Jesse Lee Kincaid began playing guitar at age 12 when his uncle, legendary 12 string guitarist and Folkways recording artist Fred Gerlach gave him his first guitar. Jesse studied with Ry Cooder, and Rev. Gary Davis. At age 20 Jesse met fellow singer/guitarist Taj Mahal in Cambridge, with whom he performed as a duo. In 1965, with Ry Cooder, they formed the band Rising Sons (2) and were signed to Columbia Records. Their album was finally released in 1992.Following a couple of solo singles, for Capitol Records, he has continued as a solo performer, and songwriter, releasing a series of solo releases on indie labels.