Legendary TTD Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passes Away!

Renowned music composer, classical singer, and TTD court scholar Garimella Balakrishna Prasad passed away at his home in Tirupati at 76. He is widely remembered for his contributions to devotional and classical music, particularly his popularization of Annamacharya kirtans.

Garimella joined the TTD Annamayya project as a singer in 1976. He dedicated his life to composing, recording, and publishing Annamayya’s kirtans. His service came to an end in 2006. His immense contribution to Indian classical music was recognized with the prestigious Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award.

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad was instrumental in introducing the Sankirtana Yajna process in Telugu. Through Bhakti TV’s Hari Sankirtana, he trained many disciples and performed thousands of concerts worldwide. Despite being the nephew of famous playback singer S. Janaki and receiving film opportunities, he remained committed to classical music and devotional service.

Garimella’s record-breaking feat of singing 300 kirtans nonstop and composing over 600 Annamayya kirtans set him apart. With over 6,000 concerts to his credit, he was also the lead singer in the historic Lakhsha Galarchana organized by Silicon Andhra at the Secunderabad Parade Ground. This event entered the Guinness Book of World Records.

The TTD has published several of his works, preserving his invaluable contributions for future generations.