For those specialising in SPB songs, the legend was life and livelihood

Coimbatore: For the city-based performing artists, singer

S P Balasubrahmanyam

was not just a role model but someone who ensured livelihoods.

Those who specialise in singing SPB’s songs say it was by singing his songs that they found both identity as an artist and a means to sustain their families.

“I was born in a poor household. Today, I’m married and settled. My kids go to school. I could afford all this mainly because of the income I get by singing SPB sir’s songs on stage,” says R Pradeep, choked with emotion. “Music lovers recognise me by my first name, all because of SPB sir’s songs,” says the singer, who has been performing for the last 25 years.

M Ram, who has been performing SPB’s songs for two decades, agrees. “It’s not an exaggeration to say our livelihoods are based on SPB sir’s voice.”

Though untrained, the flair with which SPB traversed genres including classical, motivated them to become singers, the singers say.

While large audiences expect peppy and quick numbers, they made an exception for SPB, says Pradeep. “We would be singing fast-paced songs and there would be a request to sing the melodious ‘

Kaadhalin Deepam Ondru

’. When we start the song’s humming prelude, the trickle of clapping would give way to roaring applause.”

While audience often request SPB’s soothing numbers such as ‘

Kamban Emandhaan

’, ‘Vaan Nila Nila Alla’ and ‘Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe’, he was versatile in all genres and brought out emotions such as valour and pathos, the singers say. Speaking of the Coimbatore’s love for the legend, the singers recall an event held here last year, where SPB shared the stage with composer Ilayaraja. “The three-hour show went on for five-hours due to audience’s requests and enthusiasm,” says Ram.

N Rajan, who runs Raj Melodies, a music troupe in the city, says the band members worked with SPB to conduct programmes across the state. “He encouraged all singers and musicians. He was never late for rehearsal. He always sang his songs in the same scale they were first recorded.”

On Saturday, 30 singers came together at Rajan’s studio to pay tributes to SPB. They performed his pathos-filled numbers such as ‘Unna Nenachen Paattu Padichen’, ‘Paadi Parandha Kili’, ‘Kaadhal Rojave’ and ‘Nilave Va’, for one-and-half-hour.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.