M. S. Subbulakshmi was one of India's most renowned classical musicians, born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai. She came from a family of musicians, with her grandmother being a violinist and her mother a veena player. Subbulakshmi began learning Carnatic music at a young age under the guidance of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and later trained in Hindustani music with Pandit Narayanrao Vyas. Her career was marked by numerous milestones, including her breakthrough performance at the Madras Music Academy in 1932. She was celebrated for her exquisite voice and mastery of various music genres, earning her the title of "Queen of Music" and "Nightingale of India." Subbulakshmi was also the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.
Throughout her career, Subbulakshmi broke barriers and became a cultural icon. She was not only a singer but also an actress and was supported by influential figures like C. Rajagopalachari and her husband, T. Sadavisam. Her legacy extends beyond her performances, as she contributed significantly to the evolution of Carnatic music and its social context. Despite her passing in 2004, her music remains timeless, and her contributions to Indian classical music continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. The recent releases listed, however, appear to be modern reinterpretations or compilations of her work rather than original releases during her lifetime.
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