Ustad Rashid Khan ~ A Navras Tribute

Today, 9th Jan 2024, the world of Indian classical music lost one of its finest vocalists at a young age of 55. Ustad Rashid Khan was a child prodigy who delivered his debut concert at the age of 11. Born in Badayun, in UP, he received his initial training from his maternal grand uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909~1993), doyen of the Sahaswan-Rampur Gharana, transitioning to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata at the age of 14, where he became a part of the academy. He was a nephew of the renowned vocalist Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan who first recognised his musical talents.

Rashid Khan featured prominently on the Navras Records Catalogue where he had 11 titles including a jugalbandi with the sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez. Some further unreleased performances are in the Navras / Sama Arts Archives now with Sony Music India.

As a tribute to his amazing prowess and repertoire we share with you here a medley of bandishes (compositions) from a selection of his Navras titles, featuring Ragas Deshkar, Gaud Sarang, Marwa, Kedar, Shahana and Bhoopali.