On July 20, 1979, folk mainstay James Taylor was playing a surely unforgettable set at the Newport Folk Festival. Only, he was interrupted by something slightly important, the news of the US moon landing. The festival ended up watching the landing live like the rest of America, and he never did get to finish his set.
Taylor never did forget about the set, and neither did Newport, as they invited Taylor back this year to perform a (mostly) secret performance, literally resuming where Taylor left off with his setlist 36 years ago. It was a special moment for Taylor and the audience alike, as well all got to witness history that was tied into history, in more ways that one.
His brief 5-song performance had the entire crowd left in awe, as if we were transported back to 1979, at least in spirit. Who knows if I’ll get another chance to see, or shoot, the legendary Taylor ever again, so I certainly didn’t take this special moment for granted, not even for a second.
Find some photos from his set posted below.
Join the conversation