Who Is Taj Mahal (musician)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Taj Mahal was born on May 17, 1942, making him 82 years old in 2025. He is an influential figure in the blues genre, known for his unique fusion of various styles including blues, folk, and world music. Taj Mahal, whose real name is Henry Saint Clair Fredericks Jr., has left an indelible mark on the music scene with his eclectic approach and numerous recordings spanning several decades. His Wikipedia page offers extensive insights into his life and career, showcasing his journey from a young musician to a celebrated artist.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1942 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Taj Mahal (musician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At 82 years of age, Taj Mahal exhibits a sturdy build that is characteristic of many seasoned musicians. However, specific details about his height and weight are not publicly available. His presence on stage is accentuated by his charismatic personality and distinctive style, making him a memorable figure during performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Taj Mahal has been quite private about his personal life. Although he has been married multiple times, details about his current relationship status in 2025 remain discreet. He is known to have children, but specifics about his family and current girlfriend or wife are not widely publicized. His commitment to family values is evident, as he often mentions his love for music as a way to connect with his roots and family heritage.
Claire Fredericks Jr. on May 17, 1942, in New York City. Growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was raised in a musical environment: his mother was a member of a local gospel choir and his father, Henry Saint Claire Fredericks Sr., was an Afro-Caribbean jazz arranger and piano player.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Taj Mahal's estimated net worth stands at around $5 million. His wealth has been accrued through decades of music, live performances, and various artistic projects. While his salary fluctuates based on performances and album releases, his consistent presence in the music industry ensures a stable income, further enhanced by merchandise sales and licensing deals.
Career, Business and Investments
Taj Mahal's career is marked by a relentless pursuit of musical innovation. He first gained prominence in the 1960s and has since released over 30 albums, receiving multiple Grammy Awards. His involvement in various musical styles underscores his versatility as a musician. Moreover, Taj has engaged in artistic business ventures, including music festivals and collaborations with other artists, expanding his influence beyond traditional music boundaries. His investments in music-related projects align with his vision of preserving and promoting the blues genre.
Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr. (born May 17, 1942), better known by his stage name Taj Mahal, is an American blues musician. He plays the guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica, and many other instruments, often incorporating elements of world music into his work.
Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music over the course of his more than 50-year career by fusing it with nontraditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Hawaii, and the South Pacific.
Social Network
Taj Mahal maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where he shares insights about his life and career. Although he might not be as active as some contemporary artists, his followers enjoy glimpses into his world through his posts. Fans can connect with him on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about upcoming music projects and performances, as well as reflections on his experiences.
Mahal moved to Santa Monica, California, in 1964 and formed Rising Sons with fellow blues rock musicians Ry Cooder and Jessie Lee Kincaid, landing a record deal with Columbia Records soon after. After the Rising Sons disbanded, Jesse Ed Davis, a Kiowa native from Oklahoma, joined Taj Mahal and played guitar and piano on Mahal's first four albums.
The group was one of the first interracial bands of the period, which may have hampered their commercial viability. However, Rising Sons bassist Gary Marker later recalled the band's members had come to a creative impasse and were unable to reconcile their musical and personal differences even with the guidance of veteran producer Terry Melcher.
They recorded enough songs for a full-length album, but released only a single and the band soon broke up. However, Jesse Ed Davis would continue playing with Taj in his live bands into the early 70s. Legacy Records did release The Rising Sons Featuring Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder in 1992 with material from that period.
During this time Mahal was also working with other musicians like Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Muddy Waters.
Education
Taj Mahal attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied music and other arts. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation that has greatly influenced his musical style. The education he received, combined with his life experiences, has contributed to the depth and richness of his work as a musician.
Henry chose his stage name, Taj Mahal, from dreams he had about Mahatma Gandhi, India, and social tolerance. Henry started using the stage name in 1959 or 1961 —around the same time he began attending the University of Massachusetts.
Despite having attended a vocational agriculture school, becoming a member of the National FFA Organization, and majoring in animal husbandry and minoring in veterinary science and agronomy, Mahal decided to pursue music instead of farming. In college, he led a rhythm and blues band called Taj Mahal & The Elektras.
Before heading for the US West Coast, he was also part of a duo with Jessie Lee Kincaid.
