K. J. Yesudas

Dr. Kattassery Joseph Yesudas (born January 10, 1940), is a noted South Indian musician and a leading playback singer in most of the Indai languages. His film songs, mostly in Malayalam, continue to attract millions throughout the world.

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January 10 - 1940 - South India

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Yesudas was born in Fort Kochi, Kerala to Augustine and Elizabeth Joseph. His father Augustine Joseph, who was his first guru (teacher), was a well known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor of his time.

Related Topics:
Fort Kochi - Kerala - Augustine Joseph - Guru - Malayalam - Actor

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Yesudas is a Malayali singer, and exponent of carnatic music.

Related Topics:
Malayali - Singer - Carnatic music

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He joined the Music Academy in Thirupunithura and won a gold medal for music at a local competition in Fort Kochi at age 7.

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In his career he has sung more than 30,000 songs for thousands of Indian movies in many languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Gujarati, Telugu and Bengali. He was also invited by the Soviet Government to perform music concerts in various cities of the U.S.S.R in 1965.

Related Topics:
India - Tamil - Hindi - Kannada - Gujarati - Telugu - Bengali - U.S.S.R

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His first movie playback song was for the movie Kalpadukal, in 1961. His first Hindi song was for the movie Anand Mahal, with music given by Salil Chowdhury. His most popular Hindi songs are from the movie Chitchor, with music given by Ravindra Jain.

Related Topics:
Kalpadukal - 1961 - Anand Mahal - Salil Chowdhury - Chitchor - Ravindra Jain

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The President of India conferred on him the title of Padmashree in 1973.

Related Topics:
President of India - Padmashree - 1973

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Dr. Yesudas and his wife Prabha have three sons, Vinod, Vijay and Vishal. The family is currently settled in Madras, India.

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