One of the most popular and famous classical
musicians of India, Dr K.J Yesudas was born on 10th January, 1940 in
Kochi, Kerala. His full name is Kattassery Joseph Yesudas and he is
fondly called Jesudas by his friends and well-wishers. This famous
singer has recorded numerous songs in many Indian as well as foreign
languages. He started to receive training in Carnatic music at a very
young age. His first Guru was his father Augustine Joseph, who was a
well-known theater artist and classical singer then. He won a gold medal
at the age of seven at a local music competition in Kochi. Read this
short biography of KJ Jesudas to know his life history.
One of the most senior and respected performers of Kerala, Chembai
Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar trained him in classical music. Unfortunately,
the training was cut short due to the untimely demise of his teacher.
Though Yesudas is an expert in Carnatic music, he also learnt Classical
music as he did not want to limit himself to just Carnatic music. He has
sung popular film songs, classical songs, Carnatic songs and devotional
songs. He has recorded in many languages that include Hindi, Tamil,
Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi,
Sanskrit, Tulu, Russian, Arabic, Latin and English.
Yesudas has sung in both Tamil and Hindi film industry, but is famous
for his Malayalam songs. His concerts are always a hit and he has sung
Arabic songs in a Carnatic style in Middle East! His contribution in
promoting Indian music is immense and can be easily called as the "Cultural
Ambassador of India". His songs stand out not just for the melody
but also for the versatility and style. He has been honored with many
awards and titles and he continues to spin magic with his melodious
voice.
Awards:
Padma Bhushan - 2002
Padma Sri - 1973
Doctorate by Annamalai University - 1989
D.Litt by Kerala University, Kerala - 2003
Asthana Gayakan (Official Singer) by Government of Kerala
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award - 1992
Sangeetha Sagaram (Ocean of Music) - 1989
Sangeetha Chakravarthy (Music Emperor) - 1988
Sangeetha Raja (Music King) Chembai - 1974
Sangeetha Ratna (Music Jewel)
Swathi Ratnam (Swathi Jewel)
Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani - 2002
Bhakti Sangita Geetha Sironmani - 2002
Gaana Gandharva
Kalaimamani Award by Government of Tamil Nadu
Star of India Award by Lt. Governor of Pondicherry
National Citizens Award - 1994
Senate member in the International Parliament for Safety and Peace
Honorary award for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace"
by UNESCO - 1999
National Film Awards Seven times for the best Playback singer by
Government of India
State Film awards Twenty three times for the best Playback singer by
Government of Kerala
State Film awards Eight times for the best Playback singer by Government
of Tamil Nadu
State Film awards Five Times for the best Playback singer by Government
of Karnataka
State Film awards Three times for the best Playback singer by Government
of Andhra Pradesh.
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