M.S. Subbulakshmi (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi) is the only musician to have received the Bharat Ratna (1998), India's highest civilian honour. Born in Madurai to a devadasi family of musicians, she was a child prodigy who debuted on stage at age 11. Her voice — clear, devotional, and technically flawless — became synonymous with Carnatic music worldwide. Her rendition of Vishnu Sahasranamam and Suprabhatam are heard in millions of homes daily. She performed at Carnegie Hall (1977) and the United Nations (1966), introducing Carnatic music to global audiences. The Queen of Carnatic Music. Style: Vocal — Bhakti, Kriti, Devotional Influenced by: Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Musiri Subramania Iyer Key Ragas: Bhairavi, Todi, Shankarabharanam, Kambhoji, Kalyani, Mohanam