Artists from every musical genre, two Oscar-winning actors and a former U.S. president show up for “A Tribute to James Taylor” on “Great Performances” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings). This salute to Taylor, a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was taped at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where Taylor was honored by the philanthropic organization MusiCares.

Taylor sums up the laudatory and valedictory tone of the proceedings with the quip, “It’s strange to be at an event like this and still be alive.”

The lineup is nothing if not diverse. Bruce Springsteen performs Taylor’s song “Millworker,” written for a Broadway show in 1978. India.Arie performs “Secret O’ Life,” and the Dixie Chicks perform “Shower the People.” Taylor’s folk-rock contemporaries Jackson Browne and David Crosby collaborate with Sheryl Crow on “Mexico.” Sting offers “You Can Close Your Eyes,” and Keith Urban interprets “Country Road.” Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, Dr. John and Taj Mahal also perform.

Taylor doesn’t just sit there and soak up the applause from the likes of Jamie Foxx, Nicole Kidman and Bill Clinton. He closes the show with four performances. Carole King joins him to sing her song “You’ve Got a Friend.” Then Taylor performs solo on “Shed a Little Light,” “How Sweet It Is” and his breakthrough hit and signature tune “Fire and Rain.”

¢ Musical performances also liven the annual celebration of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (7 p.m., NBC). “Today Show” personalities Al Roker and Ann Curry preside over the 74th annual tree lighting extravaganza, the official opening of the Christmas season in New York. Musical guests include Christina Aguilera, Sting, Bette Midler, Lionel Richie and 2006 “American Idol” champion Taylor Hicks.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ A resident is found dead and a stranger returns on the conclusion of the first half of the season of “Jericho” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ A killing with occult trappings leaves a headless body on “Bones” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Santa (Charles Durning) wants to retire, but his son and heir (Kelsey Grammer) would rather stay in Miami than ride a sleigh in the 2002 holiday comedy “Mr. St. Nick” (7 p.m., Family).

¢ Hopper tries to figure out Andrea’s actions and motivations on “Day Break” (8 p.m., ABC).

¢ The suspect in a bartender’s murder is a familiar face on “CSI: NY” (9 p.m., CBS).

¢ A familiar figure of evil returns to haunt Alison’s dreams on “Medium” (9 p.m., NBC).

¢ Scheduled on “20/20” (9 p.m., ABC): charity in America.