MS Subbulakshmi's musical roots: Her mother’s veena to her grandmother’s violin

Music was part of MS Subbulakshmi's life long before she became one of India's most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. Born in Madurai on September 16, 1916, the legendary singer grew up in a home filled with music. Her mother, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu, was a veena player. Her grandmother, Akkammal, played the violin.Madurai Shanmukhavadivu introduced MS Subbulakshmi to music at a very young age. The young singer's talent emerged early. Britannica reports that she recorded her first song when she was just 10. The Hindu reported that she gave her first stage performance at the age of 13.MS Subbulakshmi's musical roots in MaduraiMS Subbulakshmi belonged to the Isai Vellalar community, according to Britannica. The community had a long association with music and dance. It also included women from the Devadasi tradition. Her initials came from her mother's name, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu.