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As I was growing up, I remember my father being a fan of Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia. We had a few of his studio albums that were played regularly at home. Needless to say, I became a fan as well. Being quite fond of Qawali at that age, I also recall that the voice of Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia bore some resemblance to the legendary duo of Shankar Shambu. For many reasons, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia remained a favourite among many family members and friends.<\/p>\n
Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia was born in the village of Nangal Shahu located in the district of Sialkot, Pakistan in 1936. His father\u2019s name was Bhai Dharam Singh Ji and mother was Mata Dhan Kaur Ji. Due to the turmoil in 1947 as a result of the partition, their family moved to the village of Choti Miani in Kapurthala district where their land was allotted.<\/p>\n
At this time, the renowned Kirtani, Bhai Gyan Singh Jogi was also living in Choti Miani and Rasia Ji began to learn Kirtan from him. Due to some financial difficulties, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia started to do Kirtan at around the age of 16 or 17. Initially, he was in a Dhadhi jatha and played the \u2018dhad\u2019, sarangi and a few other instruments. When he was around 18 years old, Bhai Gyan Singh Jogi started a Kirtani jatha and Rasia Ji accompanied him on the side harmonium. They remained together for about 7 years, after which Bhai Gyan Singh Jogi advised him to form his own jatha.<\/p>\n
He was around 25 years old when he formed his own jatha with his younger brother, Bhai Charan Singh Ji accompanying him. They came to Delhi in 1965 and served at Gurdwara Sahib Moti Nagar for 7 years. In 1972, he applied for a position of Hazoori Raagi under the employment of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). There were 102 applications but only 2 positions were available. Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia and his jatha managed to secure one of the positions and served as a Hazoori Raagi in Gurdwara Sees Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib for many years. Their popularity skyrocketed over a short period of time and they were invited for Kirtan Darbars across India and also for tours abroad. They also released around 35 Kirtan albums which became very popular.<\/p>\n
In 1982, Bhai Charan Singh Ji met in an unfortunate accident and passed away. Following the accident, Rasia Ji\u2019s son, Bhai Ravinder Singh Rasia joined him on the side harmonium. Bhai Ravinder Singh Rasia was trained in Indian classical music for almost 10 years at the Delhi Sangeet Vidhyala. While they were in Delhi, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia also learned to play the mandolin under guidance of Sardar Jaswant Singh Ji, who was an artist at the Delhi radio station. With rigorous practice, Rasia Ji became very adept at playing the mandolin. He was also featured playing the mandolin in 2 records released by His Master’s Voice (HMV) recording company.<\/p>\n
In 1987, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia received an invitation to perform Kirtan in New York, United States (US). His youngest brother, Bhai Amrik Singh accompanied them on \u2018tabla\u2019 during this tour. Their Kirtan was very well received by the Sangat of Richmond Hill Gurdwara. As a result, they stayed in Richmond Hill for 6 months before travelling to other parts of the US. When they came to Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sikh Gurdwara requested them to stay on as Head Kirtani and Head Granthi at the Gurdwara. At that time, the situation in India was not ideal in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar, so they decided to stay on in Los Angeles. Bhai Sohan Singh Ji served in the Hollywood Sikh Gurdwara for 12 years.<\/p>\n
One of the main pillars of support in Rasia Ji\u2019s life was his wife, Bibi Sumitar Kaur Ji. She took an active role in getting him ready to form his own jatha on Bhai Gyan Singh Jogi\u2019s advice. She travelled to Amritsar and brought back many Gurbani \u2018Pothis\u2019 for him. She would sit with him and recite Shabads to help him memorize them. At that time, there was an empty mansion opposite their home where they tied their livestock. Bibi Sumitar Kaur Ji would encourage him to go there daily and practice alone. She told him to imagine that he was surrounded by Sangat and they were listening attentively to every Shabad that he sang and every word he spoke. Both of them were blessed with five children; two sons and three daughters. Their eldest son, Bhai Ravinder Singh Rasia currently does Kirtan in the form of service along with his younger brother, Bhai Parvinder Singh Rasia, who is an exceptional tabla player. Their daughters\u2019 names are Sukhjit Kaur, Ravinder Kaur and Baljit Kaur. Completing his journey in this world, Bhai Sohan Singh Ji Rasia took his last breath on 11th November 2016. The information above was obtained from Bhai Ravinder Singh Rasia.<\/p>\n
If anyone has more recordings or photos of Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia to share, please contact us.<\/p>\n
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The large collection of recordings below were contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota Ji who recorded most of these in Richmond Hill, New York. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Aades Baba Aades (Feb-26-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Aaisee Preet Gobind Sion Lagee (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Aaye Mil Gursikh (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Aissey Gur ko Bal Bal Jayea -Basant (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Apne Sewak Kau Kabhu Na Visaro- Inc. (Jan-02-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Apni Bhagti Layea – Basant – Bahaar (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Att Pritam Man mohana (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Att Su ndar Manmohan Piare (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Aukhi Gharri na Dekhan Daeye (Feb-12-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Avoh Sikh Satgur Ke Payrio (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Barse Megh Sakhi Ghar Pahun Aaye (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Charn Sharan Gur Ek Painda Jaye Chal (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Daiya Ke Dayial Mohe Patit Udharea (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Darshan Dekh Jivan Gur Tera (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Darshan Dijeh Kol Kivar (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Eha- Inc. (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehae (Mar-201988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Dhan So Des Jahan Tu Basia (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Dhur KI Bani Aayee (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Farida Kale Likh Na Lekh (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Greh Pargatey Prabh Aye Jio (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gur Bin Koey Na Utras Par (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gur Mere Sang Sada Hey Nalea (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnayee (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gurmukh Paupkai birla Aayea (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gursikh Meet Chalo Gurchali (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Guru Guru Gur Kar Man More (Jan-02-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Har Jan Rakhe Gur Gobind (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdayee (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Hey Gobind Hey Gopal (Feb-5th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Hum Barik Tau Sarnaee(Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jai Jai Jag Karan (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jaisa Satgur Sunida (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jaisa Satgur Sunida (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jaisee Main Avah Khasam Ki Bani (Feb-261-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jan Nanak Mange Dhurr Tin (Feb-12-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jaye Mila Tina Sajna (Feb-12-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Jo Nar Dukh Meh Dukh Nahin Maney (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Kabeer Suta Kiya Kareh (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Kabir Manas Janam Dulamb Hey (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Kaun Ko Kalank Rahio (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Kiyon Jivan Pritam Bin Mayee (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Kuta Raj Bahalea (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Lehra in Mandolin Vadan (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Main Aappnrra Pir Miliea (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Man Bedhiya Dayial Seti Mery Maiee (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Maro Tau Har ke Duar (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mera Vaid Guru Gobinda (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mere Ram Eh Neech Karam Har Mere (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mere Ram Har Jan Ke Houn Bal Jayee (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mil Mere Pritma jio (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mohan Ghar Avo Karo Jodrria (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mohe Na Bisaro Main Jan Tera (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mouli Dharti Moulia Akash- Basant (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Muh Kaley Tina Nindka (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Na Dron Ari Sion Jab Jaye Larro (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Naam Kahit Gobind Ka Suchi Bhaye Rasna (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Nain Mehenje Tarasde (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Niktee Hoye Dikhavey (Feb-12-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Ohe Bhi Kanchan Hoye Rahe<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Panth Chaley Tab Jagat Meh (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Pevoh Pahul Khande Dhar (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Pichle Avgun Bakhs Ley (Jan-02-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Pure gur ki Dekh Vadaye (Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sajan Tere Charan ki _Maru-Bihag (Feb-261-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sarvar Hans Dhure hi Mela (Feb-5th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Satgur Mera Pura -Inc.(Jan-31-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Shaikh Faridea Khair Dijeh Bandgi (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Shant Payee Gur Satgur Purey (Mar-20-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Simar Mana Ram Naam Chitare (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sir Dhar Tali Gali Meri Aao (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sura So Pehchanea (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Suraj Kiran Miley (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tain Ke Dard Na Aayea (Feb-261-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tera Naam Vakhar Baoar ji (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tere Banke Loen Dant Rasala (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tere Bhrose Piare Main Lad Ladayea (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tere Bhrose Piare Main Lad Ladayea- Tin Taal (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tere Lale Kya Chaturaye Inc. (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tit Jaye Baho Satsangti (Feb-5th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tohe Mohe Mohe Tohe Antar Kaisa (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tohi Mohi – Mohi Tohi Antar Kaissa (Feb-7th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tuhe Nishani Jeet Kee (Feb-14-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Uter Gayio Mere Man Ka Sahinsa (Feb-28-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Vade Mere Sahiba (Mar-13-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Visar Gaye Sabh Tat Parayee (Feb-5th-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Waheguru Tera Sabh Sadka (Mar-07-1988)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings are from his visit to Canada in 1980.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Dhiayan Dhro Teh Ko Man Meh – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gun Gopal Na Japey Rasna – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Har Har Naam Japandiya – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Madho SatSangat Saran Tumaree – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mandolin Vadan – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Pav Suhave Jan Tau Dhir Julde (Basant-Bahaar) – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sabh Te Unch Ja ka Darbar – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Sunho Mere Meeta Mahima adhu Sang Ki – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tit Jaye Baho Satsangti – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Tu Tu Karta Tu Huya – Canada -1980<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Gur Ka Bachan Basey Je Naley (inc.)- Canada Rec<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Man Tu Jot Sarup Hey – Canada Rec<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Mohan Ghar Avo Karo Joderea – Canada Rec<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Nar Achet Pap Te Dar Re – Canada Rec<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh ji Rasia – Re Man Oat Leho Har Nama – Canada Rec<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The next few recordings are from a Kirtan Darbar held in Southall (UK) on 28th August 1977.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 01 Mero Sunder Kaho Miley (Sorath)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 02 Vadda Mera Gobind<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 03 Ram Moko Har Jan Karey Layea<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 04 Waheguru Tera Sabh Sadka<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings were contributed by Sardar Awtar Singh Terry.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 01 – Tere Gun Gaavan (Incomplete)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 02 – Naam Beej Santokh<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 03 – Gurmat Hriday Garibi Ave<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 04 – Guru Nanak Bole<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 05 – Sabh Te Wada Satgur Nanak<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 06 – Vichaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – 07 – Kaljug Nanak Naam (Incomplete)<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Asa Ki Vaar below was obtained from Giani Bikar Singh Ji of Gurdwara Sahib Katong, Singapore.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Asa Di Vaar Vol.1<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Asa Di Vaar Vol.2<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The following recordings were obtained from online sources.<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Aagey Keyo Kicho Thulha Bandho<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Akhi Wekh Na Rajia<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Asa Di Vaar Part 1<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia – Asa Di Vaar Part 2<\/a><\/p>\n