Rising Sons

American blues rock and folk music band from Los Angeles and popular in the local LA music circuit.

Rising Sons was formed as a 5 piece band in 1964 and signed to Columbia label. The group disbanded in 1966.

Members: Ry Cooder (Guitars, Vocals), Gary Marker (Bass Guitar), Taj Mahal (Vocals, Harmonica, Keyboards, Guitar), Kevin Kelley (Drums), Jesse Lee Kincaid (Guitar, Vocals).
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Terry Melcher produced several recording sessions in '65 and '66 for these Ash Grove regulars from which Columbia took the single 'Candy Man' with backing track 'Devil's Got My Woman' for a 45 release with picture sleeve in 1966. When the band broke up in 1966, the project was shelved by Columbia.

Thus, nothing else was forthcoming from these recordings until the vaults were opened in 1992. Taj Mahal recorded new vocals for 3 tracks and the total set of 22 songs (including the the previously released single) was issued as a vinyl double album and a CD release by Columbia/Legacy. Sundazed also later issued a completely separate release on vinyl in 2001 with 12 tracks from these recordings.

After the break-up Taj Mahal had a successful solo career as a blues artist. Ry Cooder performed with & produced early Beefheart material (as did Marker) before also venturing out on a successful solo career, occasionally reconnecting with Mahal over the years for other recordings. Cassidy was a founder of Spirit and Kelly joined his cousin Chris Hillman's band The Byrds.