T. V. Sankaranarayanan, (7 March 1945 – 2 September 2022) was an Indian Carnatic vocalist (South Indian classical singer), known for his music that stems from the style of his guru and maternal-uncle, Madurai Mani Iyer. TVS was awarded the Madras Music Academy's Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 2003. Sankaranarayanan was particularly noted for easily reaching the upper notes. Some of his musical disciples include R. Suryaprakash, his daughter Amruta Sankaranarayanan and his son Mahadevan Sankaranarayanan.

Early life and career

Sankaranarayanan was born in Mayiladuturai of Thanjavur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. His father, Vembu Iyer, was a disciple of vocalist Madurai Mani Iyer; his mother was Mani Iyer's sister. At age nine, Sankaranarayanan started learning music from his uncle ( maamaa ). Sankaranarayanan also learned from his father. He made his debut on the concert platform in 1968 and then gradually established himself as a Carnatic vocalist. He has performed in India and abroad and has several albums. In a profile published in the Financial Express, Subbudu, a music critic, once wrote: "Sankaranarayanan is indeed an asset to the Carnatic music world, where the tribe of good vocalists is dwindling."

Awards and honours

Image Gallery

Stages in concert