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Bhai Balbir Singh was born in 1933 in Tarn Taran, Punjab, into a family of Gurmat Sangeet exponents whose lineage stretches back seven generations to the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. According to his own recollections, his ancestor Sri Ram Ji was among the Sikhs who first performed Kirtan when the Rababis did not show up for Kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib during Guru Arjan Dev Ji\u2019s time. The next in line was Sri Hari Ji, followed by his son, Bhai Hira Singh, who took Amrit from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The tradition continued through Bhai Inder Singh (fourth generation), Bhai Kundan Singh (fifth), and Bhai Santa Singh (sixth). Bhai Balbir Singh represents the seventh generation of this uninterrupted heritage of Gurbani Kirtan. His father, Bhai Santa Singh, was a highly respected tabla and pakhawaj player and a teacher at the Gurmat Vidyalaya, Tarn Taran. His father\u2019s elder brother Bhai Sohan Singh served as the main Ragi, while the younger brother Bhai Tara Singh accompanied on harmonium, and Bhai Santa Singh played the pakhawaj or tabla. The three brothers regularly performed Kirtan at Sri Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and also taught students from far and wide.<\/p>\n
As a child, Bhai Balbir Singh often sat quietly beside his father during teaching sessions, absorbing knowledge as they were taught to students. When his father later invited him to begin lessons, the young Balbir Singh surprised him by reciting a complete Shabad he had already learned by ear. This moment marked the beginning of his formal education in Gurbani Kirtan under his father and uncles. \u00a0Around that time, the renowned Pandit Nathu Ram, a Dhrupad exponent, was also based in Tarn Taran, and Bhai Balbir Singh trained under him. Recalling his influence, Bhai Balbir Singh once said he had never heard Dhrupad sung with such depth since. Over the years, he was also fortunate to study under the legendary Ustad Bhai Arjan Singh Tarangar, Pandit Krishnarao Pandit (Khayal), Ustad Habibuddin Khan (Tabla) and Gyani Gyan Singh Almast (Jal-Tarang). He was also a skilled Dilruba player, having studied the instrument under his father\u2019s tutelage.<\/p>\n
When Bhai Balbir Singh was only seven years old, he accompanied his uncle to Indore, where a Kirtan competition for teenagers was being held at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Indore. Although the other contestants were around fifteen, the young Balbir Singh participated and won the gold medal. His father also instructed him to memorise Shabads and Asa Ki Vaar, which he initially struggled with. Following his father\u2019s advice to do Ardas for Guru Ji\u2019s blessing to memorise these, he persevered, taking eleven years to fully memorise Asa Ki Vaar. Over the years, his dedication led him to memorize over 3,000 Shabads and to master around 200 Raags. He was known for performing in complex taals such as Dhamar and Ada Chautaal. He was also a master of Guru Gobind Singh Ji\u2019s compositions from the Dasam Granth and Sarbloh Granth, and especially loved performing Taranas attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.<\/p>\n
Accompanying his father to music conferences held in various cities across India including Benaras, Lucknow, Gwalior, Pune, Calcutta, and Delhi, he gained exposure to some of the most esteemed names in Indian classical music. His father also took him to the homes of iconic artists like Pandit Krishnarao Pandit and Bhai Lal Mohammad Amritsari, receiving their blessings and invaluable musical insight.<\/p>\n
In 1950, he spent two years in Kolkata, where he had the rare privilege of learning from Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib, one of India\u2019s greatest classical vocalists. This exposure refined his command over Raag and taal, giving his Gurbani renditions an unmatched classical foundation. During an early visit to Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib with his father, Bhai Balbir Singh\u2019s Kirtan deeply impressed the head pujari, Bahadar Singh, who suggested that Bhai Santa Singh make him the Jathedar of the Jatha. Blessings were bestowed upon him, and he led the Jatha in Kirtan for seven days at Hazoor Sahib. At the age of 21, Bhai Balbir Singh formed a permanent Jatha with his brothers, Bhai Chattar Singh on side harmonium and Bhai Mahinder Singh on Jori. They began serving as Hazoori Ragis at Sri Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran. In 1964, the jatha was invited to Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, where they began performing as Hazoori Ragis. Their devotion, mastery of Raags and difficult compositions earned them immense love from the Sangat. In 1977, the Sangat of Delhi requested their presence, and they moved to serve at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib. They remained there until 1984, when the tragic events surrounding Operation Bluestar compelled them to return to Amritsar, resuming their duties at Sri Harmandir Sahib.<\/p>\n
Bhai Balbir Singh released his first vinyl record in 1974 through a Kolkata-based recording company (believed to be Madan Machinery). He made his first radio and television appearance in 1987 on Akashvani (All India Radio). Over the decades, he recorded numerous albums and live sessions, preserving a treasure of Raag-based Kirtan for future generations. He trained many students, including his sons Bhai Bahadar Singh and Bhai Saudagar Singh, ensuring the continuation of this ancient lineage.<\/p>\n
For his lifelong contribution to Gurmat Sangeet and the preservation of traditional Raag-based Kirtan, Bhai Balbir Singh received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2012, the first Hazoori Ragi from Sri Harmandir Sahib to be so honoured. He was also conferred the Shiromani Ragi Award (1983) and many distinctions from Sikh institutions in India and abroad.<\/p>\n
Bhai Balbir Singh often mentioned his admiration for Raagis such as Sant Sujan Singh, Bhai Samund Singh, Bhai Santa Singh, Bhai Surjan Singh, Bhai Bakshish Singh, and Bhai Prithipal Singh, whose Kirtan deeply inspired him.<\/p>\n
Bhai Balbir Singh passed away on 23 February 2020. He leaves behind a vast archive of recordings and a generation of trained disciples that continue serve the Sikh Panth around the world.<\/p>\n
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The live Asa Ki Vaar below is most likely from the 1970s or early 1980s. This was obtained from the collection of late Sardar Amir Singh from Singapore. Please \u2018right click\u2019 and \u2018save link as\u2019 to download audio files. Enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Asa Ki Vaar in 70s or 80s (Live)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following Asa Ki Vaar is from an AKJ Samagam.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Asa Di Vaar at AKJ Samagam<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The four cassettes below were kindly contributed by Dr. Manjit Singh Hunjin, who is a very talented artist. Please check out his Instagram page \u2018AmsimeetArt\u2019<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 1 – Kirtan in 2007<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Saajanra Mera Saajanra (Gunkali)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Vichaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Rooro Man Har Rango Lorai (Desi Todi)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Haal Mureedan Da Kehna (Bhairo – Dhrupad)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 2<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Aav Ke Badhaiya (Malkauns)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Ab Main Kahun Apni Katha<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Bang Ke Bangali<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 3<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Ja Ki Gobind Sion Laagi<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Mera Maat Pita Har Raeya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Sabhe Ghat Ram Bole<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Gun Gaavan Nit Tere<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Man Bedhiyaa Dayaal Seti<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 4 – Raag Darbar Amritsar 2002<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Aisa Baaji Sehsar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Taadar Daani<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next four cassettes were kindly contributed by Veer Ikaagarjot Singh.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 1 – Anand Kaaraj Program<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Kat Jaiyai Re Ghar Laago Rang<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Sagal Daram Meh Drisht Pardan Hai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Kita Lorhiye Kam So Har Peh Aakhiye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Hukamnama by Giani Ji<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Tou Palley Tandey Laagi<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06 Laavan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 07 Anand Sahib<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 08 Viah Hoaa Mere Baabla & Pauri<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 2 – Asa Ki Vaar (Incomplete)<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Asa Ki Vaar (Incomplete)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 3 – Shabads<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Barsan Megh Apaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Rajan Ke Raja Maharajan Ke Maharaj<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Sant Saran Jo Jan Parey<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Hum Santan Ki Raen Piarey<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Announcement by Unknown<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Vol. 4 – Kirtan in Kolkata (with Keyboard)<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Shaan (with Keyboard)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Haal Mureeda Da Kehna (Dhrupad)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Bisar Gayi Sabh Taat Paraee (Kanra – Dhrupad)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Vichaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Nagardang Jhagardang Bagardang Baaje<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06 Taadar Dani Dani Tum Dani (Tarana)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 07 Vade Bhaag Mere Prabh Daras Paaye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 08 Tin Bediyan Ki Kul Bikhey (Incomplete)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings are from Bhai Sahib’s Kirtan at the Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Samelan held annually at Jawaddi Kalan.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Lehra<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Hamari Piaari Amrit Dhari (Asa – Dhrupad)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Ruro Man Har Rango (Todi)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Bisar Gai Sab Tat (Kanra)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Meharwan Mudhsudan Madho (Basant Hindol)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06a Maha Maha Mubarki (Basant)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06b Kat Jaeeai Re Ghar Lago Rang (Basant)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 07 Ab Rakhau Dass Bhaat Ki Laj (Bhairvi)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 08 Har Charan Sharan Gobind (Dhanasri Partaal)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 09 Jap Mun Satnaam (Dhanasri)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 10 Tu kun Re Main Ji Nama (Dhanasri)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 11 Rav Ke Sut Ko Tinh Traas Kaha (Gandhari)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 12 Beet Jai Hai (Jaijavanti)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 13 Mere Lalan Ki Sobha (Kalyan)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 14 Man Jaaphu Ram Gopal (Kanra – Partaal)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 15 Simrat Nam Manhe Sukh Paeeai (Kanra)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 16 Kanwal Nain Madhur Bain (Karnati)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 17 Bolho Bhaia Ram Ki Dhuhaai (Kedara)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 19 Mitre Piyare Nu (Khyaal)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 20 Bhale Amardass Gun Tere (Lalit)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 21 Ram Ram Bol Bol (Malaar)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 22 Preaa Ki Sobh Sohawani (Malaar)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 23 Mere Man Sev Safal Har (Nat Narayan)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 24 Maan Mil Sant Sukhwanti (Nat)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 25 Paavat Raleeaa Joban Baleeaa<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 26 Dharam Dhuj Arjun Har Bhagat (Ramkali)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 27 Jag Daataa Soe Bhugath (Ramkali Sadd)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 28 Santho Taha Niranjan Raam Hai (Ramkali)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 29 Jap Man Jagan Naath Jagdishro (Sarang – Partaal)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 30 hakur Tum Sarnaee Ayeaa (Sarang)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 31 Jai Jai Jag Karan (Sorath) & Bani Dasam Patshah<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 32 Main Bhadi Sach Dharamsaal Hai (Sri Raag)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 33 Japio Jin Arjan Dev Guru (Surmanand)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 34 Hale Yaran Hale Yaran (Tilang)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 35 Maharwan Sahib Mera Maharwan (Tilang)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 36 Satgur Aaio Sharan Tuhari (Todi)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 37 Ghol Ghumai Lalna (Tukhari)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 38 Jo Lodinde Ram Sevak Seyee (Wadhans)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 39 Sahib Simarho Mere Bhaeeo (Wadhans)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 40 Rurho Man Har Rango (Todi)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 41 Wa Ras Ke Jas Ke Ras Hai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 42 Jagardang Bagardang Nagardang Baajai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 43 Anand Sahib<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Asa Ki Vaar below was recorded at the Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Samelan (AGSS) in\u00a0 1991.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Asa Di Vaar 1991 (AGSS)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bachitar Natak Kirtan\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Bachitar Natak<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings were recorded at Dera Hari Bhagatpura, Mitha Tiwana<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan on 15th July 1990<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Bandna<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Sant Saran Jo Jan Pare<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Gurmat Vichar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Hum Santan Ki Rain Piare<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Barsan Megh Apaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06 Aaiso Raj Chhod<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan on 21st February 1991<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Bandna in Basant Raag<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Maha Maah Mumarkhi<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Har Ka Naam Dhiaaike Basant Pauri<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Kin Hi Tera Ant Na Paiya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Akal Akal Akal Karenge<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06 Sada Jai Bhagautti<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan on 22nd February 1991<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Bandna<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Dass Gobind Singh Fateh Satguru Ki<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Dhan Dhan Ramdas Gur<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Gurmat Vichar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Meri Abhe Bainti Sun Lijai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 06 Enhi Ki Kirpa Ke Saje Hum Hain<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 07 Katt Jaiye Re Ghar Lago Rang<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – 08 Panje Badhe Mahaballi<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kirtan on 14th March 1991<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Baba Hor Khana Khushi Khuaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Balbir Singh (Amritsar) – Baba Maya Sath Na Hoye<\/a><\/p>\n