Kattassery Joseph Yesudas (usually referred to as Dr. K. J. Yesudas or Jesudas, Malayalam: കാട്ടശ്ശേരി ജോസഫ് യേശുദാസ് , also nicknamed "Gana Gandharvan") (born January 10, 1940) is an eminent Indian classical musician and leading playback singer of film songs in many Indian languages. K.J. Yesudas was born in Fort Kochi, Kerala to Augustine Joseph and Elizabeth Joseph. His father, who was his first guru (teacher), was a well-known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor of his time.