G.N.Balasubramaniam (Jan. 6th, 1910 - May 1st,1965)

As a university graduate, G N Balasubramaniam turned his back on more lucrative professions and instead, risked a career in music. Popularly known as G N B, the first and arguably the most famous acronym in Carnatic music. He developed a style of singing that symbolized the energy and exuberance of youth. He swayed the minds of the pundits and layman alike through the rich timbre of his voice and his immense repertoire. He was peerless in his style of raga elaboration and middle tempo rendering coupled with his inimitable style. He carried his handsome personality laden with music virtuoso with ease and grace!

The fast rolls, spirals and flashes that characterised his music became instantly popular, building up a large following. Besides this individuality, GNB also brought in an intellectual element into his art. A strong believer and supporter of innovation, he experimented new possibilities but without affecting time honoured values  of the Carnatic tradition, thus becoming a trendsetter. His disciples who whole heartedly emulated him have carried on his crusade. Besides being a concert musician; he was a composer, a music producer in AIR and the principal of a music college.                                                                                           

His Vivacious style attracted the young and also the connoisseurs. Most aspiring musicians even today want to follow his style.  Many of his disciples like Smt. ML Vasanthakumari, Shri TR Balasubramaniam, Shri S Kalyanaraman to name a few, became popular artists even in his lifetime.  Even his grand disciples such as Smt Radha & Smt Jayalakshmi were also famous concert artistes during his lifetime.  This is not a mean achievement. Shri Trissur V Ramachandran was the last direct disciple of the great master and is still the torch bearer of the GNB bani. Today there are numerous great grand disciples and other artistes adopting the GNB bani in the delivery of their concerts.