2018-10-16 Tue

Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar was noted for his powerful voice and majestic style of singing. He was passed away on 15 October 1974.

Chembai was born into a Tamil Brahmin family in Palakkad Kerala. At a very early age, Chembai stormed the music world with his performances in South India. During those performances, he was accompanied regularly by the masters.

His first public performance was in 1904 when he was nine. He was a recipient of several titles and honours. Some of the noteworthy early events like arangetram (debut concert) in Ottapalam in 1904, performances at Vaikom and Guruvayur in 1907 helped him to shape his career. Between 1913 and 1927, he performed at many different music festivals and sabhas, notably including the Madras Music Academy.

To honor him India Post has issued 100 Paisa 1 Rupee postage stamp on 28 August 1996.

Image Source: Mintage World