Ms Subbulakshmi (1916-2004) was an Indian Carnatic vocalist, musician, and composer. She was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Subbulakshmi was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, to veena player Shanmukavadiver Ammal and Subramania Iyer. Subbulakshmi was a child prodigy and began training in Carnatic music under her mother and later under eminent musicians such as Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. In 1936, she made her debut at the Madras Music Academy and went on to become one of the most acclaimed Carnatic vocalists of the 20th century. She also performed Hindustani classical music, devotional songs, and traditional music. She recorded several albums and also wrote and composed music for plays and movies. Subbulakshmi was well known for her humanitarian work and was associated with various charitable organizations. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and was a strong advocate for the rights of the economically and socially disadvantaged. Her music and her life continue to be an inspiration to many.
Early Life
The incredible story of India’s first female superstar, Ms Subbulakshmi, begins in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Born on September 16th, 1916, Ms Subbulakshmi was the daughter of Shanmukavadiver Ammal, a classical musician and vocalist, and Subramania Iyer, an accountant. At an early age, Ms Subbulakshmi was exposed to the Carnatic style of music and showed an aptitude for learning. When she was only 10 years old, she began giving stage performances and became an instant hit. Her rise to fame happened soon after when she gave her first public performance at the Madras Music Academy in 1929. In the following years, Ms Subbulakshmi performed extensively all over India and abroad, captivating audiences with her melodious voice and captivating stage presence. Ms Subbulakshmi’s contribution to Indian music remains unparalleled and she is still revered as one of the most influential female musicians of all time.
Musical Training and Career
Ms. Subbulakshmi was born into a musical family in 1916 and received her early training in Carnatic music from her mother, Shanmukhavadivu. She went on to become one of the most celebrated Carnatic vocalists of all time. She began her professional career in 1936 and soon gained immense popularity in South India. Ms. Subbulakshmi was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was also the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. Ms. Subbulakshmi has also released several albums, including her signature Kurai Ondrum Illai. Her music has a timeless appeal that continues to be appreciated by music lovers around the world. She has been an inspiration to countless aspiring musicians, and her work will forever be remembered as one of the greatest contributions to Indian classical music.
Contributions to Carnatic Music
In a career spanning over six decades, the legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi is widely credited for bringing the Carnatic music tradition to the masses. Her unique style of singing, coupled with her deep understanding of the ragas, has made her one of the most celebrated singers of all time. Subbulakshmi’s contribution to Carnatic music is unparalleled, and her impact on the genre is still felt today.
Subbulakshmi’s mastery of Carnatic music is evident from her numerous performances, records, and awards. She was the first Indian musician to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. Subbulakshmi’s repertoire included a wide array of traditional Carnatic compositions, as well as her own compositions and improvisations. Her renditions of the works of Tyagaraja, Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri are considered some of the finest ever recorded.
Subbulakshmi was also instrumental in popularizing Carnatic music among the masses. She popularized the genre by performing at large public events and concerts, and her recordings were broadcast on the radio. In addition, she also composed music for films, a trend that has since become commonplace in the Carnatic music world.
Subbulakshmi’s legacy in Carnatic music is undeniable. Her influence in the genre can still be felt, and her works continue to inspire generations of musicians. Her contributions to Indian music will be remembered for many years to come.
Personal Life and Legacy
The personal life and legacy of Ms Subbulakshmi is one of the most inspiring examples of a successful and influential artist in the modern age. Born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu in 1916, she was a legendary Indian Carnatic musician and playback singer. She was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1998.
Ms Subbulakshmi’s career spanned over seven decades and she had a profound influence on the development of Carnatic music. She was a master of both vocal and instrumental music and she was known for her melodious and powerful voice. Throughout her career, she performed in concerts both in India and abroad and she sang in several languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Bengali, and English.
Ms Subbulakshmi’s legacy has been celebrated around the world. In India, she is often referred to as “The Nightingale of India”. She was a mentor to many young musicians and her recordings have been preserved in the archives of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the National Film Archive of India. Her life and work continue to be a source of inspiration for generations of music lovers.
Awards and Recognition
Awarded with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1998, M.S. Subbulakshmi was an iconic Carnatic vocalist who redefined the traditional Carnatic music form. Her illustrious career spanned seven decades and earned her several awards and accolades, both national and international. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award. She was also the first Indian musician to be awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi title by the Madras Music Academy. In 1974, she became the first Indian to be awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. In addition to these awards, she was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954 and Padma Shri in 1966. She has also been bestowed with numerous honorary doctorates from universities in India and abroad. Subbulakshmi’s achievements have not only pushed the boundaries of Carnatic music but have also made her the most respected and revered musicians in India.
Later Years and Death
The later years of the legendary Carnatic vocalist, Ms. Subbulakshmi, were filled with accomplishments and accolades. She was conferred the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974 for her outstanding contributions to Indian Classical music. This award is often considered to be the Nobel Prize of Asia. In 1998, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Ms. Subbulakshmi also had an illustrious career in film and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1975 for her contributions to the Indian film industry.
Unfortunately, Ms. Subbulakshmi passed away in December 2004 due to a cardiac arrest. Her death was met with nation-wide mourning and her funeral was attended by many dignitaries, including the Indian President. She left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Carnatic musicians to come. With her brilliant performances, Ms. Subbulakshmi has been immortalized as one of the greatest singers of all time.
FAQs About the Ms Subbulakshmi Biography
1. Who is MS Subbulakshmi?
MS Subbulakshmi was an Indian Carnatic singer, musician and composer. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
2. What style of music did MS Subbulakshmi sing?
MS Subbulakshmi was a renowned Carnatic musician, which is a form of Indian classical music. She was known for her soulful renditions of the compositions of Carnatic and Hindustani music composers.
3. What awards did MS Subbulakshmi receive?
MS Subbulakshmi was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was also bestowed with the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She also received the Magsaysay Award in 1974.
Conclusion
Ms. M. S. Subbulakshmi was an Indian singer and composer known for her soulful and melodious voice. She was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu and rose to fame with her powerful renditions of Carnatic music. Her most famous works include her renditions of the Bhagavad Gita, Meera Bhajans, Kurai Onrum Illai and more. She was also awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1998. Ms. Subbulakshmi was a great artist who brought a unique beauty and emotion to her music and left an indelible mark on Indian classical music. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.
