Maharajapuram Santhanam was sixth in the Sishyaparampara of Saint Thyagaraja, he has been trained in music by his father, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer. He grew up with music around him, accompanying his father in his concerts even as a child.

Gifted with a fine sensitivity to melody and a rich, resonant voice, which he wielded with exquisite control, he brought to his concerts a buoyancy and geniality that is unsurpassed. His performances were potent contributions of spontaneity and professionalism.

His music has won him many honors, and the exalted titles of Sangeetha Choodamani, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Isai Perarignar, Kalaimamani.

He was the Principal of Ramanathan University of Music in Srilanka, for more than 5 years and had performed before engrossed audiences in Malaysia, Singapore, U.S.A and U.K.

Sathanam evolved a style which was purely his own, where he admirably combined Lakshana and Laksiya Gnana. An inimitable singer, he could move his audiences to depths and heights of musical feeling.