In college he led a rhythm and blues band called Taj Mahal & The Elektras and, before heading for the U.S. West Coast, he was also part of a duo with Jessie Lee Kincaid.
Na universidade, dirixiu unha banda de rhythm and blues, chamada Taj Mahal & The Elektras e, antes de marchar á costa oeste de Estados Unidos, tamén formou parte dun dúo con Jessie Lee Kincaid.