Ravi Shankar 1920-2012

Ravi Shankar has passed away aged 92, in San Diego with hisfamily at his side. His effect on music will be everlasting. A sitar virtuoso,Shankar is widely credited with bringing Indian music and culture to a worldwideaudience.

'Although it is a time for sorrow and sadness, it is also atime for all of us to give thanks and to be grateful that we were able to havehim as a part of our lives. He will live forever in our hearts and in hismusic.' - Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar

Shankar enjoyed a lifetime of performing, from his childhoodrole in an Indian classical and folk dance troupe, to his last concert onNovember 4th 2012. His prolific recording career began in 1945 when he wrotethe first of over 30 ragas. His latest album, The Living Room Sessions, Part1, received a 2013 Grammy nomination, newsof which reached Shankar the night prior to his surgery. Throughout hislifetime Shankar received numerous awards, including an honoury knighthood andIndia's highest civilian award.

'He is the music and the music is him. He's spent so manyyears of his life practising and playing. Ravi laid down the groundwork forother musicians who were later able to perform all around the world because ofhim.' - George Harrison, in his foreword to RAGA MALA

George Harrison learnt sitar from Shankar, which began alifelong friendship. They worked together on a number of projects including TheConcert for Bangladesh in 1971, which raised awareness of the plight of theBengalis and set a precedent for future charity concerts. This appearance,along with the Woodstock and Monterey festivals, elevated Shankar to stardom inthe Western world, which he used to establish a new audience for Indian musicthat continues to flourish today.

Genesis are deeply honoured to have worked with RaviShankar. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Donations to the Ravi Shankar Foundation can be made online at JustGive.org.