The Rising Sons were a short-lived but influential mid-1960s band from Los Angeles, featuring future legends Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder alongside Jesse Lee Kincaid, Gary Marker, and Kevin Kelley.
Blending blues, folk, and rock, they were ahead of their time, foreshadowing the roots rock movement that would emerge later. Despite being signed to Columbia Records and recording an album, label hesitation and poor management kept their music from being released, leading to their breakup.
Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder went on to have highly successful solo careers, but the band's recordings, finally released in 1992, reveal a raw, energetic sound that could have made them a major force in the 1960s rock scene.
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The Rising Sons had five members:
Taj Mahal – Vocals, harmonica, guitar
Ry Cooder – Lead guitar, mandolin, vocals
Jesse Lee Kincaid – Rhythm guitar, vocals
Gary Marker – Bass
Kevin Kelley – Drums
After the band broke up, some members went on to have successful careers:
Taj Mahal became a legendary blues musician.
Ry Cooder became a renowned guitarist and producer, known for his work in roots music and film scores.
Kevin Kelley later played drums for The Byrds.
Despite their short time together, they left behind some great recordings that showed their talent and potential. Do you have a favorite track from them?