M. S. Subbulakshmi: The legacy of a Carnatic music icon

Renowned Carnatic vocalist M. S. Subbulakshmi is remembered for her profound impact on Indian classical music. Born in Madurai on December 16, she demonstrated an early passion for music, reportedly practicing with a handmade paper microphone inspired by gramophones.

Subbulakshmi gave her first stage performance at the age of eight during the Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam, and her first recorded song was released when she was approximately ten years old. She received musical training from Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas, later studying at the Madras Music Academy.

Her talent earned the admiration of prominent Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Gandhi expressed deep appreciation for her voice, while Nehru referred to her as the ‘queen of music’. Beyond her artistry, she contributed a portion of her earnings to the Kasturba Foundation.