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Sitar Hero Ravi Shankar Dead at 92

'60s icon brought Indian music to the West

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 12, 2012 2:47 AM CST

(Newser) – The Indian sitar maestro George Harrison called the "father of world music" has died in California at the age of 92, Reuters reports. Ravi Shankar was already famous in his homeland when he introduced the Beatles to the sitar, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western music and achieving worldwide fame. He had heart-valve replacement surgery last week, but "his body was not able to withstand the strain," his family said in a statement. He is survived by his wife and his two daughters, fellow sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar and jazz singer Norah Jones.

In this Aug. 3, 1967 photo, George Harrisonsits cross-legged with his musical mentor, Ravi Shankar, in Los Angeles.
In this Aug. 3, 1967 photo, George Harrisonsits cross-legged with his musical mentor, Ravi Shankar, in Los Angeles.   (AP File Photo)
Ravi Shankar performs during the opening day of the Paleo Festival, in Nyon, Switzerland, 2005.
Ravi Shankar performs during the opening day of the Paleo Festival, in Nyon, Switzerland, 2005.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Sandro Campardo, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Libris_Fidelis
Dec 13, 2012 7:14 AM CST
Ravi lived a long and happy life giving pleasure and happiness to millions of people throughout his lifetime.  I just hope I can live to be 91 years old and still have my cognizance as he did!
HANKHILL
Dec 12, 2012 1:31 PM CST
rip!
schmidtkoff
Dec 12, 2012 11:45 AM CST
he was fabulous when i attended a live performance at the eastman theater in the 60's. gosh, i forgot all about him. RIP.
 

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