Published on January 6th, 2025 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Taj Mahal to be Honored with Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award

Legendary roots musician Taj Mahal to receive the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony. Explore his iconic career, latest album, and enduring influence on American roots music.

Taj Mahal to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor at GRAMMY® Week

The Recording Academy® has announced that the iconic roots musician Taj Mahal will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during its Special Merit Awards Ceremony. The event will take place on February 1, 2025, at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles as part of GRAMMY® Week festivities. This prestigious award recognizes Taj Mahal’s monumental contributions to music alongside fellow honorees such as Frankie Beverly, The Clash, and Roxanne Shante.

New Album ‘Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa’ Garners GRAMMY® Nomination

Taj Mahal’s latest album, “Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa,” earned a Best Traditional Blues Album nomination at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Recorded live at Tulsa’s historic Church Studio, the album highlights Mahal’s signature genre-blending style. Featuring classics like “Corrina” and “Queen Bee,” the album showcases the mastery of Taj and his Sextet, augmented by guest artists Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley.

The recording space, steeped in history, was once home to Leon Russell’s Shelter Records and has been restored as a state-of-the-art studio, paying homage to Tulsa’s rich musical heritage.

A Legacy of Roots Music Excellence

At 82, Taj Mahal stands as a cornerstone of American roots music. With a career spanning six decades and nearly 50 albums, he has earned four GRAMMY® Awards and influenced generations of artists, from the Rolling Stones to Angelique Kidjo. Known for blending genres such as blues, soul, jazz, and Caribbean music, Taj remains a prolific collaborator, working with legends like Etta James and Ziggy Marley.

“Music is in my DNA,” Taj reflects. “It’s about dedication, evolution, and celebrating the rich cultural legacy passed down by our ancestors.”

Reflecting on Tulsa’s Historic and Cultural Impact

The album’s location, Tulsa, Oklahoma, carries deep cultural and historical significance. Known for its contributions to jazz and blues, Tulsa was also the site of the Greenwood neighborhood, tragically destroyed during the 1921 Race Massacre. Taj Mahal highlights the region’s struggles and resilience, emphasizing its role in shaping the American music landscape.

“A tremendous amount of music and art has come out of Oklahoma,” Taj says. “It’s a testament to the perseverance and creativity of the people there.”

US Tour Dates Announced

Taj Mahal fans can catch him live at the following events:

Feb. 6, 2025: Jesse Ed Davis Tribute, Tulsa, OK
Feb. 8, 2025: The Masonic, San Francisco, CA (Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Benefit)
Mar. 15-16, 2025: Phoenix, AZ – Four Shows
Mar. 27-30, 2025: Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN
Mar. 30, 2025: Savannah Music Festival, Savannah, GA

For tickets and a full list of tour dates, visit the Taj Mahal’s official website: https://www.tajblues.com/tour.

Track List for Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa

1. Betty and Dupree
2. Mailbox Blues
3. Queen Bee
4. Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes
5. Waiting For My Papa To Come Home
6. Slow Drag
7. Sitting On Top of the World
8. Twilight in Hawaii
9. Corrina
10. Mean Old World

Taj Mahal’s enduring impact on music continues to resonate across generations, cementing his place as a trailblazer in American roots music.

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Tags: lifetime achievement award, Recording Academy, taj mahal

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.