Tamil Nadu: P S Narayanaswamy, noted carnatic vocalist, dead at 86

CHENNAI: Legendary Carnatic vocalist Puliyur Subramaniam Narayanaswamy, who fostered several musicians including TM Krishna and Ranjani-Gayatri, passed away here on Friday. He was 86.
The Padma Bhushan awardee had trained under maestro Semmangudi Sreenivasa Iyer for a long time and went on to be known for the Semmangudi bani or style that he took forward, while also creating a distinct style of his own.
Fondly known as 'Pichai' to his loved ones, Narayanaswamy was a traditionalist who was popularly accompanied by stalwarts such as violin maestro Pappa Venkataramaiah and mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer. Among his long-term disciples were Kunnakkudi M. Balamuralikrishna and A.S Murali. His loved ones recall his undying love for music even during the times his health gave away.
"As soon as he got a little better following ill health, PSN mama would insist on attending concerts. His whole life was music," says Carnatic musician Nisha Rajagopalan, who trained under Narayanaswamy for two decades.
"He treated us like his own children and grandchildren and even cooked for us sometimes. Although a traditionalist, he always encouraged us to develop and nurture our own styles," she says.
The musician is survived by his wife and three daughters.