Today 4 February, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Jayanti. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was an Indian classical vocalist who belonged to the Kirana gharana, one of the oldest and most respected traditions in Hindustani music.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Jayanti Today, 4 February
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is considered one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists of all time. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to evoke emotions through his singing. He was a master of the Kirana Gharana, one of the oldest and most respected traditions in Hindustani music. Panditji was also a disciple of the legendary singer Sawai Gandharva. His music was deeply rooted in the traditions of Hindustani classical music, but he also had a unique style that was all his own. Pt. Joshi passed away in 2011, but his music continues to inspire and delight listeners all over the world. Panditji is truly a legend of Hindustani classical music.
He was born on 4 February 1922 in Gadag, Dharwad district, Bombay Presidency of British India. His father, Gururaj Joshi, was a school teacher. Bhimsen was the eldest among 16 siblings. He lost his mother at a young age. Bhimsen Joshi began his musical training at a very young age under the tutelage of his uncle Sangeet Visharad Shivaram Rao Joshi. He gave his first public performance in 1941. In 1945, he moved to Gwalior to study under Pt. Wasudeo Bali and Pt. Rambharose Pareshwar.
Bhimsen Joshi was a versatile singer and could sing various genres of music with equal ease. He is especially known for his renditions of khayal, tappa, thumri, bhajan, and abhang. He was also proficient in playing the harmonium. Bhimsen Joshi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Bharat Ratna in 2009, India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away on 24 January 2011 at the age of 88.
On be half of Music Gurukul, we pay our humble tribute to Panditji on his Jayanti.