Taj Mahal, one of the most prominent figures in late 20th century blues, is a singer and multi-intrumnetalist and has played a pivotal role in revitalising and preserving acoustic blues. In 1964 he formed The Risin Sons with Ry Cooder and was signed to Columbia as a solo artist after the bands demise. LIKE NEVER BEFORE was originally released in 1991 and was a return to his roots with an eclectic set of trad covers and originals. DANCING THE BLUES from 1993 included covers of Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf songs as well as a duet on Mockingbird with ETTA JAMES.