S. Rangasamy Janakiraman (12 July 1928 – 4 September 2026) was an Indian Carnatic vocalist and musicologist. He was a recipient of several awards including the Sangita Kala Acharya (The Music Academy), Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sangeet Natak Academy Award of the Government of India and the Padma Shri.
Life and career Janakiraman started learning music in 1938. His big breakthrough came in 1945 when he joined Kalakshetra and learned music under the guidance of Tiger Varadachari, Budalur Krishnamurthy Sastri, T. K. Ramasami Ayyangar and Kalpagam Swaminathan. He also learned from Musiri Subramanya Ayyar and T Brinda. He was initiated into musicology by P. Sambamurthi and Balakrishna Ayya. Janakiraman died on 4 September 2026, at the age of 98.
Publications Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini – English translation of Lakshana Sangraha and Pracina Paddhati, 2010 Sangita Shastra Saramu – A musicology text in Telugu Raga Lakshanas – A publication of the Music Academy Madras Ragas of Saramrta – A publication of the Music Academy Madras Essentials of Musicology – A short concise text dealing with the key elements of musicology Lakshana Gitas – Editor – A publication of the Music Academy Madras Ragas at a glance – A publication of Carnatica
Papers The significance of the divisions of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Caranam JMAM Desi Suladi of Annamacarya, JMAM Pratimadhyama and its evolution, JMAM
Audio Visual Presentations Varnas through the ages 72-Mela ragamalika of Mahavaidhyanatha Iyer Pearls of South Indian Ragas — A CD from Brhaddhvani
References
Sources
Ragas at a Glance, Biography of the author Essentials of Musicology, Biography of the author
External links Profile