Applauded by Dr. KJ Yesudas.
By Sreekanth A. Nair
It was a surprise for the audience at ‘Kairali Gandharva Sandhya’ in Kerala, when American singer Grady Long, born and raised in South Dakota and now settled in Texas, sang ‘Ayiram kannumai kathirunnu ninne njan,’ a super hit Malayalam song in the 90s which is a favorite song of many people even today.
Though Malayalam is considered to be one of the toughest languages to master in the world, the audience were seen enjoying Long’s rendition with immense pleasure. Renowned musician Dr. KJ Yesudas couldn’t contain his excitement and he led the audience in appreciating Long with repeated rounds of hearty applause.
‘Kairali Gandharva Sandhya,’ was held by Kairali television channel to honor Dr. KJ Yesudas. Long came from Texas to attend the function, which he said was one of his favorite songs.
Before singing the song, Long shared with the audience how he learnt it.
“Fifteen years ago, when I married my South Indian-Malayalee wife, we began watching Malayalam movies. Here you would say films. We watched films, many Malayalam films. In those films, there were a number of songs and about a handful of such songs I enjoyed right away. Out of that handful of songs, one song I heard one time and fell in love with it instantly. Over the years I have grown to love it more,” he said.
Jerry Amaldev, the veteran Malayalam music director who composed the song was also present at the stage when Long was performing.
“I am truly astounded at the courage with which you have done this job,” Amaldev said. “A part of the song is what it is, is because your country has a little share in it. As a student of music, I learned harmony and counterpoint particularly at Cornell University for a number of years,” he added.
According to his official website, Long was born in a small town in South Dakota to a musically gifted family of Irish and Norwegian descent. He began singing and performing in public at the age of 4 while traveling with his family across the US. Growing up he found that he greatly enjoyed many genres of American and World music.
He moved to Nashville, TN at the age of 20 to begin singing and playing guitar professionally with multiple artists. After getting married, his appreciation for Bollywood and Carnatic musical styles grew into a strong desire and passion for performing them.
Grady brings his own style of singing and performance to Indian music. He enjoys creating new sounds by adding a distinct flare to the fusion of eastern and western musical styles while maintaining a deep respect and love for more traditional Indian music, says his website.
Watch him perform ‘Ayiram kannumai kathirunnu ninne njan’.
3 Comments
Out of this world! Simply superb!
Music by an Angel….
Thank you so much for Mr Nair and American Bazaar for this lovely article on my husband.
great singing, great video, great article.. Sreekanth.. hats off!