Born on February 8, 1881, Indian vocalist and composer Ustad Faiyaz Khan learned to sing from his grandfather Ghulam Abbas Khan, a great musician who was reputed to live to the age of 125.
In 1915, Faiyaz was employed by the Maharaja of Baroda, thus beginning a lifetime residence in the Baroda state (in present-day Gujarat).
His strong voice was said to move listeners to tears with the beauty of his vocal renderings.
He died on November 4, 1950.
A version of this song, झन झन झन झन पायल बाजे (jhan jhan jhan payal baaje), was later recorded by Bollywood film star Lata Mangeshkar in the 1951 film, Buzdil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFtr82lYWMM&ab_channel=SadabaharHDSongs
Though I am not well-versed in the various genres and styles of Indian classical music, the first time I heard Ustad Faiyaz Khan sing, I also was moved.
Recorded in 1936.
Released as Hindusthan H. 355 (Matrix H.S.B. 527/528).
Notes from “Ustad Faiyazkhan: A Living Legend in his Life Time” by Professor S. R. Mehta, The Record News, Vol 12, Oct. 1993.


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