In the vibrant tapestry of global music, Asha Puthli emerges as a luminary whose journey transcends genres and borders. Born on February 4, 1945, in Bombay, India, she is a singer-songwriter, producer, and actress whose career has spanned blues, pop, rock, soul, funk, disco, and techno.
With a captivating four-octave range, Puthli’s musical prowess is a testament to her ambition to synthesize Eastern and Western influences.
Early Life of Asha Puthli
Asha Puthli, raised in a Hindu family, navigated the cultural crossroads of her upbringing. Her early exposure to Indian classical music and opera laid the foundation for a musical journey that would defy conventions. Despite attending English-speaking Catholic schools, Puthli’s soul resonated with jazz and pop, sparking a passion for fusion that would shape her future.
Music Career Odyssey
After winning a singing contest at the age of thirteen, Asha Puthli embarked on a journey that led her to train in London as a British Airways flight attendant.
Her exposure to real jazz in London fueled her determination to pursue a career in music. John H. Hammond at Columbia Records recognized her talent, signing her after hearing a demo. This marked the beginning of her collaboration with avant-garde jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman on the album “Science Fiction,” earning her acclaim as Best Female Jazz Vocalist.
Asha Puthli’s popularity surged in Europe, where she signed with CBS, exploring pop, rock, soul, funk, and disco in her solo albums. Her self-titled debut, produced by Del Newman, showcased her diverse influences and featured a disco rendition of Neil Sedaka’s “I Am a Song.”
Film and Fashion
Beyond music, Puthli ventured into film, starring in Merchant Ivory’s “Savages” and making bold appearances in the fashion world. Her sense of style garnered attention at Studio 54, where she became a headliner, dressed by renowned designers and photographed by icons like Richard Avedon and Andy Warhol.
21st Century Resonance
In the 21st century, Puthli continued to make musical waves, contributing to albums like “Asana Vol. 3” and “Hey Diwani, Hey Diwani.” Her timeless track “Space Talk” from the 1970s became a sample for artists like P.Diddy and The Notorious B.I.G., showcasing the enduring influence of her music.
Praised by Critics
Critics lauded Puthli as a “fusion pioneer” and commended her “extraordinary” singing. Her third solo album, “The Devil is Loose,” was hailed as an instant classic, embodying snakey, spaced-out soul and pre-mainstream disco.
Cultural Fusion and Fearless Choices
Asha Puthli’s story is one of cultural fusion and fearless choices. From breaking tradition in India to challenging norms in the United States, she carved her path in Europe. Her desire to build bridges between East and West is evident in her music, a harmonious blend of her Indian heritage and Western influences.
As she once stated, “I feel like a global person.” Her journey, spiritually 6,000 years old, chronicles a life dedicated to breaking barriers and creating music that transcends cultural boundaries.
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