to mess it up!! Not a chance. I think it’s a great sign of respect and humility. ❤

[@patriciametzler5989]

This is so terrific! And Jon on piano is the Cherry on top! (He just won the Grammy last night for Album of the year. Love those NOLA jazz musicians, but he can, and does, play literally any genre.)

[@classicalguitargirl]

I,love how Jon Plays so beautifully and gently the piano to compliment James and Stephen

[@chacecrowell]

My ex's and my song from college...it's funny that it's written as a duet yet you mostly hear just James's studio part without Carly and I always find myself singing the harmony. Echoes of life

[@theresamurphy_hall9286]

LOVE this! Thank you John and Stephen!

[@gemmaskate]

This made me cry

[@michalperach984]

same

[@billyakin3301]

Me too...

[@laylaali5977]

Beautiful

[@payasamariposa]

So breathtakingly beautiful! Thank you!

[@auntymammalia9384]

Stephen, great voice. And what a memory, and story. 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gregbartley7179]

OMG!!!! To be able to sing a song with the legendary James Taylor???!!!!! Truly amazing…..and Steven ain’t too bad!!!

[@Roslowich89c9040]

Who knew Steven could sing like this? ❣️ Sweet Baby James always sings like this ❤️❤️

[@janetbeebe6578]

Complete Joy and Stephen just radiates admiration for Mr. James Taylor. ❤️

[@ALittleHelpFromMyLens]

That was so awesome I love that song it made me cry. Stephen Colbert you are a pretty good singer. James Taylor of course you are always awesome. I have listened to you my whole life. And I thank my dad for for introducing me to your music! Love hugs and peace..❤️🤗☮️

[@alexwestman8289]

Wow..Stephen...you just blew my mind . Amazing

[@crice7sh]

I love both of them. How great that must have been for the audience.

[@SGRosen-vi2ez]

You are living the dream, Mr. Colbert. Living. The. Dream.

[@mtjoleolkaelle]

You guys nailed it!,!!

[@fergiesham]

A dream come true for this guy , james taylor is one of the best.

[@PABWECG]

If there was one musician I would die for an opportunity to make music with, it would be James Taylor. Absolutely. No contest.

[@amierichan1428]

Wow, I had no idea he could sing, and carry harmony like that!!! Wonderful.

[@donmak0427]

Gawdamn! Stephen Colbert can sing! Whoda thunk? Right on, right on, right on!

[@cheryzheng]

He put out an award winning Christmas album and was in the 2010 production of Company

[@Compo85]

+Don Saito Probably anyone who was a fan of the Colbert Report.

[@VelSparko]

+Don Saito My all-time favorite is when he sang with the Mountain Goats when they were on his show.

[@baconSlayerX]

Shouldn't really surprise you, most of these 'showbusiness'-people can sing to some degree.

[@jennifergraham3752]

This was perfection. I can’t stop smiling!

[@arpadelluna]

This was a historic moment. I like to listen to it again and again, at least once a week.

[@arpadelluna]

Also, I have to say, I get so amused at the awkward double handshake/double bow at the end-- James Taylor bowing to Jon Batiste. Indeed. Knows genius when he hears it.

[@debraphilip6173]

Wow harmony thanks great ! Didn't know Steve could sing like that.

[@eepsers1]

Making music with someone you admire is a great honor and a magical joy. Colbert was the perfect complement to Taylor’s voice. They blended beautifully.

[@curlygurl1263]

I have never hear his songs. This was beautiful. A peaceful spirit flows from James. I love that.

[@debbiereha1739]

Wow! That was beautiful!

[@treehugnhipi3765]

that duo really moved me...taylor reminded me how much i love him...and colbert surprised the bajeebees outta me! beautiful, harmonious, oh so lovely.... :))

[@seycas118]

Stephen is full of surprises!!

[@Winonaah]

Forgot to say what a nice surprise to hear Stephen's beautiful singing voice. Lately I've been thinking he'll be moving along soon to other endeavors. I will follow if I can.

[@lisahuff6210]

there's nobody better than James Taylor!

[@janetfox-petersen2790]

Beyond lovely. Love all these people. May peace please have a place on this earth.

[@TeresaPandoraSalgado]

How beautiful. Tears.

[@christinebehner5928]

Best lullaby ever written.

[@Flippersflops]

John seems so genuinely honored. And he nailed the comps!! Good music just simply transcends time.