Many great musicians and artists have born in this southern state of India. Karnataka’smusic history is associated with noted singers like Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, Basvaraj Rajguru and Mallikarjun Mansur. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, is one of the gifted Hindustani vocalists today the country has. He hails from the town of Gadag, near Dharwad. Right from his tender age he was inspired by classical music. A master in Kirana Gharana, the octogenarian has appealed masses for his enchanting music that has won him massive critical acclaim.

Another singing legend from Dharwad was Lt. Pandit Mallikariun Mansur, who was known for his range of voice and a repertoire that would revolve around the genres of Khayal and Bhajan.

Born into a family of classical singers, Dr. Gangubai Hangal was another talent from Hangal, a small hamlet in northern Karnataka. She enthralled audiences with her captivating voice and purist renditions of traditional Hindustani music. With singing career spanning more than five decades this singing sensation was an inspirationto all.

Pandit Basavaraj Mahantaswamy Rajguru (1917-1991) was another great exponent of Hindustani classical music from this region. Born in the village of Yeliwal, he was initiated into classical music from an early age of seven. Pandit Kumara Gandharva (1924- 1992) adds to the ensemble of classical singers from Dharwad. Another child prodigy, who began performing at tender age of ten, was best known for his experimentation with ragas and his unique style of rendition. He was prolific composer as well.

Knowing the lead musicians from Karnataka, one can make out the cultural and artistic richness it possesses. With these many training schools in the city the kind of talent pool Karnataka has is an exhilarating factor.

Further south in Bangalore, its fusion that gives the city its unique musical identity. It’s serious business with the likes of Dr. L Subramaniam who has collaborated with legends like Yehudi Menuhin and jazz greats like Stephane Grapelli, Joe Sample and Herbie Hancock. Local musicians ofrepute include Konarak Reddy, ace guitarist with a background in Western Classical and Hindustani music and Amit Heri, the face of jazz in India.

At one time Bangalore’s live bands were a permanent fixture on the social scene.Several musicians started their careers in Bangalore before branching out to other parts of the country. Today’s local rock and pop bands carry the legacy left behind by legends like Freddie Hitchcock, Eddie Saldanha aka Dizzy Sal, Hal and Eddy Greene. Weekend gigs feature local names like Thermal and a Quarter, Angeldust, Cryptic and Kryptos.

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