Today the phones made their mark. From a trickle to a steady stream - It's great to know that our listeners are starting to find us. Today was top Friday's 'pick of the week' and I got to play Raffi Sahib - a favorite of mine and a classic example of what we call the Evergreen Singer.
"Tu kahin aas paas hai dost" (You are some where around, my friend) - the last song sung by Mohammed Rafi sums up what millions of music lovers feel about this legendary playback singer
He was among the most imitated singers of Indian cinema, passed away on July 31, 1980 at the age of 56. Even some of the other legendary singers like Mahendra Kapoor and the south's K.J. Yesudas all count Rafi Sahib as a major inspiration to their own work.
Much has been written about his versatility - and he recorded about 26,000 songs in his lifetime. Music director Ravi who brought us some of Rafi's biggets hits like "Chaudahvin Ka Chand" (title song, 1960), "Choo Lene Do Naazuk Hothon Ko" ("Kajal", 1965) and "Bhari Duniya Mein Aa kar Dil" ("Do Badan", 1966) said "There was never a singer and never will there be another like him. I challenge any singer today to do a repeat of anything that Rafisaab did,"
Having Band Baja back on the air is great. The station is a pleasure to work in and we are thrilled to be back with a 'bang' I missed it
