Taj Mahal
b. Henry Saint Clair Fredericks, 17 May 1940, New York City, New York, USA. The son of a jazz arranger, Mahal developed his early interest in black music by studying its origins at university. After graduating, he began performing in Boston clubs, before moving to the west coast in 1965. The artist was a founder member of the legendary Rising Sons, a respected folk-rock group which also included Ry Cooder and Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy. Mahal resumed his solo career when the group's projected debut album was shelved. His first solo album, TAJ MAHAL, released in 1968, was a powerful, yet intimate compendium of electrified country blues which introduced an early backing band of Jesse Davis (guitar), Gary Gilmore (bass) and Chuck Blakwell (drums). A second album, THE NATCH'L BLUES, offered similarly excellent fare while extending his palette to include interpretations of two soul songs. This early period reached its apogee with GIANT STEPS/THE OLE FOLKS AT HOME, a double-album comprising a traditional-styled acoustic album and a vibrant rock selection. Mahal continued to broaden his remarkable canvas. THE REAL THING, recorded in-concert, featured support from a tuba section, while the singer's pursuit of ethnic styles resulted in the African-American persuasion of HAPPY TO BE JUST LIKE I AM and the West Indian influence of MO' ROOTS. He has maintained his chameleon-like quality over a succession of cultured releases, during which the singer has remained a popular live attraction at the head of a fluctuating backing group, known initially as the Intergalactic Soul Messengers, then as the International Rhythm Band.