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Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (9 November 1948 – 9 March 2025) was an Indian classical vocalist and composer renowned for his devotional music in the Carnatic tradition. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, he was a distinguished exponent of Annamacharya compositions and contributed significantly to the preservation and popularization of Telugu devotional music.Prasad served as Asthana Vidwan (resident musician) at several prominent religious institutions, including theTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD),Ahobilam temple, and theKanchi Kamakoti Peetham.[1][2] He was associated with TTD’s Annamacharya Project as a Special Grade Vocal Artiste from 1978 to 2006, playing a pivotal role in reviving and rendering the saint-poet Annamacharya's works for contemporary audiences.[3]In recognition of his contributions to Carnatic music, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2020.
Prasad was regarded as a pioneer in composing and rendering Annamacharya Sankeerthanas in various Indian musical genres like classical, semi-classical, light and folk styles. He composed tunes for the lyrics of nearly 1400 songs composed by various poets. Of these nearly 1000 of them wereAnnamacharya sankirtanas. To mention a few most popular sankeerthanas set to tune by Sri Prasad areVinaro Bhagyamu Vishnukatha,Jagadapu Chanavula,Vachenu Alamelumanga,Tiruveedhula Merasi,Choodaramma Satulaala,Jayalakhmi Varalakshmi,Aadimoolame maaku angaraksha,Mangambudhi Hamumantha,Antayu neeve,Yemani pogadudume,Annimantramulu andPidikita Thalambrala.
New raagas by Garimella Balakrishna Prasad in his own handwriting
Prasad joined the Annamacharya Project after completing his diploma in Carnatic classical vocal music, in 1978 as a vocal artist. The project established to promote Annamacharya's music and literature, soon became the medium through which he was able to bring forth his musical prowess. From the inception till his retirement in 2006, he remained the principal exponent of Annamacharya Project.[4]
