Shankar obit

RAVI SHANKAR, who almost singlehandedly popularized traditional Indian music and his instrument the sitar in the West, died Tuesday at a hospital near his home in Encinitas, CA. He was 92. He came into prominence during the 1960s, after he was championed by The Beatles, which led to breakout performances at Monterey Pop and Woodstock. In 1971, he organized the Concert for Bangladesh with his friend and student George Harrison. Besides the Quiet Beatle, who called him the “godfather of world music,” Shankar’s collaborators over the years included John Coltrane, Philip Glass and flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. He composed the scores for a number of movies, including Richard Attenborough’s 1982 Oscar winner Gandhi (1982). Shankar’s best known offspring is Norah Jones. In a statement issued this morning by the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow wrote, “I had the honor to inform him that he would receive a 2013 Lifetime Achievement this February. He was deeply touched and so pleased, that he extended a gracious and personal invitation to visit with him at his home. We have lost an innovative and exceptional talent and a true ambassador of international music. (12/12a)