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Taj Mahal on Resurrecting a Lost Bill Withers Song as Title Track of New Album, ‘Time,’ More Than 60 Releases Into His Career: ‘I’m in It for the Duration’ (EXCLUSIVE)
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Taj Mahal on Resurrecting a Lost Bill Withers Song as Title Track of New Album, ‘Time,’ More Than 60 Releases Into His Career: ‘I’m in It for the Duration’ (EXCLUSIVE)

#Taj Mahal #Bill Withers #Time album #new album #music career #unreleased song #title track #exclusive

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Taj Mahal is releasing a new album titled 'Time' featuring a previously unreleased Bill Withers song as the title track
  • The album marks more than 60 releases in Taj Mahal's extensive music career
  • Taj Mahal expresses long-term commitment to his craft with the statement 'I'm in it for the duration'
  • The Bill Withers song being used was previously lost or unreleased before this album

📖 Full Retelling

The title of Taj Mahal’s just-announced album, due out May 1, is “Time,” a simple concept that the blues-folk-soul-reggae artist is better equipped to address than most musicians, in part because of just how much of it he’s got under his belt. “It’s an ongoing freight train, my career,” the 84-year-old singer-guitarist tells Variety. “The […]

🏷️ Themes

Music Release, Career Longevity

📚 Related People & Topics

Title track

Topics referred to by the same term

A title track is a song that has the same name as the album or film in which it appears. In the Korean music industry, the term is used to describe a promoted song on an album, akin to a single, regardless of the song's title.

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Bill Withers

Bill Withers

American musician (1938–2020)

William Harrison Withers Jr. (July 4, 1938 – March 30, 2020) was an American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. Born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, and raised in Beckley, West Virginia, he is known for having several hits over a career spanning 18 years, including "Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), "Grandma...

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Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

Marble mausoleum in Agra, India

The Taj Mahal ( TAHJ mə-HAHL, TAHZH -⁠; Hindustani: [t̪ɑːd͡ʒ ˈmɛɦ(ɛ)l]; lit. 'Crown of the Palace') is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658), to house the...

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Mentioned Entities

Title track

Topics referred to by the same term

Bill Withers

Bill Withers

American musician (1938–2020)

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

Marble mausoleum in Agra, India

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights the preservation of musical heritage through the rediscovery of a lost Bill Withers song, showcasing how veteran artists continue to innovate and honor their influences. It affects music historians, fans of blues and folk traditions, and younger generations who may discover these artists through contemporary releases. Taj Mahal's career longevity also serves as inspiration for aging artists maintaining relevance in the industry.

Context & Background

  • Taj Mahal is an 81-year-old American blues musician who has been active since the 1960s, known for blending blues with world music influences
  • Bill Withers was a soul and folk singer-songwriter (1938-2020) famous for hits like 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lean on Me'
  • The song 'Time' was reportedly written by Withers but never commercially released, making this a significant archival discovery
  • Taj Mahal has released over 60 albums across six decades, winning three Grammy Awards and influencing multiple generations of musicians

What Happens Next

The album 'Time' will likely be released in coming months with promotional appearances and interviews. Music critics will analyze the recovered Withers composition and Taj Mahal's interpretation. The discovery may spur renewed interest in Withers' unreleased catalog and inspire similar archival projects by other artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Taj Mahal and why is his new album significant?

Taj Mahal is an influential blues musician with a 60-year career. His new album is significant because it features a previously lost Bill Withers song, bridging two important American musical traditions.

What happened to the Bill Withers song 'Time' before this?

The song was written by Bill Withers but never commercially released or recorded for an album. It remained in obscurity until Taj Mahal discovered and recorded it decades later.

How has Taj Mahal maintained relevance after 60+ releases?

He has continuously evolved his sound while staying rooted in blues traditions, collaborated with younger artists, and explored global musical influences that keep his work fresh and engaging.

What does this mean for Bill Withers' musical legacy?

This discovery adds to Withers' catalog and demonstrates his continued influence. It may lead to renewed interest in his unpublished works and broader appreciation of his songwriting depth.

Why would a veteran artist release another album after 60+ projects?

For artists like Taj Mahal, music is a lifelong pursuit rather than a commercial endeavor. New releases allow artistic expression, connection with audiences, and contribution to musical preservation.

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Original Source
Mar 20, 2026 11:15am PT Taj Mahal on Resurrecting a Lost Bill Withers Song as Title Track of New Album, ‘Time,’ More Than 60 Releases Into His Career: ‘I’m in It for the Duration’ By Chris Willman Plus Icon Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic ChrisWillman Latest Country Music Hall of Fame Announces Tim McGraw, the Stanley Brothers and Paul Overstreet as Class of 2026 Inductees 2 hours ago ACM Awards Set Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson and Riley Green as Performers 22 hours ago Taylor Swift Set to Appear on iHeartRadio Music Awards Show 1 day ago See All The title of Taj Mahal ‘s just-announced album, due out May 1, is “Time,” a simple concept that the blues-folk-soul-reggae artist is better equipped to address than most musicians, in part because of just how much of it he’s got under his belt. “It’s an ongoing freight train, my career,” the 84-year-old singer-guitarist tells Variety. “The type of musician I am, it harks back to the 10th, 11th, 12th century, where you are part of a musical clan and you come onto the planet and do your job with these gifts you’ve been given. I’ve been playing music probably about 76, 77 years, at this particular point.” He notes that the Phantom Blues Band, which backs him on the new album, “has been really amazing. We’ve now ended our 30th year playing together.” And his legacy extends to “north of 60 albums,” by his count. Related Stories Langston Kerman Joins Jake Johnson and Keith David in NBC Comedy Pilot
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Source

variety.com

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