James Taylor Sings Emotional Live Duet With Son

James Taylor took the stage at Edinburgh Castle with the 11 musicians in his touring band. For the concert’s closing number, however, the lineup narrowed to Taylor and one band member: his son Henry. A backing singer on his father’s tours, Henry joined him at the front of the stage for “You Can Close Your Eyes.”

The two accompanied themselves on different instruments, with James playing acoustic guitar and Henry handling electric guitar. They sang in unison beginning with the first line. Their voices remained soft and evenly balanced, with neither dominating the performance. The arrangement also demonstrated the musical talent that Henry had inherited from his father.

Their family relationship was apparent during the duet. Henry turned toward his father while they performed, watching him and smiling gently as they sang. The exchange suggested Henry’s admiration for James and helped make their bond a visible part of the final song. The performance also prompted an emotional response online, where one viewer reported that it had made them cry like a baby.

Henry’s place in the touring band and beside his father for this duet also connected the performance to James Taylor’s legacy. The influence and inspiration passed from James to his son can continue through Henry. At Edinburgh Castle, that continuity was presented through a shared performance rather than through the larger ensemble that had appeared earlier in the show.

Watch the full performance on page two