K. J. Yesudas, a name synonymous with melodious versatility and a living legend in Indian music, has captivated millions of hearts worldwide. Born on January 10, 1940, in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India, Kattassery Joseph Yesudas, commonly known as K. J. Yesudas, has been a dominant figure in the Indian music industry for over five decades. His journey, rich in musical exploits and spiritual depth, is not just a tale of personal triumph but a reflection of the changing landscape of Indian music.
This biography seeks to delve into the life and musical odyssey of Yesudas, a voice that transcends boundaries of language, religion, and region and resonates with the soulful yearning of countless listeners. Through his eclectic body of work spanning film scores, classical renditions, and devotional hymns, Yesudas has become an irreplaceable icon in the cultural tapestry of India. As we explore his beginnings, career milestones, challenges, and legacies, we embark on a journey that reveals as much about the power of music as it does about this extraordinary artist’s life.
K. J. Yesudas: Early Life and Childhood
Here are some key points about K. J. Yesudas’s early life and childhood:
Birth and Family Background:
His parents were Augustine Joseph (a well-known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor) and Elizabeth Joseph
He hails from a Latin Catholic Christian family.
Siblings:
Yesudas was the second of seven children.
His elder sister was named Pushpa.
He had four younger brothers: Antony (Antappan), Babu, Mani, and Justin.
Tragically, both Pushpa and Babu passed away due to fever at a young age.
Justin, the youngest brother, died under mysterious circumstances in February 2020
Musical Influence:
Growing up in a family with a musical legacy, Yesudas was exposed to music from an early age.
His father’s influence played a significant role in shaping his musical journey.
Education and Training:
Yesudas joined the Music Academy in Thrippunithura for formal music training.
Emergence as a Singer:
Yesudas started performing in public at a young age, showcasing his remarkable talent.
His journey from Kochi to becoming one of India’s greatest playback singers began during these formative years.
KJ Yesudas Birthday
K. J. Yesudas: Full Information
Attribute
Information
Full Name
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas
Nick Name
Yesudas, Ganagandharvan
Birth Date
January 10, 1940
Age
84 (as of 2024)
Place of Birth
Fort Kochi, Kerala, India
Nationality
Indian
Profession
Playback Singer, Musician
Height
1.73 m
Weight
72 kg
Eye Color
Black
Hair Color
Black (mostly gray due to age)
Gender
Male
Religion
Christianity
Languages Spoken
Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and others
K. J. Yesudas: Family Members Name
Family Member
Relation
Prabha
Wife
Vinod Yesudas
Son
Vijay Yesudas
Son
Vishal Yesudas
Son
Elizabeth Yesudas
Daughter-in-Law
Darshana Yesudas
Daughter-in-Law
Avanthika Yesudas
Granddaughter
Aishwarya Yesudas
Granddaughter
k j yesudas family photos
K. J. Yesudas: Education & Qualification
Level of Education
Institution or Qualification
Schooling
Not Widely Publicized
Music Education
Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Further Training
Studied under renowned musicians like K. R. Kumaraswamy Iyer and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
What is K. J. Yesudas known for? Yesudas is renowned for his playback singing in Indian cinema, particularly in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi languages.
How many songs has K. J. Yesudas sung? He is estimated to have sung over 50,000 songs across various languages.
What are some of K. J. Yesudas’s most famous songs? Some of his notable songs include “Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara,” “Harivarasanam,” and “Kanneer Poovinte.”
What awards has K. J. Yesudas received? He has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and multiple National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
Which languages can K. J. Yesudas sing in? Yesudas is versatile in many languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, and Odia.
Has K. J. Yesudas contributed to music outside of India? Yes, he has performed globally and is known for his contributions to world music.
Is K. J. Yesudas still active in singing? As of my last update, he was still active, contributing to various projects and concerts.
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