The Blues Foundation has announced that legendary composer and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal, a two-time GRAMMY winner, will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2009. The induction ceremony will be held at The Blues Foundation’s Charter Member Dinner on Wednesday, May 6, at the Memphis Marriott Downtown in Memphis, Tennessee, the night before the 30th Blues Music Awards.
Mr. Mahal will attend the induction ceremony. Guests on this anniversary gala include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by his music and guidance.
One of the most influential artists of the past half-century, Mahal recently scored a GRAMMY nomination in the category of best Contemporary Blues Album for Maestro, his Heads Up International/Kan-Du Records debut album released worldwide in September 2008. Heads Up is a division of the Concord Music Group. Maestro, Mahal’s first U.S. release in five years, marks the fortieth anniversary of his rich and varied recording career by mixing original material with chestnuts from vintage sources and newcomers alike. The music press and mainstream media alike have praised Maestro as a pivotal new chapter in a highly influential career.
The Hall of Fame committee, consisting of scholars, record producers, radio programmers and historians, is chaired by Jim O’Neal, founding editor of Living Blues.
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Author: World Music Central News Room
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