James Taylor - "The River" for Garth Brooks | 43rd Kennedy Center Honors

Legendary singer James Taylor performs "The River" to honor Garth Brooks during the 43rd Kennedy Center Honors.
“The Kennedy Center Honors serves as a moment to celebrate the remarkable artists who have spent their lives elevating the cultural history of our nation and world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Garth Brooks heightened country music’s profile like no other singer before him.”
Reflective of this unique time in history, the Center’s entire campus came alive with small, in-person events and re-envisioned virtual tributes. Featuring multiple events for physically-distant audiences in locations across the Kennedy Center’s campus including the Front Plaza of the building, the Grand Foyer in front of the John F. Kennedy bust, and the iconic Opera House stage, programs for each event encompassed both performances and speaking tributes for the Honorees.
“This past year has taught us many things including the need to be flexible and adaptable,” stated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “They say necessity is the mother of all invention. The unusual circumstances inspired and opened up new ways for us to present a deeper experience, and hopefully understanding, of the art and lifetime work of our Honorees. 2020 has also shined a bright light on the impact of how art and culture speaks to our collective human experience. It can meet us at any moment-and sustain us during the most challenging days. Each of the 43rd Kennedy Center Honorees and their work continues to speak to American culture and our national fortitude. We are thrilled to be able to fete these cultural icons in a time where the world and the nation needs the arts more than ever.”
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#kennedycenterhonors #garthbrooks #jamestaylor

[@sassylrhg]

You know you have made it to Heaven when James Taylor sings your song!

[@ljinbs]

Nothing like being serenaded with your own song by your idol. What a moment for Garth.

[@jonathankubacki7446]

James Taylor crushed it how awesome for Garth to see his idol sing his song

[@brucemoeller]

After the Tubbs fire (Oct 2017) burned my place down (with all my guitars and more), my sister scored tickets to see JT in Sacramento. They gave us 6th row tickets near the center! During intermission, James came to the corner of the stage and engaged with the crowd. When it was my turn to face the legend, I thanked his people for getting us here...how it meant so much after what happened. He signed my CD, grabbed my hands, looked me in the eye and offered he heartfelt wishes to get beyond the tragedy. Such a kind and humble man, and the reason I wanted to learn to play the guitar. Merry Christmas James.....for the past, the future, and the present.

[@lethiapage4767]

Bruce your post hits home with me on several levels! I have survived a fire. Dec 29 will be a year. I lost pretty much everything including my keepsakes from a James Taylor concert in 2005 in Dallas. I was 2nd row center and about 15 feet from the man himself for the whole show. It was such an emotional night. I got an autograph at intermission just like you described. I lost it in the fire. I just remember his kindness to the fans. I had stitches in my knee at the time and he noticed me hobbling. I love this video because you may know JT is one of Garths primary influences (also KISS and Bob Seger go figure!) When he wrote the river he wanted to do a song in the James Taylor style and hoped he could do it. I guess now we know! I'm glad you are okay Bruce. Take care.

[@kompyuter-mv2lz]

When your idol sings your song - I would bawl my eyes too!

[@pianojay101]

What makes this performance even more emotional is Garth wrote this song being influenced by James style of writing and for him to sit and listen and watch his idol James sing it must’ve been goosebump worthy, I mean I had goosebumps. James does it again. Beautiful

[@cauthoncrazy]

Loved it when Garth stood up but then he put on his hat...so touching.

[@annpenn4541]

Yes, there is only one James Taylor!!!

[@emeraldangeleyes2011]

When your hero sings your song to honor YOU…you’ve truly made it.

[@Adam-oy4ix]

The emotion from Garth when James sings that opening line....I imagine it would be like if Eddie Vedder, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury or Dave Gilmour ever sang something I wrote....and I so love James Taylor too....James has such a light in his eyes though....

[@csandford6011]

What a beautiful rendition by James Taylor well-deserved Garth congratulations.

[@catherinea.pacheco7801]

What an incredible honor. To have one of the earliest genius singer/songwriters of popular American music singing your song. One brilliant inspiring singer/songwriter, James Taylor, honoring another, Garth Brooks, who has said Taylor was among those who inspired him. This is just beautiful.

[@katiewilliams5643]

Love this song by Garth brooks but James Taylor sings it absolutely beautiful love this song.

[@lethiapage4767]

I love JT and I love Garth! And one of the things I love about them both is how they feel about each other. Garth is such a big moosh. His vulnerability is part of his charm yes but also it's a key element in his music. Keep those waterworks flowing Garth. We love how this crazy world moves you.

[@stanford7]

Two of my favourite artists combined, appreciating one another. Beautiful.

[@MarkusBoettner]

One of the greatest artists honouring one of the greatest artists with one of the greatest renditions of one of the greatest songs… If you are not moved by this, just grab your phone and go on watching TikTok.

[@jonathankubacki7446]

Wow!! I’m speechless I can’t imagine being honored like that from someone who I grew up idolizing Garth you just got your song sung by legend does it get any better then that

[@jcrider392]

Gosh, this is humanity at its greatest. An artist's main musical influence is singing a song he recorded due to the James Taylor sound it has. Priceless. Garth, complete class! James, too!

[@annpenn4541]

Such a compassionate version of this song...hard to imagine that James Taylor would ever do anything less...

[@peggygibbons1441]

Man!! You know what? It's such an irony or a juxtaposition or a msg from God that Garth could sell out a 2 million seat arena in 5 minutes. But when it came down to this moment & this prestigious award, hardly anyone was there, due to Covid. It was just one on one, eye to eye & if you don't see the beauty in that, then you don't have a soul.

[@Beachbumzz1]

JT is a National Treasure!

[@sarahnemillee]

Wow! Such an honor for Garth! Having an amazing artist who is also someone he looks up to perform this masterpiece. Can’t get better than this!

[@annpage840]

may me cry!!!#1 singers right there Garth and James!! thank you for letting me be part of listening to your music. till this day I sit and dance in my chair try to sing. not out loud either!!! I cry I dance in my chair Makes my day every day! I go to sleep listening to you and James music!!! Fight that Fight of that ugly Cancer Beat it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PRAYERS!!!!! everyone round the world sending prayers good vibes!!!! we are behind you GARTH BROOKS

[@csandford6011]

Congratulations Garth what a great tribute from James Taylor and he sang that song like nobody's business LOL beautiful song.

[@marissabeth2514]

I need more of this in my life.

[@irock2403]

What did I tell you.. He has the voice of an angel.. She's such a nerd.. I miss her.

[@moonlightview5862]

Oh Man this is magic❤

[@peterjones4621]

Garth was broken up by this heartfelt song from James. What a beautiful song from an incredibly caring and wonderful man.

[@laceywallace2188]

I saw Garth perform JT songs at my fist concert in Hartford CT in the mid 90s!! Love it 😍

[@willjohn1517]

Thanks- James. 🌸

[@patriciacurtis7448]

WOW! Just WOW!

[@maevemallory2122]

I'd love to see James in concert. Always loved this song.. beautiful rendition!

[@cynthiabailey4450]

James is my Hero He always brings Happy tears to my eyes

[@anemated20]

I would totally buy JT’s cover of this!

[@jimkelly9524]

Wonderful ❤️😊⭐️🎶🎸❤️

[@eq58]

incredible

[@mustaphasarou3451]

Garth has a really Big Heart..

[@med2667]

Wow, I love both these men.

[@janehopwood5836]

Two of my favorites!!! one song 2 voices!!!

[@alastairclunie7232]

Some one cutting onions again 😪😪😪

[@miaschu8175]

Beautiful

[@KathyLFortnerEdS]

Beautiful! Touching!

[@donnamacnaughton9933]

Beautiful!!

[@med2667]

Garth named his daughter Taylor after JT. What a beautiful tribute and milestone.

[@med2667]

I relate. I named my only son Taylor after JT.

[@bjrnzarbell1643]

Perfect :) And nice to see the reaction behind the mask .. :)

[@nehsangbong7259]

Legend

[@landyachtfan79]

Beautiful, as always!!!!

[@danielbuonanducci665]

2 great human beings

[@mrhaunted4831]

i'm not crying youre crying

[@gitsiemonster]

❤️

[@TheNostalgiaFiend]

Love it

[@pro68ht]

When you're as rich as Garth, your hair comes back to you.

[@kellyt7208]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mansoorahmedvohra6400]

Very nice 👍

[@laurieashworth1305]

Good Lord.❤

[@Debbie_George]

😢

[@lisakay8798]

My eyes are leaking.

[@user-free2um]

I love James Taylor and Garth Brooks! I think that they are the two greatest singers in the history of recorded music. So, it is difficult to say that I did not like James Taylor's version of The River. I think that Garth had a beautiful arrangement of The River. It is one of those songs that I think you need to leave it. I am sorry but James' version did not work for me.

[@davem8898]

Love JT but this seemed to be in the wrong key for him or something?

[@territeschner-browning1801]

Hate the masks! Take off the fear and let us see your smile as JT sings your song! We gotta live! And this was a moment to LIVE!!!

[@jimmycrackcorn4902]

Hard to criticize anything JT does but the tribute to Garth was a Bust. The line up sucked. That's why the comments are disabled on the main video. Mask crap

[@JP1989-l9h]

Great song but unfournately james singing is declining rapidly.

[@kingcrawly]

The aging of his voice makes it all that much more beautiful. The dude is doing it until the river runs dry. JT=Legend

[@miaschu8175]

There are teenagers who would be lucky to have as good a voice as JT has in his 70s. Nobody can expect their voices to not change as they age.

[@gman2904]

What a disappointment to see Brooks in a mask 😷 for this once In a lifetime honor Lost all respect for this once powerful Icon 😪

[@douganthony466]

What a disappointment to read such an ignorant comment after such a grand performance.

[@rogueally7993]

I thought it’s supposed to be freedom of choice to be masked. You seem like the type to say that. But when someone makes the choice for reasons you don’t even know, you mock and “lose respect.” Typical. It’s only freedom to choose the way you would choose, as always.

[@sabinebehrens8089]

Was für ein selten dämlicher Kommentar....

[@med2667]

What a disappointment to read such a stupid comment.

[@Tittlemouse69]

Silly comment

[@franciscojavierrodriguezla9041]

Thank’s a lot. What a treasure! I think is still better than the version from James Taylor Live, 1993…

[@Debbie_George]

😢