A Magical Night in San Francisco: James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt’s Unforgettable Duet
On a warm July night in 2017, music legends James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt gave fans at San Francisco’s AT&T Park a moment they’d never forget. Amid a string of memorable performances during their joint summer tour, one particular highlight touched hearts more than any other — a tender duet of Taylor’s beloved classic, “You Can Close Your Eyes.”
Captured in a fan-shared video, the performance radiates an emotional intimacy that only decades of friendship and shared artistry can create. With Taylor gently plucking his acoustic guitar and singing the opening lines, Raitt joined in with seamless harmony, her voice blending with his in a way that felt both effortless and deeply personal.
The 2017 tour saw the iconic pair perform in some of America’s most cherished venues — from Fenway Park in Boston to Wrigley Field in Chicago and Houston’s Toyota Center. At many stops, “You Can Close Your Eyes” served as either the emotional centerpiece or the evening’s poignant closer, leaving audiences in awe.
Originally released in 1971 on Taylor’s Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, the song has long been a staple in his catalog. But when sung alongside Raitt, the track took on new meaning — a beautiful fusion of two legendary voices, full of grace and quiet power. In Houston, local reviewers noted how the duet brought the crowd to tears, as couples embraced and the venue fell into a reverent hush.
Though Raitt would later miss some tour dates due to health reasons, her presence during that summer was unforgettable. Their duet stood as a shining example of how music, especially when performed by artists with such rich histories, transcends time.
Whether you were lucky enough to witness it live at AT&T Park or are discovering it through a screen years later, their 2017 performance of “You Can Close Your Eyes” is a reminder of the enduring beauty of musical connection.
Watch the cherished moment below: