Musician. He introduced the mystical music sounds of the East to the West (notably the sitar) during the 1960s and was influential to a host of artists including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Born into a Bengali family, his older brother moved to Paris to form a dance company when Ravi was ten years old. After his sibling established himself, Ravi joined him in Europe and received an education as he saw a bevy of music from other cultures. After returning to India when he was eighteen, he began to master the sitar and became verse in classical music. He formed the National Chamber Orchestra, while making a name for himself on Indian radio and films. Shankar's reputation grew as he toured various parts of the world. When George Harrison was looking to expand his musical talents, he enlisted Shankar to teach him the sitar. Prior to meeting Shankar, Harrison had used a sitar on The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" (1965). Individually, Harrison became enthralled with the Indian culture and spirituality. The Rolling Stones scored a number one hit with "Paint It Black" (1966), which featured the sitar playing of Brian Jones. Shankar had a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and when George Harrison was putting together the benefit Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, Shankar offered his services. During the course of his career, he received multiple Grammy Awards and co-shared an Oscar nomination for his efforts on "Gandhi" (1982). His daughter Norah Jones went on to become an accomplished singer.
Musician. He introduced the mystical music sounds of the East to the West (notably the sitar) during the 1960s and was influential to a host of artists including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Born into a Bengali family, his older brother moved to Paris to form a dance company when Ravi was ten years old. After his sibling established himself, Ravi joined him in Europe and received an education as he saw a bevy of music from other cultures. After returning to India when he was eighteen, he began to master the sitar and became verse in classical music. He formed the National Chamber Orchestra, while making a name for himself on Indian radio and films. Shankar's reputation grew as he toured various parts of the world. When George Harrison was looking to expand his musical talents, he enlisted Shankar to teach him the sitar. Prior to meeting Shankar, Harrison had used a sitar on The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" (1965). Individually, Harrison became enthralled with the Indian culture and spirituality. The Rolling Stones scored a number one hit with "Paint It Black" (1966), which featured the sitar playing of Brian Jones. Shankar had a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and when George Harrison was putting together the benefit Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, Shankar offered his services. During the course of his career, he received multiple Grammy Awards and co-shared an Oscar nomination for his efforts on "Gandhi" (1982). His daughter Norah Jones went on to become an accomplished singer.
Bio by: C.S.
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