tavis: the box set from taj mahal is called "taj mahal: the complete columbia albums collection." 15on, and i hope you will be, too. i am just as pleased to have a chance to speak with you and have a conversation. >> my pleasure. i have been looking forward to it. i have been paying attention to you. you have your own mind, and a lot of people do not have their own mind. tavis: i get in trouble for it. i am just trying to represent. that is our show for tonight. thanks for watching. until next time, keep the faith. >> for more information on today's show, visit tavis smiley at pbs.org. tavis: hi, i'm tavis smiley. join me next time for a conversation with gavin newsom about how the digital revolution can transform democracy. that is next time. we will see you then. king had that said there is always the right time to do the right thing. i try to live my life every day by doing the right thing. we know that we are only halfway to completely eliminating hunger and we have work to do. walmart committed $2 billion to fighting hunger in the u.s. as we work together, we can stamp hunger ou

tonight a conversation with iconic musician taj mahal. after making music for 50 years now, part bluesman, apart america on line routes authority. it includes 15 cds, 170 tracks as well as previously unreleased material. we are glad you joined us. >> there is a saying that dr. king had that said there is always the right time to do the right thing. i try to live my life every day by doing the right thing. we know that we are only halfway to completely eliminating hunger and we have work to do. walmart committed $2 billion to fighting hunger in the u.s. as we work together, we can stamp hunger out. >> and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. tavis: taj mahal's eclectic career braces blues, jazz, americana. nine grammy nominations. he has been on a musical odyssey. that journey can be heard now in a new boxed set includes 15 cds, 170 tracks. here is a small taste of this remarkable compilation. >> ♪ if i ever get out of this prison, i am going to do just like i please ♪ ♪ i am going to take off running to t

stevie wonder, taj mahal. on the show. when has std been on last? tavis: maybe one year or so ago.a matter of fact, people stop me at airports and in hotels and on the street, and they thanked me for talking to so many music artists. i was just having this conversation today. i was saying to her that the reason why i love music artists is you get the most authentic conversations. i love politicians, but they are always trying to stay on message. i love military generals, but they are not going to give you nothing. i can talk about the genres of the people i talk to all of the time. with music, that is the best shot you have at having an authentic conversation. but typically comes out in one way, shape, or form. over the years, i have loved talking to artists. charlie, you have the briefcase, and i am afraid to ask you what is inside it. i think it is not something lethal. >> it is not my briefcase. >> is there a harmonica in there by any chance? is there something you can play in their? >> oh, yes. this company is one of the oldest in the world, older than a corner. i gave one of t

join me next time for a conversation with a legendary blues artist, taj mahal, with the complete collection of his work. that is next time, and we will see you then. >> there is a saying that dr. king had that said there is always the right time to do the right thing. i just try to live my life every day by doing the right thing. we know that we are only halfway to completely eliminate hunger, and we have a lot of work to do. walmart committed $2 billion to fighting hunger in the u.s. as we work together, we can stamp hunger out. >> and by contributions to your pbs station from viewers like you. thank you. >> be more. be