On this day, April 7th, 2024, we at Grateful Web honor the legacy of Ravi Shankar, a luminary whose profound impact on the world of music transcends boundaries and genres. Born in Varanasi, India, Shankar was not just a virtuoso of the sitar but a bridge between the musical traditions of the East and West. His collaborations with iconic figures such as George Harrison of The Beatles, and his influence on bands like the Grateful Dead, underscore his pivotal role in the global music scene.

Today, Dark Horse Records is pleased to announce the reissue of the groundbreaking 1974 album Shankar Family & Friends by world renowned Indian musician Ravi Shankar. Shankar Family & Friends was a pioneering album that mixed Eastern and Western styles – fusing together Indian, pop, classical and jazz music.

Originally released in 1974 by world-renowned Indian musician Ravi Shankar, Shankar Family & Friends was a pioneering album that mixed Eastern and Western styles – fusing together Indian, pop, classical and jazz music. Produced by George Harrison, it combines Western musicians such as Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Jim Keltner, Klaus Voorman, and Nicky Hopkins side-by-side with Indian-music innovators Alla Rakha, Ashish Khan, Shivkumar Sharma, and Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Amidst the unprecedented realities that we are all actively addressing during the COVID-19 global pandemic, we want to convey our heartfelt concern for everyone in our community across the world. Our first priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the artists, staff, production team, and our beloved audiences who generously support our efforts in the performance of live concerts. It is with great regret we announce the postponement of the Ravi Shankar Centennial Concerts because of visa issues related to COVID-19.

Dark Horse Records and BMG are celebrating this year's milestone Ravi Shankar centennial with the first ever vinyl release of his renowned 1997 album, CHANTS OF INDIA. Produced by Shankar's longtime friend and collaborator, Dark Horse founder George Harrison, the acclaimed collection will be available on 2x12" LP 180-gram red vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve with an exclusive 12"x12" photo print.

A legend of 20th century music and an international icon of India, sitar virtuoso and singular composer Ravi Shankar (1920 - 2012) will be commemorated with a series of Ravi Shankar Centennial Concerts in May 2020 to celebrate 100 years since his birth on April 7, 1920.