Kattassery Joseph Yesudas, popularly known as K. J. Yesudas, is one of the most celebrated and revered playback singers in Indian music history. Born on January 10, 1940, in Fort Kochi, Kerala, Yesudas has left an indelible mark in the world of music with a career spanning over six decades. Fondly known as Gana Gandharvan (The Celestial Singer), his voice has transcended linguistic, cultural, and musical boundaries.
Yesudas’s musical journey began early, under the influence of his father, Augustine Joseph, who was a well-known stage singer and actor. He received formal training in Carnatic music from renowned gurus like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar and later studied at the Swathi Thirunal College of Music in Thiruvananthapuram.
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He made his playback singing debut in 1961 with the Malayalam film Kaalpadukal. His rich, emotive voice and effortless rendering soon caught the attention of music directors, and he quickly rose to prominence. Over the years, Yesudas sang over 50,000 songs in multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Marathi, and even Sanskrit and Russian.
In Tamil cinema, Yesudas is an iconic figure. He collaborated with top composers like Ilaiyaraaja, M. S. Viswanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, and A. R. Rahman, delivering numerous evergreen hits such as "Kanne Kalaimane", "Vizhiyile Mani Vizhiyil", "Poo Malarnthida", and "Poongathave Thaal Thirava". His voice became synonymous with emotion, divinity, and romance.
Yesudas’s contribution to devotional and classical music is equally noteworthy. His renditions of Ayyappa bhajans, Carnatic kritis, and Bhagavad Gita slokas continue to inspire spiritual seekers and music lovers alike.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including:
8 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer – a record.
43 State Film Awards from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2017) – India’s top civilian honors.
Despite being a Christian by birth, Yesudas has sung countless devotional songs across Hindu, Christian, and other religious traditions. His voice is a unifier in a diverse nation, promoting harmony through music.
Yesudas is also known for his humility and deep spiritual nature. Even at an advanced age, he continues to perform live concerts and recordings with the same passion and dedication.
In essence, K. J. Yesudas is not just a singer but a timeless musical legend, whose voice has become the soul of Indian cinema and devotional traditions. His legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and music lovers across the world..
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