Yesudas was born in 1940 into a family interested in theatre and music. His father, Augustine Joseph Bhagavatar, was a major stage actor. Though talented, Augustine only got bit roles in early Malayalam films. In the face of ill health, he made determined efforts to get his son a solid grounding in classical music.

Yesudas was just nine when he gave his first concert with his father. After the young singer passed the SSLC exam, he joined the RLV Music Academy in Tripunithura, Kerala. Here he was taught by Padma 'Madam', whom he lovingly describes as his mother. He moved to Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Swati Tirunal Music Academy, where he met Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. The master recognized Yesudas's potential and encouraged him.

Yesudas was to meet his greatest musical influence, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar in Madras later. Some people spoke contemptuously of the Christian's love of Hindu music. But he lived through it all, earning, with his humility and musical ability, the admiration of everyone he came in touch with. In 1961, when Yesudas moved to Madras in search of a career in films, the first song he recorded was a verse from Narayana Guru, the saint who had launched a spiritual campaign against casteism. In his own way, Yesudas carries forward the struggle against caste and religious prejudice.

The rest of Yesudas's life is well known. He has sung extensively on the concert stage, always drawing capacity crowds. His work in films has added immensely to his celebrity appeal. He regularly sings Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu film songs. When the Hindi film industry beckoned, he responded by singing big hits in films like Rajnigandha (1974), Chitchor (1976) and Swami (1977). He has been a favorite among composers working on musicals.

He has received some of India's biggest awards, including the high civilian honor, the Padmabhushana in 2002.

This album holds special significance as Yesudas's first ever recording of Haridasa compositions.