Date of Birth: May 17, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Biography
Taj Mahal, born Henry Saint Clair Fredericks Jr., is an American blues musician known for his eclectic musical style that blends elements of blues, reggae, world music, and more. Born on May 17, 1942, in Harlem, New York, he was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mahal grew up in a musical family; his mother was a gospel singer, and his father was a West Indian jazz arranger and pianist. He was drawn to music at an early age and taught himself to play the guitar. Mahal attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in agriculture and animal husbandry. During his college years, he played in local bands and decided to pursue music full-time after graduation. In the 1960s, he moved to Los Angeles and formed the Rising Sons with Ry Cooder. Although the band did not achieve commercial success, Mahal’s solo career took off when he signed with Columbia Records. Over the decades, Taj Mahal has released a multitude of albums, earning critical acclaim and several Grammy Awards. His works have been influential in the revival of traditional American blues and have introduced many to world music. Mahal continues to perform and record, captivating audiences worldwide with his distinctive sound.
5 Interesting Facts about Taj Mahal
1. Taj Mahal’s stage name was inspired by his dreams of Gandhi and social tolerance.
2. He has won three Grammy Awards during his illustrious career.
3. Mahal has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Etta James.
4. He played a significant role in the 1960s and 1970s blues revival movement in the United States.
5. Taj Mahal is also an actor and has appeared in several films, including “Sounder” and “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Taj Mahal
1. “Music is a process of healing.”
2. “When you go to places where people really have no other hope but to make music, you hear music in its purest form.”
3. “You have to give yourself to the music, and it will give itself to you.”
4. “Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore.”
5. “Music is the last true voice of the human spirit.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Taj Mahal is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Taj Mahal has six children, including his daughter Deva Mahal, who is also a singer and has followed in her father’s musical footsteps.
Relevant Links
1. [Taj Mahal’s Official Website](https://www.tajblues.com/
2. [Taj Mahal on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/taj-mahal-mn0000155121
3. [Taj Mahal’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/taj-mahal
4. [Taj Mahal on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0538648/
5. [Taj Mahal’s Discography on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/252652-Taj-Mahal