Lalgudi G. Jayaraman

Lalgudi G. Jayaraman was born on September 17, 1930 to Gopala Iyer and Savithri Ammal at Lalgudi. His lineage traces directly to Rama Iyer, a direct disciple of Thyagaraja.

He received initial training from his father and paternal uncle Kandaswami Bhagavathar. He received a diploma in vocal music and graduated in violin under his father.

His debut performance was at Perambur Sangeetha Sabha, Chennai in 1947, followed by a performance at the Music Academy, Chennai the next year. Until 1986, he accompanied prominent artistes including G. N. Balasubramaniam and Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhagavathar.

He evolved his own unique style and began giving solo performances, initially with his sister Srimathi Brahmanandam and later with his son G. J. R. Krishnan and daughter J. Vijayalakshmi. He also performed jugalbandis with Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Amjad Ali Khan.

A talented composer, his varnams, tillanas, and pada varnams became popular with musicians and dancers. His honours include Padma Sri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kalaimamani, Asthana Vidwan, Sangeetha Choodamani, and several other titles.