Laalgudi Jayaraaman

LaalguDi Jayaraaman – Born on 17.9.1930, of Gopala Iyer and Savithri Ammal at Lalgudi, he has the unique distinction of being in the direct lineage of Rama Iyer, a direct disciple of Thyagarajar. He received his initial training from his father and his paternal uncle Kandaswami Bhagavathar. He got a diploma in vocal and graduated in violin under his father. His debut performance was at the Perambur Sangeetha Sabha, Chennai in 1947 and the next year he performed at the Music Academy, Chennai. Till 1986, he accompanied several prominent artistes such as G.N.Balasubramaniam, Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhagavathar. He had evolved his own unique style and started giving solo performances, initially with his sister Brahmanandam, later with his son G.J.R.Krishnan and daughter J.Vijayalakshmi. he has presented various Jugalbandis with Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pandit Chaurasia, Amjad Ali Khan. A talented composer, his varnams, tillanas and pada varnams became instantly popular among musicians and dancers. He has received various titles & honours, a few of which are – “Nadha Vidya Thilaka” in 1963 from Lalgudi Music Lovers’ Association; “Nadha Vidya Ratnakara” in 1971 from East West Exchange Inc. New York; “Vadhya Sangeeta Kala Ratna” in 1971 from Bharati Society, New York; “Sangeetha Choodamani” in 1971 from Federation of Music Sabhas, Chennai; “Padma Sri” in 1972 from the President of India; “Sangeeth Natak Akademy Award” in 1978; “State Vidwan, Tamilnadu” in 1979 from Govt. of Tamilnadu; “Kalaimamani” in 1979 from Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram; “Asthana Vidwan” in 1979 from Tirumalai Tirupathi Devasthanams; “Nadha Vendhan” in 1979 from Sangeethalaya, Kuala Lumpur; “Bharatha Sangeetha Ratna” in 1980 from Sri Parthasarathi Gana Sabha, Bangalore; “NAtional-level award” in 1982 from Chowdiah Memorial; “Saptagiri Sangita Vidwan Mani” in 1988 from Tyagaraja Trust, Tirupati; :Sangita Kalasagara” in 1991 from Visakha Music Academy.