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{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2013}}
|Name = Dr. K. J. Yesudas
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
|Img = <!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Do not replace Image:gandharva.JPG with any fair use images. Any fair use photos (i.e. promotional photos) are copyright violations and will be deleted.--> gandharva.jpg
{{Indian name|Yesudas|Birth_name = Kattassery Joseph Yesudas}}
{{Redirect2|KJY|kjy|the language of Papua New Guinea|Kewa language}}
|Born = [[January]] [[10]], [[1940]]
{{Infobox person
|Origin = [[Cochin|Kochi]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| name = K. J. Yesudas
|Genre = [[Indian Classical Music ]] and [[Playback_singer|Play Back Singing]]
| image = K.J Yesudas.JPG
| caption = Yesudas in June 2011
| birth_name = Kattassery Joseph Yesudas
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|01|10|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Fort Kochi]], [[Kingdom of Cochin]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br>(present-day [[Kerala]], India)
| alias = Ganagandharvan
| alma_mater=[[Swathi Thirunal College of Music]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
| occupation = {{hlist|[[Singer]]|[[composer]]|music producer}}
| years_active = 1961–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Prabha|1970}}
| children = 3, including [[Vijay Yesudas]]
| awards = [[List of titles, honours and major awards received by Yesudas|Full list]]
| honours = {{plainlist|
* [[Padma Shri]] (1975)
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (2002)
* [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2017)
}}
| website =
''Dr. Kattassery Joseph Yesudas'' (Hindi: के जे येशुदास, Tamil:ேக ேஜ ேஜசதாஸீன், Malayalam:കാട്ടശ്ശേരി ജോസഫ് യേശുദാസ്), born January 10, 1940, is one of the premier [[Indian classical music| Indian classical musician]] and a leading [[playback singer]] for film songs in many [[Languages of India|Indian languages]]. His film songs, mostly in [[Malayalam]],[[Tamil language| Tamil]] and [[Hindi]] continue to please millions throughout the world. He was born in [[Fort Kochi]], [[Kerala]] to [[Augustine Joseph]] and Elizabeth Joseph. His father, who was his first [[guru]] (teacher), was a well known Malayalam [[classical music]]ian and stage [[actor]] of his time. He joined the Music Academy in [[Thrippunithura]] and won a gold medal for music at a local competition in Fort Kochi at age seven. He later trained under the legendary [[Chembai|Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar]] in [[Carnatic music|Classical Music]], and this training, abruptly cut short by the guru's demise in 1974, still stood him in good stead. His soul-stirring voice lends itself admirably to devotional renditions inducing a tranquil state of mind revealing the universality of worship, timeless beauty of bliss and the oneness of prayer. As millions of Indians around the world who have witnessed his numerous recitals would swear to, his rendering of some of the classical favorites like [[Vathapi Ganapathim]], [[Krishna Nee Begane Baaro]] , 'Yentha Nedu Wo', 'Kshira Saagara' have left people misty-eyed, their hearts welling up with Bhakti, and for a few glorious moments, one with God.
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flat list|
* [[Indian classical music]]
* [[playback singer|Playback singing]]
* [[Filmi]]
}}
| instrument = Vocals
| label = {{flat list|
* [[Tharangini Records|Tharangni]]
* [[HMV]]}}
}}
| signature = K. J. Yesudas signature.svg
|honorific-suffix =
|
}}
'''Kattassery Joseph Yesudas''' ([[Help:IPA/Malayalam|/jeːʃud̪aːs/]]; born 10 January 1940) is an Indian [[playback singer]] and musician who sings Indian classical, devotional and film songs.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SLkABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA240 |title=Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |date=2014-07-10 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-94318-9 |pages=240 |language=en}}</ref> He is widely considered one of the greatest singers in the history of [[Music of India|Indian music]]<ref name="hindu_jan10">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/article78427.ece|title=Music legend Yesudas turns 70|date=10 January 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 January 2011|___location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303195202/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/article78427.ece|archive-date=3 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rediff_2001">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/may/07yesu.htm|title='I don't sing trendy music'|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=2009-09-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225021305/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/may/07yesu.htm|archive-date=25 February 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and a cultural icon of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-05-12|title=An icon's music and musings|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/right-in-the-middle/an-icons-music-and-musings-66416.html|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sivapriyan |first=ETB |date=25 September 2020 |title=S P Balasubrahmanyam and wife performed 'padha pooja' on Yesudas |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-and-wife-performed-padha-pooja-on-yesudas-892941.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929131225/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-and-wife-performed-padha-pooja-on-yesudas-892941.html |archive-date=29 September 2020 |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> In a career spanning six decades, Yesudas is estimated to have recorded more than 50,000 songs<ref name="radioandmusic.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/yesudas-receives-cnn-ibn-indian-year-award#|title=Yesudas receives CNN-IBN 'Indian of the Year' award|date=17 December 2011|access-date=2016-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313022001/http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/yesudas-receives-cnn-ibn-indian-year-award|archive-date=13 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> in various [[Languages of India|Indian languages]], including [[Malayalam]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Hindi]], [[Odia language|Odia]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=K.J Yesudas all odia songs|url=https://gaana.com/artist/k-j-yesudas/odia-songs}}</ref> [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] as well as in [[Arabic]], [[English language|English]], [[Latin]], and [[Russian language|Russian]]. <ref name="hindu_feb01">{{Cite news |last=Kurian |first=Sangeeth |date=3 September 2002 |title=Those magical moments... |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/those-magical-moments/article28380148.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131042021/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/those-magical-moments/article28380148.ece |archive-date=31 January 2021 |access-date=31 January 2021 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name="hindu_sep02">{{Cite news |last=Padmanabhan |first=Savitha |date=8 February 2001 |title=Life devoted to music |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/02/08/stories/09080706.htm |url-status=usurped |access-date=19 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029163613/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/02/08/stories/09080706.htm |archive-date=29 October 2009}}</ref> He is referred to by the epithet '''Gaanagandharvan''' ({{translation}} The Celestial Singer) in reverence for his sweet, ethereal voice.<ref name="tbi">{{Cite web |last=Wangchuk |first=Rinchen Norbu |date=2020-01-10 |title=Here is Why KJ Yesudas is Known as 'Celestial Singer' |url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/208934/kj-yesudas-greatest-singer-malayalam-tamil-hindi-telugu-illaiyaraja-ar-rahman-india-nor41/ |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=[[The Better India]] |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804234741/https://www.thebetterindia.com/208934/kj-yesudas-greatest-singer-malayalam-tamil-hindi-telugu-illaiyaraja-ar-rahman-india-nor41/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=Legendary singer K.J. Yesudas turns 84 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/legendary-singer-kj-yesudas-turns-84/article67726865.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110123006/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/legendary-singer-kj-yesudas-turns-84/article67726865.ece |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=live }}</ref> Yesudas holds the world record for singing and recording 16 new songs in different languages in a single day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=നായർ |first=അനീഷ് |date=2020-01-10 |title=അര നൂറ്റാണ്ടിനിടെ ഗാനഗന്ധർവൻ എത്ര പാട്ടുകൾ പാടിയിട്ടുണ്ടാവും? |newspaper=Malayala Manorama |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/indepth/k-j-yesudas-birthday/2020/01/10/k-j-yesudas-favourite-songs-list.html |access-date=2021-07-13}}</ref> He has also composed a number of Malayalam film songs during the 1970s and 1980s.
 
Yesudas won the [[National Film Award (India)|National Award]] for the [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]] a record eight times,<ref name="record">{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=P. K. Ajith |date=14 April 2018 |title=A record most melodious for this singing legend |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/a-record-most-melodious-for-this-singing-legend/article23543531.ece |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> the [[Filmfare Awards South]] five times, and the State Award for the Best Playback Singer 36 times, including awards given by the state governments of [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[West Bengal]].<ref name="hindu_jan10" /> He was awarded the [[Padma Shri]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/padma-vibhushan-is-another-stepping-stone-for-k-j-yesudas/articleshow/56789500.cms|title=Padma Vibhushan is another stepping stone for K J Yesudas|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 January 2017 |access-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620030709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/padma-vibhushan-is-another-stepping-stone-for-k-j-yesudas/articleshow/56789500.cms|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> in 1975, the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2002, and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] (second-highest [[Indian honours system|civilian award]]) in 2017 by the [[Government of India]] for his contributions towards the arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=300 |title=Padma Bhushan Awardees&nbsp;– Padma Awards&nbsp;– My India, My Pride |publisher=India.gov.in |access-date=2011-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010010826/http://india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=300 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, he was honoured with the [[J. C. Daniel Award]], [[Government of Kerala|Kerala government]]'s highest honour for contributions to Malayalam cinema. In 2011 Yesudas was honoured with the [[CNN-IBN]] outstanding achievement award for his contributions in the music field. In 2006, he sang 16 film songs in four [[South Indian]] languages on the same day at [[AVM Productions|AVM Studio]], [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/01/stories/2006120100400200.htm |title=One for the records |date=1 December 2006 |access-date=2010-05-01 |___location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418081649/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/01/stories/2006120100400200.htm |archive-date=18 April 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Yesudas]], a talent discovered by [[Salil Chowdhury]] and nurtured by [[Ravindra Jain]], has sung more than 40,000 songs for many languages including [[Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Malayalam]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Oriya]], [[Arabic]], [[Sanskrit]], [[Latin]] and [[English language|English]] through his long career and his voice still reminiscences a breeze of fresh air. His first song as a playback singer was for the [[Malayalam]] movie ''Kalpadukal'' (1961). His first [[Hindi]] song was for the movie Anand Mahal, with music given by [[Salil Chowdhury]] who shared a long standing relation with the [[singer]].The only two Indian languages where he hasn’t entered are [[Kashmiri]] and [[Assamese]]. [[Ahimsa]] is his one of the albums is produced by Ricardo Barrantes' Solarwind Music of the [[US]] . It is unique in that it has Yesudas singing in [[Sanskrit]], [[Latin]] and in [[English language|English]] and in a mix of styles including New-Age and [[Carnatic]] conveying the message of [[Ahimsa]] and peace.
 
==Early life==
He was invited by the [[Soviet Government]] to perform at music concerts in various cities of the [[U.S.S.R]] in 1965. In 1971, Yesudas with his musical troupe traveled all over Kerala to raise funds for the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister’s]] National Defense Fund during the [[Indo-Pakistani Wars| Indo-Pak War]]. He also became Senate member in the International Parliament for Safety and Peace, an organization incorporated in the [[U.S.A]]. Yesudas was presented an honorary award by [[UNESCO]] for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" at the event named "Music for Peace", a concert to mark the dawn of the new millennium On November 14, 1999, at [[Paris]]. The synergy created by Yesudas and [[Junoon]], aimed at peace, was an inspiration to all those present, which included renowned artists like [[Lionel Richie]], [[Ray Charles]], [[Montserrat Caballé]] and [[Zubin Mehta]] conducting the [[Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra]]. The famous actors [[Gregory Peck]], [[Sydney Tamiia Poitier |Sydney Poiter]], and [[Peter Ustinov]] were the masters of ceremony. Dignitaries from around the world, including the heads of the [[European Union]] and the ambassadors from 170 countries attended this global event. He was awarded prestigious [[Padma Bhushan]] (in 2002) and [[Padma Shri|Padmashree]] (in 1973) by the [[President of India]].
K. J. Yesudas was born in [[Kochi]], in [[Kerala]], to [[Augustine Joseph]] and Elizabeth Joseph. His father was a well-known [[Malayalam]] classical musician and stage actor.<ref name="tbi" /> Yesudas was the second of seven children, preceded by an elder sister named Pushpa, and followed by four younger brothers - Antony (Antappan), Babu, Mani, Justin and a younger sister, Jayamma.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-01-10 |title=KJ Yesudas: A name that spells melody |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/kj-yesudas-turns-80/article30522919.ece |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204175059/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/kj-yesudas-turns-80/article30522919.ece |url-status=live |last1=Nagarajan |first1=Saraswathy |last2=M |first2=Athira |last3=Pradeep |first3=K. }}</ref> Among these siblings, Pushpa and Babu died of fever at a young age, and Justin, the youngest brother, died under mysterious circumstances in February 2020, aged 62.
 
Augustine Joseph's dearest friend, Musician Kunjan Velu Bhagavathar was the first guru of him. Kunjan Velu was the disciple of Nadaswara Chakravarthi [[T. N. Rajarathnam Pillai]]. Yesudas started his academic music training at [[RLV College of Music and Fine Arts|R. L. V. Music Academy]], [[Thrippunithura]] and completed the ''Ganabooshanam'' course. Later he studied at [[Swathi Thirunal College of Music]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]] under the tutelage of the [[carnatic music]] maestro K. R. Kumaraswamy Iyer and [[Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer]] but could not complete his studies due to financial constraints. For a brief period, he also studied music under Vechoor Harihara Subramania Iyer, after which he took advanced training from [[Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-10 |title=With 70,000 songs to his credit, legendary singer Yesudas turns 78 |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2018/01/10/legendary-singer-yesudas-turns-78.html |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=[[Malayala Manorama]] |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114110818/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2018/01/10/legendary-singer-yesudas-turns-78.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Dr. K. J. Yesudas is a passion and inspiration for all Indian music connoisseurs. His humble beginnings, the hardships he had to go through, the immense success he achieved, the dedication he still has for Indian music, underscores the above stated facts.
 
K. J. Yesudas married Prabha Yesudas on 1 February 1970 in [[Mallapally]].<ref>{{cite web |title=This voice is my life's greatest fortune: Prabha Yesudas |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2020/01/10/yesudas-birthday-special-note-wife-prabha.html |website=Malayala Manorama |publisher=Onmanorama |access-date=6 October 2023}}</ref>
 
In 2021, Yesudas completed 60 years as a playback singer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soman |first=Sandhya |date=2011-09-09 |title=Book on Yesudas tracks the men who made the star |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Book-on-Yesudas-tracks-the-men-who-made-the-star/articleshow/9916686.cms |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030200112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Book-on-Yesudas-tracks-the-men-who-made-the-star/articleshow/9916686.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Professional Career ==
*'''''Ganabooshanam''''' course at R.L.V. Music Academy, Thirupanithura, [[Cochin]]
*''[[Graduation]]'' from the Sree Swatithirunal Music Academy, [[Trivandrum]]
*He trained under well known musicians like K.R.Kumarasamy ( former principal of the Music College,Kochi ), Kunjuvelan Aasan ( a disciple of Nagaswera Vidwan Rajaratnam Pillai ), Joseph, Ramakutti Bagavathar, Sivaraman Nayar and Sangeeth Samrat [[Chembai|Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar]].
 
== Role Models Career==
 
===Debut and early career: 1960s===
[[Narayana Guru|Shri.Narayana Guru's]] great message, "One caste, one religion and one God for all humans", influenced young Yesudas in his dealings with his fellow men. In the music world, [[Chembai|Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar]], [[Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna]] and [[Mohammed Rafi]] are his major heroes.
[[File:Onvk2.JPG|thumb|250px|left|Yesudas with poet and lyricist [[O. N. V. Kurup]]]]
Yesudas recorded his first popular song ''Jaathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham'' (music: [[M. B. Sreenivasan]]) on 14 November 1961. The singer considers those four lines he got to sing to start his career in films as a huge blessing as it was written by none other than Sree Narayana Guru, the most respected saint-poet-social reformer of Kerala. The film was [[Kalpadukal]] (1962), based on social reform during the life and times of [[Narayana Guru|Sree Narayana Guru]]. He associated with popular singers of those times like [[P. Leela]], [[Santha P. Nair]], [[K. P. Udayabhanu]], [[S. Janaki]] etc. and lyricists like [[P. Bhaskaran]] and Nambiyath. He sang the lines of poet [[Kumaran Asan]] for this film.
After the initial years he became the most sought after by established music directors of that time, [[M. B. Sreenivasan]], [[G. Devarajan]], [[V. Dakshinamoorthy]], [[Br Lakshmanan]], [[M. S. Baburaj]] and many others. Thus began his career in [[playback singer|playback singing]] which included the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies thereafter.<ref name="rediff_2001" />
 
He got the first major break with the hit Malayalam film named ''[[Bharya (1962 film)|Bharya]]'' ( music by [[G. Devarajan]] and lyrics by [[Vayalar Ramavarma]]). In 1967, he sang hit songs in the composition of M.S.Baburaj for the film ''[[Udhyogastha]]'' directed by [[P.Venu]]. He also sang in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] for ''[[Bommai (1964 film)|Bommai]]'' first (music: [[S. Balachander]]), but the first released movie was ''[[Konjum Kumari]]'' (music: Veda). In 1965, he was invited by the Soviet Union government to perform at music concerts in various cities in the [[USSR]] and also sang a Russian song over Radio Kazakhstan.<ref name="stateofkerala.in" /> The trio of Salil, Yesudas and [[Prem Nazir]] entered the Malayalam Cinema Industry of the 1970s.
== Family ==
Dr. Yesudas and his wife Prabha have three sons, Vinod, Vijay and Vishal. The family is settled in [[Chennai]] and [[Florida]].
As him Vijay also popular in [[Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]] and [[Telugu]].
 
In 1970 he was nominated to head the [[Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi|Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy]] and was the youngest person ever to occupy the post.<ref name="stateofkerala.in">{{cite news|url=http://www.stateofkerala.in/news/k%20j%20yesudas%20the%20indian%20play%20back%20singing%20legend.php |title=CDR K J YESUDAS THE INDIAN PLAYBACK SINGING LEGEND'S RAGS TO RICHES |publisher=stateofkerala.in |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205230708/http://www.stateofkerala.in/news/k%20j%20yesudas%20the%20indian%20play%20back%20singing%20legend.php |archive-date= 5 December 2011 }}</ref>
== Titles, Honours and Major Awards==
[[Image:WisdomStarofIndia.jpg |thumb|right|220px|Sangeetha Ratna Award Ceremony]]
*''[[Padma Bhushan]] '' by [[President of India]] in 2002.
*''[[Padma Shri]] '' by [[President of India]] in 1973.
*''[[Doctor of Philosophy|Doctrate]] '' by [[Annamalai University]] , Tamil Nadu in 1989.
*''[[D.Litt]] '' by [[Kerala University]] , Kerala in 2003.
*''National Citizens Award'' in 1994
*''Asthana Gayakan'' by Government of [[Kerala]] and `The Sangeeta Nataka Akademi' in 1992.
*''Sangeetha Sagaram'' in 1989.
*''Sangeetha Chakravarthy'' in 1988 by Pallavi Narasimachary
*''Sangeetha Raja'' by [[Chembai]] in 1974.
*''Swathi Ratnam''
*''Sangeetha Ratna'' by Lt. Governor of [[Pondicherry]] M.M. Lakhera
*''[[Gandharva|Gana Gandharva]]''
*''Sur Shringar Samsad'' Award. in 1976
*''Kalaimamani Award'' by Government of [[Tamil Nadu]].
*''Geetanjali'' Award. by The ex-president of India [[Neelam Sanjiva Reddy]]
*''Star of India Award by Lt. Governor of Pondicherry M.M. Lakhera
*''The `Annual Latha Mangeshkar Award'' by Government of [[Madhya Pradesh]] in 1992.
*''Invited by the [[Soviet government]] to perform music concerts in various cities of [[USSR]] in 1965
*''Senate member in the [http://www.internationalparliament.org/ International Parliament for Safety and Peace], an organization incorporated in the [[U.S.A]].
* An Honorary award for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace” by [[UNESCO]] in 1999
*''National Awards'' Seven times for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[India]]
*''State awards'' Twenty three times for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[Kerala ]]
*''State awards'' Eight times for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]
*''State awards'' Five Times for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[Karnataka]]
*''State awards'' Five times for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[Andra Pradesh]]
*''State awards'' One time for the best [[Playback singer]] by Government of [[West Bengal]]
 
===Bollywood: 1970s===
== National Awards==
After a decade of singing in South Indian movies, Yesudas got a break in [[Bollywood]] in the early 1970s. The first Hindi song he sang was for the movie ''Jai Jawan Jai Kissan'' (1971), but the first released movie was ''[[Chhoti Si Baat]]'', which resulted in his becoming popular for singings songs like "Jaaneman Jaaneman". He has sung Hindi songs for many leading actors in Hindi cinema including [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Amol Palekar]] and [[Jeetendra]]. He has sung many evergreen Hindi film songs for music directors including [[Ravindra Jain]], [[Bappi Lahiri]], [[Mohammed Zahur Khayyam|Khayyam]], [[Raj Kamal]] and [[Salil Chowdhury]].
 
Yesudas' most popular Hindi songs are in the 1976 movie ''[[Chitchor]]'', with music given by [[Ravindra Jain]].
* 1972, Film Name: Achanum bappayum, Language: [[Malayalam]], First line of the song: Manushyan mathangale
 
On 14 November 1999, Yesudas was presented with an honorary award by [[UNESCO]] for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" at the "Music for Peace" event in Paris, a concert held to mark the dawn of the new millennium and whose attendees included artistes such as [[Lionel Richie]], [[Ray Charles]], [[Montserrat Caballé]], and [[Zubin Mehta]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asianetindia.com/news/kj-yesudas-completes-50-glorious-years-singer_300940.html |title=KJ Yesudas completes 50 glorious years as singer |publisher=Asianet india |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124040600/http://www.asianetindia.com/news/kj-yesudas-completes-50-glorious-years-singer_300940.html |archive-date=24 January 2012 }}</ref>
* 1973, Film Name: Gaayathri, Language: [[Malayalam]], First line of the song: Padmatheerthame unaru
 
In 2001 he sang for album ''Ahimsa'' in [[Sanskrit]], [[Latin]] and English and in a mix of styles including [[New-age music|new-age]] and Carnatic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/02/19/stories/09190704.htm |title=Ahimsa Album |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |date=19 February 2001 |access-date=2011-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210180308/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/02/19/stories/09190704.htm |archive-date=10 December 2006 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> In his music concerts in the Middle East he sings [[Arabic]] songs in the [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] style.<ref>{{cite web|author=Vineet Pillai |url=http://www.indien-netzwerk.de/navigation/ereignisse/artikel/yesudas/yesudas_interview-eng.htm |title=Exclusive&nbsp;– Interview with Yesudas on 15th November 2003 |publisher=Indien-netzwerk.de |date=15 November 2003 |access-date=2010-05-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531061214/http://www.indien-netzwerk.de/navigation/ereignisse/artikel/yesudas/yesudas_interview-eng.htm |archive-date=31 May 2010 }}</ref> He frequently serves as a cultural ambassador for India through his performances abroad, promoting Indian music.
* 1976, Film Name: Chitchor, Language: [[Hindi]], First line of the song: Gori thera gaon bada
 
In 2009 Yesudas began a cross-country musical campaign against terrorism in Thiruvananthapuram, with the motto 'Music For Peace'.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/news/2009/yesudas-musical-campaign-peace-130109.html |title=Yesudas' Musical Campaign for peace |date=13 January 2009 |publisher=oneindia.com |access-date=9 January 2012 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117112833/https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2009/yesudas-musical-campaign-peace-130109.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Kavita Karkare, wife of [[Hemant Karkare]], handed over the torch to Yesudas to mark the launch of the 'Shanthi Sangeetha Yatra'.<ref name="hindu_jan12">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/12/stories/2009011258340300.htm |title=Tributes paid to Hemant Karkare |date=12 January 2009 |access-date=2010-05-01 |___location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103205714/http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/12/stories/2009011258340300.htm |archive-date=3 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> Yesudas has performed for 36 times in the 36-year-old Soorya Music festival organised by Soorya Krishnamoorthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thiraseela.com/main/specialStories.php?id=472|title=Gaanagandharvan graces the Soorya festival for the 36th time|website=thiraseela.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630110641/http://thiraseela.com/main/specialStories.php?id=472|archive-date=30 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1982, Film Name: Megha Sandhesham, Language: [[Telugu language|Telugu]] , First line of the song: Aagasha desana
 
==Personal life and influence==
* 1987, Film Name: Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam, Language: [[Malayalam]] , First line of the song: Unnikale oru kadha parayam
Yesudas is married to Prabha since 1 February 1970. They have three sons, Vinod (b. 1977), [[Vijay Yesudas|Vijay]] (b. 1979) and Vishal (b. 1981). Their second son, Vijay, is a musician who won the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer|Kerala State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] in 2007, 2012 and 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nritoday.net/movies-a-music/336-kj-yesudas-singer-with-a-golden-voice |title=Dr. KJ Yesudas: Singer with a Golden Voice |author=Ajay Gosh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062233/http://www.nritoday.net/movies-a-music/336-kj-yesudas-singer-with-a-golden-voice |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Rajat Kamal Award to Padma Vibhushan Dr. K.J. Yesudas (Best Male Playback Singer) for the film VISWASAPOORVAM MANSOOR (Malayalam), at the 65th National Film Awards Function, in New Delhi.JPG|250px|thumbnail|left|Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India presenting the Rajat Kamal Award to Yesudas]]
* 1991, Film Name: Bharatham, Language: [[Malayalam]], First line of song: Rama kadha gaana layam
[[Narayana Guru|Sree Narayana Guru]]'s message, "One religion and One God for all humanity", influenced young Yesudas in his dealings with his fellow men. He had his own heroes among the musicians too. [[Mohammed Rafi]], [[Chembai|Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar]] and [[Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna|Balamurali Krishna]] are the ones he admires the most.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/may/07yesu.htm |title='I do not sing trendy music': Yesudas |work=Rediff.com |date=7 May 2001 |access-date=2010-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601053019/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/may/07yesu.htm |archive-date=1 June 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Yesudas has been visiting [[Mookambika|Kollur Mookambika temple]], [[Kollur, Udupi district|Kollur]], Karnataka on his birthday to sing keerthans of [[Saraswati|Saraswati devi]], the Goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. The music festival started on his 60th birthday in 2000. The nine-day music festival begins every January at Kollur Mookambika Temple.
 
On Sunday, 10 January 2010, he celebrated his 70th birthday (Sapthathi) at Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple with 'Sangeetharchana' (classical devotional songs), along with 70 singers before goddess Mookambika. The Sangeetharchana included "Pancharatna Gayana" of Thyagaraja's poems. He also took part in the Vidyarambha function. [[All India Radio]] broadcast the special Sangeetharchana all over Kerala. Yesudas also has many songs devoted to Lord Ayyappa including the hit song "Harivarasanam".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jaimusiconline.com |title=Gandharva of songs : K.J Yesudas celebrates 70th birthday |publisher=Non Resident Kerala Associations |access-date=2010-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227012349/http://jaimusiconline.com/ |archive-date=27 December 2018 |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/k-j-yesudas-birthday-190109.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711072431/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/k-j-yesudas-birthday-190109.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 July 2012 |title=Yesudas celebrated Birthday at Kollur |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=19 January 2009 |access-date=2010-05-01 }}</ref><ref name="hindu_jan10" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article220681.ece |title=Yesudas celebrates 70th birthday in Kollur |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=11 January 2010 |access-date=2010-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307180546/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article220681.ece |archive-date=7 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2002, during [[Marad massacre]], he visited the place along with the veteran poet [[Sugathakumari]], and conducted classes against violence. [[Harivarasanam]], a devotional song musical version composed by [[G. Devarajan]], recited before closing the temple at [[Sabarimala]] was sung by Yesudas. Though there have been many different renditions of this song by many different renowned singers, [[Sabarimala]] officially uses Yesudas' voice for [[Harivarasanam]] every day.<ref name="hindu_jan10" />
* 1993, Film Name: Sopanam, Language: [[Malayalam]], First line of the song: Sopanam (title song)
 
==Music Incompany Hindiand school==
In 1980 Yesudas established the [[Tharangini Records|Tharangini Studio]] at [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. In 1992 the office and studio were moved to [[Chennai]] and the company was incorporated in the [[USA]] in 1998. Tharangni Studio and Tharangni Records became a recording center in Kerala which, for the first time, brought out audio cassettes of [[Malayalam film]] songs in stereo. The record company also had a voice mixing studio in Studio27, Chennai. The studio continues to produce and present events of Yesudas, both for film and [[Indian classical music]] concerts throughout the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/leadinglights/dr--k--j--yesudas-4.php|title=Dr. K. J. Yesudas|publisher=keralatourism.org|access-date=18 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601083704/http://www.keralatourism.org/leadinglights/dr--k--j--yesudas-4.php|archive-date=1 June 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[Image:Sitaronmein.jpg |thumb|right|90px|[[Sitaron Mein Tu Hi ]]]]
 
Yesudas founded Tharanganisari School of Music in 1975 to train students in various branches of music. The school is recognized by [[Government of Kerala]]. It is managed by a society which is registered under the [[Travancore-Cochin]] Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act 12 of 1955. It is situated at Edappazhanji, Thiruvananthapuram.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Tharanganisari |url=https://tharanganisari.com/about-tharanganisari/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Tharanganisari.com}}</ref> A [[music appreciation]] class will be held on the second saturday of every month at the school. The class is free for all and is open to public of all ages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-02-15 |title=A singer of all kinds of bhajans |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2009/Feb/15/a-singer-of-all-kinds-of-bhajans-26027.html |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> Composer [[Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath]] worked as a music teacher in 1976.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-05 |title=80ന്റെ നിറവിൽ പെരുമ്പാവൂർ ജി രവീന്ദ്രനാഥ് |url=https://www-mathrubhumi-com.translate.goog/movies-music/features/80th-birthday-of-music-director-perumbavoor-g-raveendranath-1.9214019?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620104328/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/features/80th-birthday-of-music-director-perumbavoor-g-raveendranath-1.9214019 |archive-date=2024-06-20 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Mathrubhumi]]}}</ref> Some of the notable alumnus of the school are composers [[Mohan Sithara]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavu |first=Sweety |date=2020-07-24 |title=പത്തിന് പകരം നൂറ് തരുന്ന ദാസേട്ടന്‍; ഈശ്വരകൃപയാല്‍ മുപ്പതിലധികം കൊല്ലത്തെ സംഗീതജീവിതം സംതൃപ്തം |url=https://www-mathrubhumi-com.translate.goog/movies-music/features/interview-with-mohan-sithara-music-director-1.4925484?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172636/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/features/interview-with-mohan-sithara-music-director-1.4925484 |archive-date=2024-07-18 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Mathrubhumi]]}}</ref> Murali Sithara<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-12 |title=Music director Murali Sithara, 66, found dead |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/music-director-murali-sithara-66-found-dead-1.5823587 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Mathrubhumi]]}}</ref> and guitarist John Antony.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-16 |title=Interview with John Anthony |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/interview-with-john-anthony/articleshow/31032314.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705093519/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Interview-with-John-Anthony/articleshow/31032314.cms |archive-date=2022-07-05 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
Yesudas's most popular Hindi songs are from the 1976 movie [[Chitchor]], with music given by [[Ravindra Jain]]. The greatest tribute paid to him is cited during an interview with Ravindra Jain, wherein the blind music director confessed that if he ever happened to regain vision, the first person he would like to see was Yesudas. Yesudas's greatest association in Hindi was with Ravinder Jain and the duo combined to produce memorable including ''Oo Goriya re'' (from the film ''Naiyya'' - directed by Prashanth Nanda),''Sunayna'' (from the film ''Sunayna''). The film in which Yesudas sang the most memorable Hindi songs is claimed to be ''Saawan ko aane do'' with music given by the notable late Shri Raj Kamal. Songs like ''Jaanam'', ''Chand jaise mukhde pe'' and ''Tujhe Dekh Kar Jagwale Par'' (from ''Saawan Ko Aane Do''), ''Kahan se aaye badra'' (from ''Chasme Baddoor''),''Ni Sa Ga Ma Pa'' (from ''Anand Mahal'') etc leave even the lover of modern songs spell bound.
 
==Awards and honours==
During an interview with Spice Music Channel, he told the interviewer that a [[song]] he sang for the unreleased [[Hindi]] movie [[Tansen]] was his all time favorite song in Hindi.
{{Main|List of titles, honours and major awards received by Yesudas}}
Major [[Hindi]] musicians worked with him are [[Naushad]], [[Ravi (music director)|Ravi]], [[Ravindra Jain]], and [[Salil Chowdhury]]. [[Sitaron Mein Tu Hi ]] is one of his hit music album.
[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Dr. K.J. Yesudas, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 13, 2017.jpg|thumb|The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Dr. K.J. Yesudas, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 13 April 2017]]
Yesudas has recorded over 50,000 songs and has won scores of accolades including the coveted [[Padma Shri]] (1975),<ref name=PadmaShri>{{cite web|title=Padma Shri Awardees|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]|url=http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=1620|access-date=2014-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204165547/http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=1620|archive-date=4 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Padma Bhushan]] (2002),<ref name=PadmaBhushan>{{cite web|title=Padma Bhushan Awardees|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs|url=http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=320|access-date=2014-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204165432/http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmabhushan_awards_list1.php?start=320|archive-date=4 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://padmaawards.gov.in/PDFS/PadmaAwards-2017_25012017.pdf |title=Padma Awards 2017 |access-date=2017-01-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129231739/http://www.padmaawards.gov.in/PDFS/PadmaAwards-2017_25012017.pdf |archive-date=29 January 2017}}</ref> and eight National Awards for Best Playback Singer.
 
* [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] a record 8 times by the Government of India<ref name="record" />
==In Malayalam==
* [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer]] a record 25 times for the best playback singer by the Government of [[Kerala]]
Fondly remembered songs from movies such as ''Nellu'', ''Vishukkani'', ''Chuvanna Chirakukal'', ''Ee Gaanam Marakkumo'' - to name a few. The trio combination of Salil-Yesudas and Prem Nazir (the evergreen hero of Malayalam Cinema) took the Malayalam Cinema Industry of the 70's by storm. As a matter of fact, it was generally agreed that Yesudas's voice was the most ideal one for Prem Nazir.
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback|Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]] 5 times for the best playback singer by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]
* West Bengal State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer by the Government of West Bengal (1 time)
* [[Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards]] 4 times for the best playback singer by the Government of [[Andhra Pradesh]]
* [[J. C. Daniel Award]] from [[Government of Kerala]]
* [[Honorary degree|Honorary doctorate]]s from [[Annamalai University]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-05-07 |title='I don't sing trendy music' |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/may/07yesu.htm |access-date=2020-09-16 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619205218/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/may/07yesu.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[University of Kerala|Kerala University]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Brief History of the University |url=https://www.keralauniversity.ac.in/history |website=[[University of Kerala]] |access-date=8 November 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230043516/https://keralauniversity.ac.in/history |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|MG University]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-19 |title=Varsity confers honorary doctorate on CJI, Yesudas |url=https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090519/1256889.html |access-date=2020-11-08 |website=WebIndia123 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117112900/https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090519/1256889.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Anandalok Best Male Playback Award]] 1 time for the best playback singer.
* [[Sangeetha Kalasikhamani]], 2002 by The Indian Fine arts Society, Chennai
* [[B. Sarojadevi|Padmabhushan B. Sarojadevi National Award]] (2015) by ''Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan'', Bangalore.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2015/apr/12/saroji-devi-honours-yesudas-741466.html |title=Saroji Devi Honours Yesudas |date=12 April 2015 |access-date=9 August 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117112834/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2015/apr/12/Saroji-Devi-Honours-Yesudas-741466.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Karnataka Rajyotsava Award]] from [[Government of Karnataka]] in the year 2017<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/padma-vibhushan-yesudas-among-sixty-two-chosen-for-rajyotsava-award.html?fromNewsdog=1 |title=Singer Yesudas among 62 chosen for Karnataka Rajyotsava Award |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |access-date=13 August 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117112834/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/padma-vibhushan-yesudas-among-sixty-two-chosen-for-rajyotsava-award.html?fromNewsdog=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Karnataka State Film Award (1991)Best Playback Singer Male, Film Ramachari Song Nammura Yuvarani
* [[Yesudas Award|Swaralaya Yesudas award]] is a prestigious award for music artists in recognition of their outstanding performance. The award is instituted jointly by Swaralaya, an organisation that promotes music and [[Kairali TV|Kairali Channel]], based in [[Trivandrum]], Kerala. Awards have been given annually since 2000. Yesudas presents the awards at a ''Gandharva Sandhya'' every January.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/01/20/stories/2003012008080300.htm|title=Swaralaya awards presented|date=20 January 2003|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304221841/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/01/20/stories/2003012008080300.htm|archive-date=4 March 2010|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/16/stories/2007121654810500.htm|title=Swaralaya award for Shankar Mahadevan|date=16 December 2007|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 March 2010|___location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424081543/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/16/stories/2007121654810500.htm|archive-date=24 April 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="hindu_jan12"/>
 
==In TamilAdmiration ==
In his acceptance speech of winning the Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award (2006), [[AR Rahman]] said "I'm greatly honoured by Swaralaya's gesture, and getting this award from my most favourite singer Mr Yesudas. He is one of my most favourite voices' ever in the world." On another occasion during an interview he said of Yesudas, "his voice is unmatched, his voice is god given and I've been hearing his songs since I was 3 years old."
[[Image: goldenTamil.jpg|thumb|right|90px|Golden Hits]]
He has been singing thousands of songs in [[Tamil language|Tamil]].Yesudas's first song in Tamil film was in the film Bommai and the song was Neeyum Bommai. With Music Maestro [[Ilayaraaja | Ilaya Raja]] he made lot of hit songs.Other major music directors worked with him are [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[A. R. Rahman]], Rajkumar S A, [[S. Balachander]], Vaidyanathan L, [[Deva (music director)|Deva]],Gangai Amaran, Aadithyan, [[K. V. Mahadevan]], Shankar Ganesh and [[Vidyasagar-Tamil Music Director|Vidyasagar]].
 
[[Ravindra Jain]], in an interview wherein the blind music director confessed that if ever he happened to regain vision, the first person he would like to see would be Yesudas.
He had fortune to sing songs written by [[Subramanya Bharathy]] ( Yezhavuthu Manithan (1981) and Bharati (2000) ) and [[Kannadasan]].The Magical voice that hooks all music lovers with melodies like 'Poove Sempoove' - Solla Thudikkuthu manasu, 'Aarariraro' - Raam, 'Raaja Raaja Chozan' - Rettai Vaal Kuruvi, Thendral Vanthu' - Thendrale Ennai Thodu, 'Kanne Kalaimaane' & 'Poongaatru' - Moondram Pirai, 'Vaa Vaa Anbe' - Agni Natchathiram , 'Vellai Puraa' - Pudhu Kavithai and lot of many other songs.He was awarded Kalaimamani Award and eight time State Award for the best playback singer from [[Tamil Nadu]] Government.
 
In 2003, billionaire and businessman [[B. R. Shetty]] gifted him his 1992 model [[Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit]] after listening his concert held at [[The Indian High School, Dubai]]. Shetty said: "I was not only touched by his concert but by the man himself who talked about God's kindness to mankind".<ref>{{cite web|title=Yesudas gets a Rolls Royce!|url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=13325681|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031224023805/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=13325681|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2003|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=26 June 2019|date=4 December 2003}}</ref>
==In Kannada ==
[[Image: Yesudas_krishna.jpg|thumb|left|90px|[[Ghantasala |Krishna Nee Begane Baaro ]]]]
Gan Gandharva, Yesudas has been perfoming a lot of [[Indian classical music|classical]], devotional and [[film]] songs in [[Kannada]]. [[Krishna Nee Begane Baaro]] ,a recording of live performance by this great musician when he visited Udupi in early 2002.
He sung several Kannada compositions of [[Purandaradasa]] - The saint-poet who is revered as the father of Carnatic Music.
 
[[Bappi Lahiri]] said in an interview with [[Filmfare]] in 2012: "'Yesudas' voice is touched by God. After Kishore Da(Kishore Kumar), he was another singer who brought out the best in me. He is a yogi, a mystic who lives for music. He takes your tunes to another level. And his note is perfect, you can rely on him to deliver it right the first time. Working with him made me touch base with my melodious side. He is vastly under-utilised in Hindi films. I wish Hindi film composers of today realise his genius and offer him assignments."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/king-of-ooh-la-la-land-262.html|title=King of Ooh la la land|access-date=2016-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702015357/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/king-of-ooh-la-la-land-262.html|archive-date=2 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Anuragadalil Gandharva Gana - Gandharva, Hoovina Lokha Nammadu -Kempu Gulabi, Gouria Roopa Ninamma - Madura Preethi, Kele Kele Bharatha Mathe - Abhimanyu, Nagumoo Mohana - Rayaroo Bandaru Maavana Manege , Ramachaari Haduva ( Ramachaari ), Ee Yavvana Madhura - Ramarajyadhalli Raksharu , Yaakamma Beku - Sneha, Haadonda Naa Haaduvenu - Shruthi , Meru Giriyane - Sangliyaana, Mane Mandi Gella
- Triveni ,Navarathri Nota Nayana Mohana - Shri Durgey Pooje, Ninnantha Kathaikaru - Ansumbava.
Major [[Kannada]] musicians worked with him are Hamsalekha, Sudharsanam R, Rajkumar S A and Upendrakumar and he was awarded five times State Award for the best playback singer from [[Karnataka]] Government.
 
==In TeluguBooks==
Several books were published about Yesudas - his autobiography, biography, music journeys, studies on his songs, photos, interviews, memoirs etc. Some includes:
[[Image: jyothish.jpg|thumb|right|90px|[[Ghantasala |Ghantasala Melody King ]]]]
* ''Yesudasinte Kadha'' ([[Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society|SPCS - NBS]] - 1981), Malayalam biography by Mathukutty J. Kunnappally<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yesudhasinte Kadha by Mathukutty J. Kunnappally |url=http://library.assumptioncollege.edu.in/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=33058 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[Assumption College, Changanasserry]] Library| date=1981 }}</ref>
Ghantasala Melody King, Yesudas has been singing in both Classical and fillm songs in [[Telugu language|Telugu]].
* ''Ezhissai Nayakan'' (Manimekalai Prasuram - 1998), written in Tamil by R. Kandeepan, translated to English by R. Sundaresan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yesudas, the king of melodies by R. Kandeepan |url=https://catalogue.statelibrary.kerala.gov.in/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=265718 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[State Central Library, Kerala]]| date=1998 }}</ref>
* ''Yesudas: the King of Melodies'' (Manimekalai Prasuram - 2000), written in Tamil by R. Kandeepan, translated to English by R. Sundaresan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yesudas, the king of melodies by R. Kandeepan |url=https://catalogue.statelibrary.kerala.gov.in/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=212010 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[State Central Library, Kerala]]}}</ref>
* ''The Greatest Singer Yesudas'' (Manimekalai Prasuram - 2005), a biography written in Tamil by R. Kandeepan, translated to English by R. Sundaresan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Greatest Singer Yesudas |url=https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/greatest-singer-yesudas-naw606/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Exotic India Arts}}</ref>
* ''My Life and My Thoughts'' (Ayaan Publications - 2010), Yesudas' [[autobiography]] originally written in Malayalam in the form of articles published in different magazines, compiled and translated to English by K. V. Pisharady.<ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Liza |date=2010-07-03 |title=Ode to a singer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/books/Ode-to-a-singer/article16183648.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518231836/https://www.thehindu.com/books/Ode-to-a-singer/article16183648.ece |archive-date=18 May 2024 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref>
* ''Athisayaragam'' ([[Mathrubhumi|Mathrubhumi Books]] - 2011), book written by Ravi Menon traces not just the singer's oeuvre but also the many lives that got intertwined with that of a rising star.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soman |first=Sandhya |date=2011-09-09 |title=Book on Yesudas tracks the men who made the star |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/book-on-yesudas-tracks-the-men-who-made-the-star/articleshow/9916686.cms |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
* ''Das Capital'' (Mathrubhumi Books - 2011), an autobiography by [[Subhash Chandran]] whose life journey through Yesudas.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Subhash Chandran |author-link=Subhash Chandran |url=https://www.mbibooks.com/product/das-capital-2/ |title=Das Capital |publisher=[[Mathrubhumi Books]] |year=2011 |isbn=9788182652606 |access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>
* ''Sangeethame Jeevitham'' (Lipi Publications - 2012), the first comprehensive textbook on Yesudas in Malayalam, written by Kunhikannal Vanimel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sangeethame Jeevitham – Padmasree Dr. K.J. Yesudas |url=https://lipipublications.com/product/sangeethame-jeevitham-padmasree-dr-k-j-yesudas/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Lipi Publications}}</ref>
* ''Yesudas: Oppam Nadanna Camera'' (Mathrubhumi Books - 2012), collection of photos of Yesudas from 1963 consists more than 150 pictures, mostly in black and white, by P. I. David.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ajith Kumar |first=P. K. |date=2015-05-25 |title=Clicking the celstial voice |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/clicking-the-celestial-voice/article7242971.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729121955/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/clicking-the-celestial-voice/article7242971.ece |archive-date=29 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref>
* ''Swaragandharvam'' (The New Media Space Books - 2014), a book on the musical journey of Yesudas, written by Saji Sreevalsom.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-05 |title=Book on K J Yesudas Released |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2014/Oct/05/book-on-k-j-yesudas-released-668197.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
* ''Pattinte Palazhi'' (Saikatham Books - 2017), the complete biography of Yesudas by Mathukutty J. Kunnappally.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.saikathambooks.com/Malayalam%20books,%20Saikatham%20books,%20Pattinte%20Palazhi,%20Mathukutty%20J.%20Kunnappally |title=Pattinte Palazhi |publisher=Saikatham Books |year=2017 |isbn=9789386222268 |language=Malayalam |access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>
* ''Ithihaasa Gaayakan'' ([[Malayala Manorama|Manorama Books]] - 2020), by Shajan C. Mathew.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://keralabookstore.com/book/ithihaasa-gaayakan-yesudasinte-sangeetham-jeevitham/18666/ |title=Ithihaasa Gaayakan Yesudasinte Sangeetham Jeevitham |publisher=[[Malayala Manorama|Manorama Books]] |year=2020 |isbn=9789389649192 |edition=1st |language=Malayalam |access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>
* ''Yesudas: Malayalathinte Swarasagaram'' (SPCS - NBS - 2021) by [[S. Saradakkutty]], a book published on his 60th year of musical journey, compiling the articles by Yesudas' colleagues, critics and fans.<ref>{{Cite book |author=S. Saradakkutty |author-link=S. Saradakkutty |url=https://www.spcsindia.com/book/yesudas-malayalathinte-swarasagaram |title=Yesudas: Malayalathinte Swarasagaram |publisher=[[Sahithya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society]] |year=2021 |isbn=9789391946517 |language=Malayalam |access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>
* ''Yesudas: Sagarasangeetham'' ([[Kerala Bhasha Institute]] - 2024), a comprehensive book by G. B. Harindranath, celebrating the life and music of Yesudas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-02 |title=Kerala Bhasha Institute to launch 'Yesudas Sagarasangeetham' book |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2024/Jul/02/kerala-bhasha-institute-to-launch-yesudas-sagarasangeetham-book |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
 
== Controversies ==
Meghasandesham-Navarasasumamalika, Kumkumathilakam-AalanagaPalanaga, Swayamvaram-Galivanalo,
On 2 October 2014, Yesudas sparked a row while speaking at a public function on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, where he stated that "Women should not wear dress that trouble others. You should dress modestly and do not behave like men". This resulted in a number of protests from Women's Rights and political organisations, who asked him to withdraw the comment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-29471518|title=KJ Yesudas: India singer criticised for 'sexist' jeans remark|date=2014-10-03|newspaper=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115113713/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-29471518|archive-date=15 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
AadhiDampathulu-Kadalinigani,Yedadugulabandam-Yenduku, Hanthakudiveta-Regevyase,
 
Grehaprevesam-DaarichupinaDevatha,Ugranarasimham-Veyikaluvula, Meghasandesham-SigalooAviViruloo,
==Filmography==
Rudrakali-Okakavi,OoruNidralechindi-ChickChickPillata, Kumkumathilakam-Momuna Bottetti
[[File:With Yesudas sir.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Yesudas performing in a classical concert]]
SwatantranikiOopiripoyindi-ManasainaPriyathama are his some hit songs in [[Telugu language|Telugu]].Yesudas was never treated as an outsider of [[Andhra Pradesh]] because of his proper pronunciation, thorough knowledge of Carnatic classical music and his proximity to [[Telugu]] heroes. His mesmerizing voice still sways the Telugu Land and also won him several Nandi awards. It is said that music directors like Ramesh Naidu, Satyam and Keeravani MM used to like Yesudas's voice a lot.
===As actor===
He was awarded five times State Award for the best playback singer from [[Andhra Pradesh]] Government and he brought a National Award to [[Telugu]] in the film Meghasandesham
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !!Film !! Role !! Language
|-
|1965||''[[Kavyamela]]''|| as himself || rowspan=4 | [[Malayalam]]
|-
|1966||''[[Kayamkulam Kochunni (1966 film)|Kayamkulam Kochunni]]''||as Khader
|-
|1966||''[[Anarkali (1966 film)|Anarkali]]''<ref name="Anarkali">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/31/stories/2010053150270400.htm|title=Anarkali (1966)|author=B. Vijayakumar|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 May 2010|access-date=2011-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108194259/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/31/stories/2010053150270400.htm|archive-date=8 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>||as Tansen
|-
|1973||''[[Achaani]]''|| rowspan="5" | as singer
|-
|1976||''Adhirshtam Azhaikkirathu''||[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|1977||''[[Nirakudam]]''|| rowspan="2" | Malayalam
|-
|1977||''[[Harshabashpam]]''
|-
|1980||''[[Saranam Ayyappa]]''|| Tamil
|-
|1981||''[[Pathira Sooryan]]''||as saint||rowspan=4|Malayalam
|-
|2002||''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''|| rowspan="3" |as himself
|-
|2005||''[[Boyy Friend]]''
|-
|2012||''[[Theruvu Nakshatrangal]]''
|-
|2018||''[[Kinar (film)|Kinar / Keni]]'' || as singer || Malayalam / Tamil
|}
 
===As music composer===
*''Azhakulla Saleena'' (1973)
*''Theekkanal'' (1976)
*''Sanchari'' (1981)
*''Abhinayam'' (1981)
*''Poocha Sanyasi'' (1981)
*''Ellaam Ayyappan'' (1988)
 
==Discography==
{{Main|K. J. Yesudas discography}}
{{Main|K. J. Yesudas Tamil Discography}}
{{Main|List of Kannada songs recorded by K. J. Yesudas}}
{{Main|List of Hindi songs recorded by K. J. Yesudas}}
 
==See also==
* [[ListSwaralaya ofYesudas IndiansAward]]
* [[List of Carnatic singers]]
* [[playback singerHarivarasanam]]
* [http://www.aneetaa.com/music.html for a complete list of Tamil Cinema Playback Singers]
* [http://www.chembai.com Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar]
* [[List of male singers]]
 
 
==External links==
* https://www.hungama.com/playlists/ultimate-k-j-yesudas-malayalam/2217/
* [http://www.chembai.com Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar], guru of K.J.Yesudas
* [http://www.internationalparliament.org/ International Parliament for Safety and Peace ]
* [http://www.yesudas.com/ K.J. Yesudas's web site]
* [http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0947748/ IMDb entry for K.J. Yesudas]
* [http://www.kjyesudas.com/ Site Dedicated to K.J. Yesudas]
 
*'''GOLDEN HIT SONGS'''
 
*''Classical Songs''
 
*[http://www.musicindiaonline.com/l/1/s/artist.12/ Carnatic Vocal hits ]
*[http://www.udbhava.com/udbhava/songs.jsp?id=430 Krishna nee begane ]
*[http://www.khazana.com/et/products/product_by_artist.asp?mscssid=FQA8BBUCW04L9JTK8UV6JS16M4WS3RL1&Country=India&Department=Music&Artist=K%20J%20Yesudas&Sub_Dept=&sku=&List= Khazana ]
*[http://www.kannadaaudio.com/Songs/Classical/home/ Carnatic Classical ]
*[http://www.webcom.com/raag/kjj.html Web Com Raag]
 
*''Hindi Songs''
 
*[http://www.desimusic.com/music/oldies/songs/548/kj-yesudas.html Golden Hits in Hindi]
*[http://www.desimusic.com/music/oldies/songs/5311/yesudas-greatest-hits-vol-1.html yesudas-greatest-hits-vol-1]
*[http://www.desimusic.com/music/oldies/songs/5312/yesudas-greatest-hits-vol-2.html yesudas-greatest-hits-vol-2]
*[http://www.bollywoodsoundtracks.com/asp/details.asp?pid=878 Hit Songs]
 
*''Tamil Songs''
 
*[http://www.musicindiaonline.com/l/26/s/singer.140/ Hits of Yesudas]
*[http://www.musicindiaonline.com/l/cl/268/ Athisaya Raagam]
*[http://www.emusic.com/album/10907/10907175.html Hits of Yesudas]
*[http://www.allindiansite.com/ads/p/r1.asp?rtype=tajd All indians Radio]
*[http://ww.smashits.com/music/tamil/songs/3630/devotional-k-y-jesudas.html Tamil divotioal 1]
*[http://ww.smashits.com/music/tamil/songs/3696/jesudas-devotion-songs.html Tamil divotional 2 ]
*[http://karan2809.tripod.com/black/jes.htm Hit Songs]
*[http://www.ragalahari.com/devotionaldetail.asp?mvname=Sri+Shirdi+Saibaba+Mahathyam Sri Siddi Sai baba devoional songs]
 
*''Kannada Songs''
 
*[http://www.musicindiaonline.com/l/cl/133/ Golden Kannada hits of Yesudas ]
 
*''Telugu Songs''
*[http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/searchresults.asp Telugu hits of Yesudas]
*[http://mp3search.01-mp3search.com/top53-yesudas.html Hits of yesudas ]
 
 
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20210127205027/http://drkjyesudas.com/ Official website]
* [http://tharangni.com Tharangni Digital]
* {{IMDb name|0947748}}
{{commons category}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051015/saturday/main1.htm |title=Article on Yesudas: 'For me music is God'|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=15 October 2005 }}
 
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestMaleSinger}}
{{Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South}}
{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}
{{Music of Kerala}}
{{Padma Award winners of Kerala}}
{{Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Winners of Kerala}}
 
{{Authority control}}
 
[[Category{{DEFAULTSORT: 1940 births|Yesudas, K. J.]]}}
[[Category:Living people|Yesudas, K. J. Yesudas| ]]
[[Category:Male1940 singers|Yesudas, K. J.births]]
[[Category:IndianLiving film singers|Yesudas, K. J.people]]
[[Category:KollywoodBollywood playback singers|Yesudas, K. J.]]
[[Category:BollywoodMale playbackCarnatic singers|Yesudas, K. J.]]
[[Category:Carnatic vocalists|Yesudas, K. J.singers]]
[[Category:MalayaliHindustani people|Yesudas, K. J.singers]]
[[Category:PadmaIndian Shrimale awardees|Yesudas,playback K. J.singers]]
[[Category:PadmaKannada Bhushanplayback awardees|Yesudas, K. J.singers]]
[[Category:Kerala State Film Award winners]]
[[nn:K.J. Yesudas]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:Malayali people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Singers from Kochi]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Sanskrit-language singers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:J. C. Daniel Award winners]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship]]
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