Birth of Kumar Gandharva

Kumar Gandharva (born Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath on April 8, 1924, in Sulebhavi near Belgaum, Karnataka) was one of the most innovative and influential Hindustani classical vocalists of the 20th century. A child prodigy, he gave his first concert at age nine. After battling tuberculosis that confined him for years, he developed a revolutionary singing style that broke conventions, drawing inspiration from folk music traditions of Malwa. His interpretations of Kabir's poetry and nirguni bhajans are legendary. He is regarded as one of the greatest Indian musicians of all time.