K. J. Yesudas Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas, popularly known as K. J. Yesudas, is a legendary Indian playback singer, classical musician, and composer, revered as the “Gaanagandharvan” (Celestial Singer). With a career spanning over five decades, he has recorded more than 50,000 songs in multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and even Russian, Arabic, and Latin. Known for devotional hymns, classical kirtanas, and romantic playback hits, Yesudas is considered one of the greatest voices in Indian music history.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Kattassery Joseph Yesudas
- Date of Birth: 10 January 1940
- Birthplace: Fort Kochi, Kerala, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer, Classical Vocalist, Composer
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Parents: Augustine Joseph (stage singer & actor), Alicia Yesudas
- Spouse: Prabha Yesudas
- Children: Vijay Yesudas (playback singer), Vinod Yesudas, Vishal Yesudas
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 75 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey/white)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Yesudas was born into a Christian family in Fort Kochi, Kerala. His father, Augustine Joseph, was a well-known stage singer and actor who introduced him to music. He trained in Carnatic music under K. R. Kumaraswamy Iyer and later honed his skills at the Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram.
Despite financial struggles, Yesudas’s dedication to music helped him emerge as one of the most respected singers of his time.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Debut & Early Career
K. J. Yesudas began playback singing in 1961 with the Malayalam film Kalpadukal. His soulful voice quickly made him a favorite in Malayalam cinema, and soon he spread his wings to Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films.
Bollywood Success
Though primarily a South Indian singer, Yesudas also found fame in Bollywood with unforgettable tracks such as:
- Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara (Chitchor, 1976)
- Dil Ke Tukde Tukde Karke (Dada, 1979)
- Surmayee Ankhiyon Mein (Sadma, 1983)
- Aap Ki Mehki Hui (Trishul, 1978)
Devotional & Classical Singing
Yesudas is equally renowned for bhajans, devotional albums, and Carnatic classical concerts. His renditions of Tyagaraja krithis and Ayyappa devotional songs remain immensely popular.
International Contributions
Yesudas has sung in Arabic, English, Latin, and Russian, bringing Indian music to global audiences. He has performed at venues like the United Nations and continues to be celebrated worldwide.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Shri (1975)
- Padma Bhushan (2002)
- Padma Vibhushan (2017) – India’s second-highest civilian award.
- 8 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer – a record in India.
- 5 State Awards (Kerala) for Best Playback Singer – multiple times.
- Numerous Filmfare and state-level awards.
- Honored with the title “Asthana Gayakan” (official singer) of Kerala by the Kerala government.
Personal Life
K. J. Yesudas married Prabha Yesudas, and they have three sons – Vijay Yesudas (a popular playback singer), Vinod, and Vishal. Despite being a devout Christian, Yesudas has sung countless Hindu devotional songs, emphasizing the universality of music.
Legacy & Influence
Yesudas’s legacy is unparalleled. With his command over classical ragas, devotional depth, and playback versatility, he is regarded as the voice of spirituality and romance in Indian music. His songs transcend religion, language, and generations, making him one of the most respected cultural icons of India.
FAQs
1. What was K. J. Yesudas’s first playback song?
His debut was in the Malayalam film Kalpadukal (1961).
2. How many National Awards has Yesudas won?
He has won 8 National Awards, the highest for any playback singer.
3. Has K. J. Yesudas received Padma awards?
Yes – Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2017).
4. Does Yesudas sing only in Malayalam?
No, he has sung in over 15 Indian and foreign languages.
5. Why is Yesudas called “Gaanagandharvan”?
Because of his divine, heavenly voice that earned him the title “Celestial Singer.”
