Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916–2006) was a musical virtuoso who elevated the shehnai, a traditional North Indian oboe, to the concert stage, gaining international applause for his lifelong dedication and unique mastery over the instrument. Born into a family of court musicians in Bihar, India, Khan was an early musical prodigy. He was trained under his uncle, the shehnai player Ali Bakksh 'Vilayatu' Khan, at the Vishnu temple in Varanasi, which shaped his spiritual connection to music.

His emotive performances, which beautifully combined the essence of traditional Indian music with his distinctive improvisational skill, have resonated within the halls of the prestigious music festivals around the world. Bismillah Khan's contributions to the Indian classical music scene were profound, attracting listeners from across the globe and frequently drawing them into the depths of the ragas he so lovingly rendered. Bismillah Khan became a national treasure, receiving high honors such as the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2001, honoring his profound impact on the cultural heritage of India. His discography, which includes esteemed titles like "Meeting A Milestone" and "The Shehnai Maestro: Ustad Bismillah Khan," reflects a rich legacy and acts as a testament to his extraordinary life and career. His music continues to inspire and teach future generations about the depth and vibrancy of Indian classical tradition.

Genres

Hindustani Classical

Hindustani Instrumental

Indian Classical

Shehnai

Related Artists

Murad Ali

Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan

Suresh Talwalkar

Ranganayaki Rajagopalan

Jayanthi Kumaresh

Ustad Rais Khan / Ustad Sultan Khan

M.S. Gopalakrishnan

N. Ramani

Shahid Parvez

Girija Devi

Pravin Godkhindi

Ahmed Jan Thirakwa

Latest Release

Ustad Bismillah Khan Live In Concert - Raga Yaman

Traditional•

Bismillah Khan

Single - Released January 26, 2024