KJ Yesudas, born on January 10, 1940, in Kerala, is a singer whose voice combined rare sweetness with deep emotion. Over a career spanning six decades, he performed more than 50,000 songs in multiple languages, earning the title of Ganagandharvan, or “celestial singer,” from his fans.
Few artists have matched his versatility. He has sung in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, and even in English, Arabic, Latin, and Russian. He won eight National Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, a record that remains unmatched.
Yesudas was born in Kochi to a family steeped in music and theatre. His father, a respected Malayalam classical musician and actor, was his first mentor, providing a strong foundation for his musical journey. He later received formal training at RLV Music Academy, completing the Ganabooshanam course, and advanced to the Swathi Thirunal College of Music, where he trained under renowned Carnatic musicians including KR Kumaraswamy Iyer and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
His first notable recording, Jaathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham in 1961, hinted at his talent, but widespread recognition came with a breakthrough Malayalam film. This launched a career in which devotional music and cinematic expression flowed effortlessly together. He transitioned to Hindi cinema with his first song in Jai Jawan Jai Kisan (1971), but it was Chhoti Si Baat that won audiences over. Songs such as Jaaneman Jaaneman showcased his warmth and emotional clarity, cementing his place among Indian cinema’s finest voices.
Yesudas’ versatility extended across genres and decades. From films like Chitchor and Trishul to Hindustani music, his singing conveyed sincerity and supported the story on screen without overpowering it. Among his remarkable achievements, he once recorded 11 songs in 11 different languages in a single day, demonstrating extraordinary vocal stamina, linguistic precision, and control over melody.
By 2021, he had completed 60 years in the music industry. His extensive body of work places him alongside legends like Lata Mangeshkar. Honours such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan recognized his contributions. Despite the numerous accolades, it is his enduring musical legacy that continues to resonate.
As KJ Yesudas turns 86, fans and colleagues have shared heartfelt birthday messages celebrating his lifelong contributions to music.
