Girija Devi, Shoba Gurtu

Girija Devi is one of India's greatest vocalists. One of the last masters of the Purab ang gayaki tradition of the Banares Gharana, Devi has been equally effective singing in the traditional 18th century classical style of khyal as well as semi-classical styles such as thumri, tappa, kajri, dadra, and chaiti. The recipient of the prestigious Padmashree Award from the president of India in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 1989, she has received the Sangeet Natak Academy Awards of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Born in Varanasi (formerly Benares), an ancient cultural/religious center loc...