As time flies, it leaves behind a shadow, and in those shadows are the memories of many of Punjab’s musicians. One such figure is Bhai Budh Singh Taan, an accomplished singer who was frequently heard on the airwaves in Punjab. Bhai Budh Singh Taan was born in Gujranwala, located in present day Pakistan, circa 1907.
His talent led him to the prestigious role of Assistant Music Director at the All India Radio station in Lahore. He was adept in many genres, and regularly sang Gurbani Shabads, Dharmak Kavtas and songs in Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. As he gained popularity, his sweet voice graced many records, making him a household name in Punjab. Between 1938-1939, he recorded the complete Asa Di Vaar, Rehras Sahib, Japji Sahib and Anand Sahib.
During this golden era of music, he also recorded memorable duets with renowned singers such as Tamancha Jan, Miss Zohra Bai, Badrunissa Begum and Sham Kaur. These timeless melodies still resonate today.
As the tumultuous times of 1947 approached, he chose to settle around Lucknow-Kanpur, a region that would become his new home. As the years passed, his music began to fade in the background. The changing times and evolving tastes slowly pushed him into obscurity, a fate shared by many who were displaced by the partition.
Despite the passage of time, the legacy of Bhai Budh Singh Taan remains alive in the hearts of those who cherish the music of the past. His records continue to be treasured by collectors and music aficionados, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of Punjabi music.
Unfortunately, there is not much else known about him post-partition. If anyone has more information or recordings of Bhai Budh Singh Taan, please contact us.
The Asa Di Vaar recording below is incomplete. There are a total of twelve records of which we only have five at the moment. The numbering of the recordings below is in sequence of all twelve records. These recordings of Bhai Budh Singh Taan were kindly contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj from Gravesend, United Kingdom. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 09 Har Amrit Bhagat Bhandar Hai
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 10 Sach Saah Hamara
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 11 Hum Kya Gun Tere
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 12 Jiyo Bhaave Tiyo
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 13 Jin Mastak Dhur Har
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 14 Jin Aisa Har Naam
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 15 Tu Har Tera Sabh Ko
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 16 Koyee Gave Raagi Nadi
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 19 Gursikha Man Har Preet
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 20 Gursikha Man Vadhayiya
Rehras Sahib
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 01 Rehras Sahib Part 1
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 02 Rehras Sahib Part 2
Japji Sahib (First half only)
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – Japji Sahib Part 1 & 2
Dharmak Kavta
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 01 Japlo Waheguru Naam
Bhai Budh Singh Taan – 02 Jao Saiyyo Ni Mera Sadke
Another Dharmak Kavta record released by Young India Record Label (DA 5822).