Garimella Balakrishna Prasad

Indian singer and composer (1948–2025) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (9 November 1948 – 9 March 2025) was an Indian classical devotional singer and composer who was Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2020, T.T.D Asthana Vidwaan and Ahobhilamatam Asthana Vidwaan.[1][2] He served Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam's Annamacharya Project as Special Grade Vocal Artiste from 1978 to 2006.[3]

Quick Facts Background information, Born ...
Garimella Balakrishna Prasad
Background information
Born(1948-11-09)9 November 1948
Rajamundry, Madras Province, India
Died9 March 2025(2025-03-09) (aged 76)
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
GenresCarnatic music
Occupations
  • Classical singer
  • composer
Instruments
Years active1970–2025
AwardsSangeet Natak Akademi Award (2020)
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Prasad was regarded as a pioneer in composing and rendering Annamacharya Sankeerthanas in various Indian musical genres like classical, semi-classical, light and folk styles. He composed tunes for the lyrics of nearly 1400 songs composed by various poets. Of these nearly 1000 of them were Annamacharya sankirtanas. To mention a few most popular sankeerthanas set to tune by Sri Prasad are Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnukatha, Jagadapu Chanavula, Vachenu Alamelumanga, Tiruveedhula Merasi, Choodaramma Satulaala, Jayalakhmi Varalakshmi, Aadimoolame maaku angaraksha, Mangambudhi Hamumantha, Antayu neeve, Yemani pogadudume, Annimantramulu and Pidikita Thalambrala.

Performing career

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New raagas by Garimella Balakrishna Prasad in his own handwriting
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Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Sangeet Natak Akademi

Prasad joined the Annamacharya Project after completing his diploma in Carnatic classical vocal music, in 1978 as a vocal artist. The project established to promote Annamacharya's music and literature, soon became the medium through which he was able to bring forth his musical prowess. From the inception till his retirement in 2006, he remained the principal exponent of Annamacharya Project.[4]

Personal life and death

Prasad was married to G. Radha and had two sons; G. S. Pavana Kumar and G. V. N. Anila Kumar. He was the nephew of playback singer S. Janaki.[5]

Prasad died in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on 9 March 2025, at the age of 76.[6][7]

Discography

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Perspective

Annamacharya Sankeerthanas, T.T.D Recordings

Annamacharya Sankeerthanas, Other recordings

Bibliography

T.T.D. Publications

About Garimella Balakrishna Prasad's contribution to music

References

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