Indian classical music is an oral tradition, passed down through generations via the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The 20th century saw the emergence of vocalists who not only mastered these ancient traditions but brought them to the masses through radio, records, and global tours. For any student in our online Hindustani music class, listening to these masters is as important as daily Riyaaz.
Here is a tribute to 10 of the greatest Indian classical singers whose voices defined an era.
1. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (1922–2011)
The colossus of the Kirana Gharana. Pt. Bhimsen Joshi possessed a voice of incredible power, range, and emotional depth. He is celebrated for his profound Khayal renditions and intensely devotional Abhangs and Bhajans. His rendition of 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' united the nation.
2. Ustad Amir Khan (1912–1974)
The founder of the Indore Gharana, Ustad Amir Khan revolutionized Hindustani music. He introduced a highly intellectual, meditative, and unhurried style of singing (Ati-Vilambit Laya). His focus on pure emotion and structure over showmanship makes him a singer's singer.
3. M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916–2004)
The supreme voice of Carnatic music and the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Her voice was pure devotion incarnate. Her rendition of the 'Suprabhatam' and 'Vishnu Sahasranamam' still echoes in millions of South Indian homes every morning.
4. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (1902–1968)
Often referred to as the 'Tansen of the 20th century,' he brought the Patiala Gharana to unmatched heights. His voice had the flexibility of a gymnast and the sweetness of honey. He famously brought emotional accessibility to classical music, blending Khayal with the lighter Thumri style.
5. Kishori Amonkar (1932–2017)
The reigning queen of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Kishori Ji was known for her uncompromising dedication to the emotional essence (Rasa) of a raga. Her singing was deeply spiritual, avant-garde, and often defied rigid Gharana rules in the pursuit of pure expression.
6. Pandit Jasraj (1930–2020)
The doyen of the Mewati Gharana. Pt. Jasraj had a crystalline, three-and-a-half octave voice that retained its sweetness even at the highest pitches. He popularized the 'Haveli Sangeet' and brought a unique blend of Bhakti (devotion) and classical rigour to the stage.
7. Begum Akhtar (1914–1974)
The 'Mallika-e-Ghazal' (Queen of Ghazals). While she was a master of Khayal, it was her rendering of semi-classical forms—Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazal—that made her immortal. Her voice carried a unique 'crack' that conveyed unbearable heartbreak and longing.
8. Pandit Kumar Gandharva (1924–1992)
A true rebel of Hindustani music. After losing one lung to tuberculosis, he rebuilt his entire singing technique. He refused to be bound by any single Gharana, heavily incorporating folk elements (Nirguni Bhajans of Kabir) into his classical repertoire.
9. Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna (1930–2016)
A child prodigy and a maverick genius of Carnatic music. He not only sang with unparalleled technical virtuosity but also created several new ragas and complex talas. His voice was robust, vibrant, and incredibly agile.
10. Gangubai Hangal (1913–2009)
A stalwart of the Kirana Gharana, known for her deep, powerful, and masculine (androgynous) voice quality. Overcoming immense societal prejudice against female musicians of her era, she maintained the austere, unadorned purity of classical Khayal singing throughout her life.
Learn from the Masters
To truly understand music, you must immerse yourself in the recordings of these legends. At Sukoon Music Academy, our online singing classes incorporate listening sessions to help students analyze and absorb the techniques of these great masters. Book your free trial class to start your classical journey today.
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