TAJ MAHAL, alive and kicking

Known for bringing traditional American blues to a global audience, Taj Mahal blends blues with Caribbean, West African, Hawaiian, and folk influences. After helping revive acoustic blues in the late 1960s with albums like Taj Mahal and The Natch'l Blues, he became renowned for his warm vocals, multi-instrumental talents, and lifelong dedication to the genre.

Now 84, Mahal remains creatively active. His new album, Time, marks his first collaboration with The Phantom Blues Band since 2008's GRAMMY-nominated Maestro. The record includes the previously unreleased Bill Withers' song “Time” and contributions inspired by artists such as Otis Redding and Ziggy Marley.

Raised in a highly musical family—with a jazz pianist father and gospel singer mother—Mahal credits his upbringing for shaping his sound. Although he once dreamed of becoming a farmer, music became his calling. Influenced by blues legends like Son House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf, he developed a unique style that has influenced blues, folk, and world music worldwide.

Mahal views songwriting as a spiritual process and believes musicians should stay open to inspiration from many cultures and traditions. For him, the true magic of music happens in front of a live audience, where performers and listeners create something greater together.

With five GRAMMY Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, Blues Hall of Fame honors, and decades of acclaimed recordings, Taj Mahal remains one of the most respected figures in roots music. His innovative, genre-crossing approach continues to inspire artists around the world.