Birth: May 17, 1942 (New York, NY)
Guitar/piano playing rural blues revivalist Taj Mahal was quite a rarity in the late 60s
-- a young black who accurately revived classic country blues for a new generation of listeners. Mahal took
an archival interest in folk blues while matriculating during the early 60s. He began playing his
blues and rags in various Boston folk joints, then formed a short-lived band with Ry Cooder in Los Angeles
called the Rising Sons. He debuted on vinyl in 1968 with a self-titled album for Columbia, and
continually placed on the album charts throughout the 70s with his electric blend of blues, folk,
reggae and ragtime influences. Mahal has done several movie soundtracks, notably "Sounder" in 1972.
~ Bill Dahl
-- Bill Dahl, All-Music Guide, courtesy of CD NOW
