Ustad Faiyaz Khan

Ustad Faiyaz Khan was born in 1886 at Sikandra near Agra. His father's name was Safdar Hussain. He were brought up by your maternal grandfather after your father passed away early. From the age of 5 to 25, Nana taught you music.

Fayaz Khan started singing well in his childhood. He was making a good impact in every music gathering. The Maharaja of Mysore was greatly impressed by his singing. In 1906, he got the gold medal. He was awarded with 'Aftabe Mousiki' in the year 1911. Maharaja Siyaji Rao of Baroda appointed him as a court singer in his court. In 1935, Bengal Sangeet Parishad and Allahabad University honored you. After some time, after taking permission from Maharaj, he went to Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow to program. He enthralled the listeners by giving his program from Lahore radio station.

He used to sing very low. There was a lot of filling in his voice and the voice was flowing loudly. He was proficient in all types of singing and used to sing Khayal, Dhrupad and Dhamar very well. Even in his thoughts, Dhrupad used to chant Nom Tom like Dhamar. In between, 'Tu Hi Anant Hari' also used to sing sometimes. His method of vocalization is representative of Agra Gharana.

When he used to come on the stage, it used to look like a wrestler singer has come. His height was 6 feet. Healthy full body, big mustache used to get recognized from a distance. This singer got a lot of respect in the 20th century.

He was also a good writer. He used to write and sing his name 'Prem Piya' in his compositions. He was very expert in speech making and speaking. He would have twisted his throat from anywhere and then he would have reached the same by joining the bandish. His taunts (Taan) were so beautiful, clear, and ready. The melody knowledge was excellent. Raga Jaijaivanti, Todi, Lalit, Darbari, Ramkali etc. were his favorite ragas.

Famous names of your disciples include Pandit Dalip Chandra Bedi, Ata Hussain, Latafat Hussain, Sharafat Hussain. At the age of 64-65, the colorful singer said goodbye to this world on November 5, 1950 in Baroda.

Miyan Tansen, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Pandit Shri Krishan Rao Shankar,

Ustad Abdul Karim Khan