Thiruvananthapuram: Today marks the 81st birthday of legendary singer and popular cultural icon of the Malayalam language Kattassery Joseph Yesudas, also called Gana Gandharvan (The Celestial Singer). He is also fondly called Dasettan by music lovers, fans, and those in the music industry.
As a little boy who used to stop by a tea shop on his way to school to listen to Lata Mangeshkar’s song being played, he grew up to be an artist who was turned down by Akashavani - All India Radio - citing that the timbre of his voice is not good enough and later climbed the ladder of success so much so, that now he is known to as the Celestial singer KJ Yesudas.
A musical genius from Kerala loved by people all over the world, Yesudas was born on the 10th of January, 1940 in Kerala's Fort Kochi.
Such was his charm that renowned and revered musician Devarajan Master who has created magic in ragas once said, “It is to be said that music knows Yesudas, not that he knows music.”
The captivating voice of Yesudas started to mesmerise music lovers all over the world right from his first ‘Jathi Bhedham Matha Dhwesham Ethumillathe Sarvarum ’ sang in 1961 in the Malayalam movie Kalpadukal. Seven decades later, even now the evergreen singer continues to enthral the audience every time he sings.
For a Keralite, not one day passes by without listening to Yesudas’s music one way or the other. There are many who take pride and consider themselves lucky in having been born in the same period as that of Yesudas, just so that they could listen to his music.
Yesudas holds a record for singing 11 songs in different languages on the same day. As per data, KJ Yesudas has sung more than half a lakh songs in cinemas and albums, which is very rare among Indian singers.
Also read: SPB and K. J. Yesudas: Tale of two legends and their shared mutual admiration
His voice transcended the boundaries of language as he sang in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and many other Indian languages. Yesudas has also sung in Arabic, English, Russian, and Latin languages.
Born as the eldest son among the five children of Augustine Joseph, a popular theatre artist and singer, and Elizabeth, Yesudas was lured into the world of swaras right from his childhood. His first teacher was none other than his father.
Later, on Yesudas, went on to train under Carnatic Music Maestro Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar and win the hearts of music lovers.
Yesudas has always been particular about presenting each song he sings with complete involvement in the meaning of the lyrics and the expression. This style of his was unique and captivating. Beyond the quality of voice, Dasettan could take the lines in a song to another level with his rendition style.
Despite touching the height of success and fame, Yesudas says he has not done enough to touch a little wave in the vast ocean of music.
Tarangini Studio, which was established by Yesudas, remains an asset for music lovers everywhere. The cassettes of songs recorded here are still intact and working. The logo of his studio was also designed and drawn by Yesudas himself.
Besides being a world-renowned singer and an artist, he is also a good actor, perhaps taking from his father, and has done cameo roles and other appearances in many movies.
Among the nation’s highest honours including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, K J Yesudas has also won UNESCO’s special honour for his contributions to music. He has won the national award for the Best Singer 8 times and the state award for the best singer 24 times. His name and fame have reached every nook and corner of the world.
The word Gana Gandharvan first used by Mahakavi G Shankarakuruppu while referring to Yesudas has become synonymous with his name. With a soulful rendition, melting and blending the Raga, expression, rhythm, and tune, Yesudas remains a real star singer.
Also read: Singer Yesudas's brother found dead in Kerala
Even after decades, his songs remain immortal and evergreen. He has sung more than enough for the generations to come to learn and listen to. Singing even to wake the gods and put them to sleep, Dasettan stands tall rendering amazing music for decades together.
This birthday we wish all the luck to him. Let the celestial music remain forever.
