Ravi Shankar, born Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury on April 7, 1920, and who passed away on December 11, 2012, was a seminal figure in the popularization of Indian classical music in the western world. A virtuoso of the sitar, Shankar's musical journey spanned over eight decades, wherein he not only composed extensively for the sitar but also collaborated with numerous international artists, thereby bridging cultural divides through music. Shankar began his performing career as a dancer in the troupe of his brother Uday Shankar but eventually shifted his focus to the sitar. Under the tutelage of Allauddin Khan, he mastered the instrument and went on to work as a composer, creating scores for ballets, films, and orchestras.

Ravi Shankar's international fame soared during the 1960s when he became associated with Beatle George Harrison and appeared at the Monterey Pop and Woodstock festivals, which was a testament to his global appeal. His discography includes a myriad of recordings that highlight his virtuosic playing and contributions to both Indian music and cross-cultural collaborations. His works often sought to introduce the depth of Indian classical music to the western audience, and albums like "West Meets East" symbolized his dedication to this cross-cultural exchange. Shankar's influence extended well beyond the music world, as he frequently engaged in social and political issues, and served as a member of the upper chamber of the Parliament of India. He was the recipient of numerous accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. His legacy is carried on by his daughters, Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar, who have both carved their niche in the music industry. Ravi Shankar remains an enduring icon of world music, remembered for his profound artistry and his pioneering role in connecting diverse musical traditions.

Genres

Hindustani Classical

Indian Classical

Sitar

Related Artists

Zakir Hussain

George Harrison

Anoushka Shankar

Shivkumar Sharma

Hariprasad Chaurasia

Ali Akbar Khan

Yehudi Menuhin

Vilayat Khan

Philip Glass

L. Subramaniam

John McLaughlin

Nikhil Banerjee

Latest Release

Classical Instrumental SITAR

Ravi Shankar

Album - 12 Tracks - Released May 17, 2024