James Taylor Honoured At Starry Tribute

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, the Dixie Chicks, Sting and newly single Sheryl Crow paid tribute to James Taylor last night (06FEB06) in Los Angeles as the singer/songwriter was honoured with the MusiCares Person of The Year crown.

Springsteen, who called Taylor "an authentic Southern voice," performed Taylor's MILLWORKER, STING covered Close Your Eyes and Crow, Jackson Browne and David Crosby teamed up to pay tribute to the folk-rock legend with another hit, MEXICO.

Meanwhile India.ARIE thrilled Taylor when she revealed she never goes onstage without a black and white picture of her hero, which helps to inspire her when she's performing live.

Paul Simon opened the tribute show with an acoustic version of Sweet Baby James.

But the night's highlight came when country star Keith Urban took to the stage to perform a rendition of Taylor's COUNTRY ROAD - with girlfriend Nicole Kidman keeping time in the audience.

The evening ended with Taylor and Carole King teaming up onstage for a rendition of their smash-hit YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND.

Taylor, who was honoured as the MusiCares Person of the Year for his many charity initiatives, told the audience and his celebrity pals, "I can't thank you enough for showing up. It's not the same without you.

"It's strange to be at an event like this and still be alive. It's very moving, very terrifying and very wonderful to hear these songs done live."