Ananda Shankar

Ananda Shankar was the undisputed king of Indian fusion music in the 1970s. The sitar virtuoso brought a fresh, innovative approach to blending traditional Indian classical music with modern Western sounds, long before it was trendy to do so. Hailing from a family of musical legends, including his uncle Ravi Shankar, Ananda had music in his blood.

With his iconic album "Ananda Shankar" released in 1970, he mesmerized audiences worldwide with his psychedelic sitar solos and funky rhythms. Tracks like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Snow Flower" showcased his ability to seamlessly weave together traditional ragas with elements of pop, rock and jazz.

Ananda's music was ahead of its time, pushing boundaries and redefining what Indian music could sound like. His influence can be heard in the work of artists like Talvin Singh, Karsh Kale and DJ Shadow, who have all drawn inspiration from his groundbreaking compositions.

Despite his immense talent and musical contributions, Ananda never quite achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of his Western counterparts. But for those in the know, his music remains a timeless treasure, a fusion of cultural influences that continues to captivate listeners to this day.

So, let's raise a glass to Ananda Shankar, the unsung hero of Indian fusion music, whose sitar strings continue to echo through the halls of music history. Cheers to the man who showed us that sometimes the most groundbreaking sounds can come from where you least expect them.