On a warm July night in 2017, two of music’s most beloved voices—James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt—shared the stage at San Francisco’s AT&T Park for a performance that would linger in the hearts of fans long after the final chord faded. Among the many magical moments from their co-headlining summer tour, one stood above the rest: a deeply moving rendition of Taylor’s classic ballad, “You Can Close Your Eyes.”
Captured in a heartfelt fan video, this tender duet radiated authenticity and emotional resonance. Taylor, seated with his acoustic guitar, began the song with gentle familiarity. Raitt, standing by his side, joined in with soulful harmonies that wrapped around his vocals like an embrace. Their connection—both personal and musical—was unmistakable, creating a moment of profound beauty.
The performance was a highlight of a nationwide stadium tour that saw the duo playing to packed crowds in iconic venues like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and the Toyota Center. Time and again, “You Can Close Your Eyes” served as the evening’s quiet crescendo—a gentle goodbye that often closed the show, leaving audiences visibly moved.
Originally penned by Taylor in 1971 for his Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon album, the song has long held a cherished spot in his repertoire. Yet with Raitt’s graceful harmonies, it took on new life—its poignancy intensified, its message more intimate. As reported by the Houston Press, the song often stirred visible emotion, prompting tears and embraces among concertgoers.
More than a duet, their performance was a masterclass in understated brilliance—proof that simplicity, when paired with sincerity, can be utterly transcendent. Taylor and Raitt, both legends in their own right, reminded us that some songs grow even richer with time and experience.
Whether experienced live under the stars or discovered later on screen, their 2017 rendition of “You Can Close Your Eyes” stands as a timeless moment in concert history—one that continues to resonate with anyone who believes in the enduring magic of music.
