Pure, divine and a truly immortal voice

Picture courtesy: Indiatoday.in

"SP Balasubrahmanyam has been part of 23000 songs" - this was mentioned in a news article I read almost 27 years ago. If he had retired that day, SPB would still have ended with 1000s of songs more than many others. However, it's not just the whopping numbers that is special. The fact that SPB could touch the souls of millions using his divine voice is. He held no barriers with language or age group. He won them all.

Not just the purity of voice, SPB as a personality was hugely loved and admired. Many generations of new singers took inspiration from him. Peers loved him, respected him, adored him and owed him a lot for setting some very high benchmarks and creating a unique identity for singers. I personally know many who wouldn't go-to sleep without listening to his blissful voice. Be it joy, sadness, romance, celebration, inspiration - SPB had a song for every occasion.

People come, people live and people die but there are a few who leave a lasting legacy. These are the ones who make you believe they are alive forever. Balu clearly falls in that category. We don't get to witness song recording sessions for movies, all we remember is SPB on stage shows. The way he presented himself in front of the crowd, the ease at which he could improvise, the sheer amount of joy he generated for everyone - they can only be attributed as God-given. SPB was a gift to the music world.

Rest in peace, SPB. There can never be another like you! You will continue to play an active role in all the playlists people have accumulated over the years. Your voice will continue to echo, will continue to soothe hearts and heal wounds, will continue to fill homes with happiness. Just like the past and the present, the future will continue to look up to you and make you proud with their achievements!

Legend is an understatement!