M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916-2004)

 M.S. Subbulakshmi, also known as

MS, was a legendary Indian classical musician and playback singer. She was born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, and died on December 11, 2004, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. MS was considered one of the most prominent exponents of Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of South India. Her voice was hailed as divine, and she was known for her soulful renditions of devotional and classical music.

Early Life and Education:

MS Subbulakshmi was born to veena player and music teacher Shanmukavadivu and Subramania Iyer, a lawyer and businessman. Her mother was her first music teacher, and she started learning music at the age of four. She was also trained in Carnatic music by her uncle, the famous musician and composer Veena Seshanna.

At the age of 13, MS gave her first public performance at the prestigious Madras Music Academy. Her performance was well-received, and she was hailed as a prodigy. She continued her musical training under prominent musicians of the time, including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Musiri Subramania Iyer.

Career:

MS Subbulakshmi's career as a musician began in the 1930s, and she quickly rose to fame as a singer of devotional songs. She became a regular performer at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, where she sang in front of large crowds of devotees.

In 1940, MS made her film debut as a playback singer in the Tamil film Sevasadanam. She went on to sing in many other films and became one of the most sought-after playback singers of her time. She also performed in numerous concerts and gave several international performances, including at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

MS was known for her soulful renditions of classical and devotional songs, and her music was deeply rooted in spirituality. She was also known for her ability to sing in several languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and Sanskrit.

Awards and Honors:

MS Subbulakshmi received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1954, she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest award for performing artists. She was the first musician to receive the award. In 1968, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. In 1974, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

In 1998, MS was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia's highest civilian award. The award recognized her contributions to music and her commitment to social causes. She was the first Indian musician to receive the award.

In 2001, MS was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. She was the first musician to receive the award.

Legacy

MS Subbulakshmi's legacy as a musician and singer has had a profound impact on Indian classical music. She is regarded as one of the greatest Carnatic musicians of all time and is known for her unique style of singing. Her music was deeply rooted in spirituality, and her performances were often described as divine.

MS was also known for her philanthropic work. She was actively involved in several social causes, including the fight against leprosy and the promotion of education for women. She donated her earnings from her concerts and recordings to various charitable organizations.