(Image credit: Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images)

Singer-songwriter and North Carolina native James Taylor says he's eager to infuse his performances with politics, stumping for President Obama when he tours the United States later this year.

"I am so - I really love this president. I love what it says about America, that we were able to elect this man," Taylor, 63, said in an interview with local TV affiliate WCNC.

Taylor will hit the road in June and July for 18 concerts, including stops in general election battlegrounds Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Ohio and Colorado, where, he said, he will proudly promote Obama.

He performed Friday at two fundraisers for the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., that were also attended by first lady Michelle Obama. The events raised at least $675,000.

"It's great that North Carolina sets the stage for this event," Taylor said of the DNC. "I wouldn't miss it. I will find some excuse to be down here. If asked, I will perform. I'd love to."

Taylor said he'd like to perform "Carolina in My Mind" for the convention.  His 1977 hit single "Your Smiling Face" is featured on the Obama Campaign's official 2012 soundtrack.