The Early Years

2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of album Taj Mahal on Columbia Records. But first, let's begin with some background information...

1961 - 1964

Taj Mahal began performing in 1961 with R&B dance band “The Elektras”
Personnel: Taj Mahal vocals, Ray Souza -Tenor, Alto and Baritone saxophone, Charles “Chucky” Reed – Tenor saxophone, Marcel Krudele – Guitar,
Jack Moran – Bass, Don Littlefield – Drums, Steve Bonds- organ,
Steve – Piano.

1965

Taj moves to California with friend and fellow musician Jessie Lee Kincaid

1966

Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, Jesse Lee Kincaid, Gary Marker and Kevin Kelly form band Rising Sons.
Rising Sons signs recording contract with Columbia Records and recorded what turned out to be their only album Rising Sons.
*This album was later released on cd in 1992 for the first time