Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh (1933–2020) is an Hindustani classical vocalist. Known for contributions to Hindustani classical music, performance, teaching, and repertoire building.

Bhai Sahib Ji was fortunate to learn dhrupad from the legendary Pandit Nathu Ram, a student of Ustad Bhai Boota Singh and Ustad Baba Shardha Singh. Bhai Balbir Singh Ji learnt Gurbani kirtan from his elder uncle Bhai Sohan Singh Ragi of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar. Bhai Sahib Ji also has been fortunate to study from the legendary Ustad Bhai Arjan Singh Tarangar, Pandit Krishnarao Pandit (Khayal), Ustad Habibuddin Khan (tabla) and Gyani Gyan Singh Almast (jal-tarang). Bhai Sahib Ji is also a very talented Dilruba player having studied from his father. Bhai Balbir Singh Ji also considers Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and Pandit Dilip Chandra Vedi as his mentors.

Bhai Balbir Singh Ji sang Gurbani kirtan at Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar for 36 years from 1955 till 1991. Bhai Sahib Ji remembers nearly three thousand Shabads of Gurbani and can sing in over two hundred ragas. Since, his retirement he has continued to sing throughout the country and recorded nearly 30 albums. Bhai Balbir Singh Ji is one of the last remaining links to the original Gurbani kirtan parampara, of the Golden Temple, Amritsar.

* Sangeet Natak Academy Award 2012