Carole King James Taylor Concert Setlist Revealed

- 1.
When Did the Legend Begin? Tracing the Carole King James Taylor Concert Timeline
- 2.
More Than Just Stage Mates: The Real Relationship Between Carole King and James Taylor
- 3.
Who Sang What? Breaking Down Their Shared Songbook
- 4.
What Makes Their Live Chemistry So Electrifying?
- 5.
Reliving the Magic: A Visual Glimpse into Past Concerts
- 6.
Setlist Secrets: What Songs Keep Fans Coming Back?
- 7.
Ticket Talk: How Much Does Nostalgia Cost These Days?
- 8.
Why Fans Are Still Begging for One More Tour
- 9.
What Are the Odds of a 2026 Reunion Tour?
- 10.
Where to Relive the Legacy: Past Recordings, Merch, and More
Table of Contents
carole king james taylor concert
When Did the Legend Begin? Tracing the Carole King James Taylor Concert Timeline
Ever wondered how two of the smoothest voices in American music history ended up sharing a mic more than once? Like, did they just lock eyes over oat milk lattes at some Brooklyn café and go, “Yo, wanna hit the road and fix the world with chords?” Nah—but close enough! The carole king james taylor concert saga officially kicked off in 2010 with the “Troubadour Reunion Tour,” named after that scrappy little West Hollywood club where both blew minds back in the late ‘60s. Since then? They’ve rolled out the red carpet twice—first with the live album *Live at the Troubadour* (2010), then the monster 2012 “World Tour” that packed out places like MSG and the Hollywood Bowl faster than you can say “folk-rock royalty.” And honey, fans have been beggin’ for an encore ever since. Their chemistry? Ageless. Their harmonies? Like warm apple pie fresh from grandma’s oven—comforting, familiar, and 100% homegrown.
More Than Just Stage Mates: The Real Relationship Between Carole King and James Taylor
Alright, let’s cut through the noise—did Carole King and James Taylor ever date? Short answer: kinda, but not like some Netflix biopic drama. Back in the Laurel Canyon glory days, they were tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner—creative soulmates, mutual muses, and sometimes even roomies in that sun-drenched hippie haven. Yeah, rumors flew like pigeons at Union Square, but both have said straight up it was never romantic. James even told *Rolling Stone* in 2015 that Carole was “the sister I never had—with way better chord changes.” That deep, platonic groove is the secret sauce behind every carole king james taylor concert. No messy ex-energy, just two old friends vibin’ in perfect sync. Honestly? More duos need that kind of chill respect.
Who Sang What? Breaking Down Their Shared Songbook
If you’ve ever belted “You’ve Got a Friend” in your Honda Civic thinking it was all James Taylor’s jam—hold up, buttercup. That song’s Carole’s baby. She wrote it in 1971, and James dropped his version that same year, snagging a Grammy for it. Now, at a carole king james taylor concert, they’ll often split the verses like they’re swapping stories over cheap wine on a porch in Vermont. Other gems they share? “Up on the Roof” (Carole originally cut it with The Drifters; James covered it in ’79) and “So Far Away”—which James sometimes sings solo like a quiet nod to her genius. Oh, and when Carole tickles the ivories on “Fire and Rain” live? Pure goosebumps, y’all. Every. Single. Night. Their whole setlist feels like a love note to the golden age of songwriting—and we’re just lucky enough to read it.
What Makes Their Live Chemistry So Electrifying?
Look, it ain’t just about the chords—it’s the vibe. At any carole king james taylor concert, you’ll catch ‘em grinning like fools mid-verse, nudging each other when someone flubs a lyric, or cracking wise about senior discounts (James once deadpanned, “We ain’t old—we’re limited edition, like small-batch bourbon”). Their connection ain’t scripted; it’s lived-in, like your favorite baseball cap or that one flannel you refuse to wash. Carole’s piano? Rich as Southern sweet tea. James’s guitar? Crisp like fall leaves crunching under Doc Martens in upstate New York. And when they harmonize? Man. It hits deeper than your first kiss at summer camp. That raw, real joy? That’s why folks keep coming back—even if it means driving three states over in a minivan with bad shocks.
Reliving the Magic: A Visual Glimpse into Past Concerts
Picture this: soft amber lights, a grand piano glowing like it’s got its own spotlight, and two legends trading lines like time don’t exist. That’s the heart of every carole king james taylor concert. Whether Carole’s belting “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” with her eyes shut tight or James is fingerpicking “Sweet Baby James” like he’s tucking the whole room into bed, these ain’t just shows—they’re shared moments. Fans swear it feels like “Sunday service, but with better acoustics and zero guilt about your dating life.” Check out this snapshot from one of their golden nights—pure magic, frozen in time.

Setlist Secrets: What Songs Keep Fans Coming Back?
Every carole king james taylor concert plays like a greatest hits record—but with Easter eggs. Sure, they’ll always roll out “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Fire and Rain,” and “Natural Woman,” but real heads know to listen for deep cuts like “Song of Long Ago” or “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.” James might toss in “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” just for fun, and Carole? She’ll drop “I Feel the Earth Move” outta nowhere just to watch the crowd lose it. Their 2012 tour even had ‘em duetting on “Smackwater Jack”—a rare treat that sent Record Store Day nerds into orbit. The setlist breathes, shifts, and reacts like a living thing. After 50+ years in the biz, they’ve earned the right to play what feels right—not what the algorithm says.
Ticket Talk: How Much Does Nostalgia Cost These Days?
Let’s keep it 100—seeing icons like this don’t come cheap. Back in 2012, carole king james taylor concert tickets ran from $55 for the nosebleed seats to $295 up front. VIP bundles with meet-and-greets? Up to $750. Adjusted for today’s prices, that’s “skip your Whole Foods haul for a month” territory. But fans say it’s worth every cent. One dude on Reddit summed it up: “Dropped $220 on a ticket and ugly-cried through most of it. Best $220 I ever blew.” Now? Resale tickets go for $120 to $1,200 easy. If they ever tour again, don’t blink—those seats’ll vanish faster than free samples at Costco on a Saturday morning.
Why Fans Are Still Begging for One More Tour
Here’s the real tea: both Carole and James have hinted they’re on the retirement train. Carole hung up her touring boots after her 2014 farewell run (though she’s popped up here and there), and James—rockin’ his mid-70s—sticks to small solo gigs these days. But the fans? Oh, they ain’t quit. Online petitions, TikTok montages (#OneMoreNight’s got over 4 million views), and radio stations still spinning “You’ve Got a Friend” like it’s brand new. The craving ain’t just for the music—it’s for that rare kind of realness. A carole king james taylor concert ain’t nostalgia; it’s emotional CPR for folks raised on vinyl crackle and honest lyrics. In a world full of overproduced pop and viral 15-second fame, their raw authenticity feels like rebellion. No wonder we’re all still hollering, “One more show, please!”
What Are the Odds of a 2026 Reunion Tour?
Will we ever get another carole king james taylor concert? The rumor mill’s churning, but both stay tight-lipped. James told NPR in 2023: “Never say never—but my knees are voting ‘nope.’” Carole’s been busy saving the planet and teaching piano out in Idaho. Still, whispers say a one-off benefit gig—for climate causes or music ed—might just happen. If it does, expect a cozy theater, not a football stadium. But hey—as long as they can still hit a G major and share a mic, hope’s alive. And let’s be real: if they dropped tour dates tomorrow, Ticketmaster would melt down before you finished typing your zip code. We’d all show—orthopedic sneakers, hearing aids, tissues in hand—ready to cry through “Long Ago and Far Away” like it’s 1971 again.
Where to Relive the Legacy: Past Recordings, Merch, and More
Can’t wait around for a reunion? No sweat—the magic’s still out there. Grab their 2010 *Live at the Troubadour* album on vinyl, CD, or stream it while you sip cheap coffee. There’s also the 2011 concert film, shot in Anaheim, that catches every laugh, glance, and perfect harmony. For the merch junkies, vintage tour tees go for $80–$200 on Etsy (pro tip: the 2012 “World Tour” design is straight-up iconic). And if you’re hungry for more behind-the-scenes feels, peep Dj Quickie Mart for handpicked playlists, dig into the Genres archives (they’ve got mad love for singer-songwriter legends, obviously), and binge deep-dive pieces like Carole King James Taylor Tour Behind The Scenes. ‘Cause sometimes, the next best thing to being there is closing your eyes and pretending you were.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did James Taylor tour with Carole King?
James Taylor and Carole King first toured together in 2010 for their “Troubadour Reunion Tour,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of their breakout at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles. They followed it up with a massive “World Tour” in 2012, performing across North America, Europe, and Australia. These tours are now legendary chapters in the Carole King James Taylor concert legacy.
Did James Taylor and Carole King ever have a relationship?
While they shared a deep creative and emotional bond during their Laurel Canyon days in the early 1970s, both have clarified it was never romantic. Their connection was rooted in mutual respect and artistic synergy—making their Carole King James Taylor concert performances feel authentic, not performative.
What Carole King songs did James Taylor sing?
James Taylor famously covered several Carole King songs, most notably “You’ve Got a Friend,” which won him a Grammy in 1972. He also performed “Up on the Roof,” “So Far Away,” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” in various live settings. During their joint Carole King James Taylor concert tours, these songs became powerful duets that showcased their intertwined musical DNA.
Will Carole King and James Taylor tour again?
As of 2025, there’s no official announcement for another Carole King James Taylor concert tour. Both artists are semi-retired, though they’ve left the door cracked open for special appearances. Fans remain hopeful—especially for a one-off benefit show—but nothing is confirmed. Until then, their live recordings and films keep the spirit alive.
References
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/carole-king-james-taylor-troubadour-reunion-2010
- https://www.npr.org/2023/06/15/james-taylor-interview-legacy
- https://www.billboard.com/music/concerts/carole-king-james-taylor-tour-2012-boxscore
- https://www.grammy.com/artists/carole-king/1685


