Full Name: Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury
Profession: Musician
Biography: Best known for popularizing the sitar, a stringed musical instrument, and Indian classical music, during the second half of the 20th century. As a composer, he created music for radio, film, and concert settings. His friendships and collaborations with western classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin (West Meets East, 1967), and popular music guitarist George Harrison of the Beatles (Concert for Bangladesh, 1971) exposed his work to wider audiences.
In addition to his work in India, he performed with western orchestras in Moscow, America, and London, as well as festivals such as Montery Pop, and Woodstock. He continued to perform until just weeks before his death at age 92
He won 5 Grammy Awards, and was nominated for an Oscar for his score to the film "Ghandi".
He is the father of musicians Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar.
Born: April 7, 1920
Birthplace: Benares, Benares State, British India
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Aries
Died: December 11, 2012 (aged 92)
Cause of Death: Complications from heart surgery
Historical Events
- 1966-06-01 George Harrison is impressed by sitarist Ravi Shankar's concert in London
- 1969-08-15 Woodstock Festival opens in Bethel, New York on Max Yasgur's Dairy Farm; performers include Richie Havens, Tim Hardin, Ravi Shankar, Melanie, Arlo Guthrie, and Joan Baez
- 1971-08-01 George Harrison's benefit concerts for Bangladesh (2 shows) take place at Madison Square Garden, NYC; performers include Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, and Leon Russell
- 2002-04-13 Rock for the Rainforest benefit concert held at Carnegie Hall, NYC; performers include: Sting, Elton John, James Taylor, Nina Simone, Smokey Robinson, Lulu, Patti Labelle, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar, Jeff Beck, Wynonna Judd, and Rebecca Del Rio
Adam Clayton
Cory Monteith
Donald Glover
Muddy Waters
Ray Charles
Seal