Sun Mar 09 17:59:17 UTC 2025: ## Renowned Carnatic Singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Passes Away at 76

**TIRUPATI, March 9, 2025** – Eminent Carnatic singer and former court musician of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Tirupati due to a heart attack. He was 76.

Prasad, who served the TTD from 1978 to 2006, was best known for composing melodies for over 1,000 compositions of the saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya. His work brought these lyrical compositions to a wider audience, transforming them into musical pieces. Several of his compositions were even featured in the popular Telugu film *Annamayya*.

His contributions extended beyond his musical talents; Prasad played a significant role in popularizing Annamacharya’s literature and philosophy through music. Just days before his death, he performed at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Yadagirigutta, Telangana.

His passing has been met with widespread mourning. TTD chairman B.R. Naidu, along with other officials, offered condolences. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described Prasad as a “great person” and praised his musical proficiency across various genres. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed grief, highlighting Prasad’s invaluable contributions to preserving Annamacharya’s legacy. Both leaders extended their condolences to his family.

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