KJ Yesudas

K.J. Yesudas, born Kattassery Joseph Yesudas on January 10, 1940, in Fort Kochi, Kerala, is a legendary Indian playback singer and classical musician, celebrated for his contributions to Indian music across multiple languages. He began his musical journey at a young age, trained by his father, Augustine Joseph, a noted classical musician, and later under renowned maestros like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. Yesudas made his playback singing debut in 1961 and has since recorded over 50,000 songs in various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu. His versatility spans genres from classical to devotional and popular music, earning him the title "Gana Gandharvan" (The Celestial Singer). He has received numerous accolades, including seven National Film Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.

Throughout his illustrious career, Yesudas has been a cultural ambassador for India, performing worldwide and promoting Indian music. He is known for his emotive singing style and has collaborated with many legendary composers, creating timeless classics that resonate with audiences. In addition to his musical achievements, Yesudas has also ventured into music production, establishing Tharangni Studio and Tharangni Records. He remains an influential figure in the music industry, inspiring generations of artists and music lovers with his divine voice and dedication to the art of singing.