Lou Majaw
Lou Majaw | |
|---|---|
Majaw performing in 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1947 |
| Origin | Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Formerly of |
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Lou Majaw (born 1947) is an Indian musician from Shillong, Meghalaya, known for his Bob Dylan tribute shows.[1]
Born into a poor family, Majaw could not afford to own any musical instruments as a child. In a friend's house, he was introduced to the music of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley, and he taught himself to play guitar at school.[1] Majaw eventually moved to Kolkata, where he sang in bars and pubs for various groups, such as the Dynamite Boys, Vanguards, Supersound Factory, and Blood and Thunder.[1] Majaw discovered Bob Dylan's music in 1964 and nearly a decade later, in 1972, organized the first Dylan tribute concert in his hometown;[2] he has maintained the tradition every year since.[3]
On 24 October 2016, Majaw received the Bhupen Hazarika Award from the governor of Assam for his lifelong contribution to music.[4]
In 2023, a documentary film about Majaw's life, titled The Platinum Gong, was released. It was directed by Sattyakee D'com Bhuyan.[5]
In 2024, Majaw was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya.[6][7]
References
- ^ a b c Biswas, Soutik (25 May 2006). "Homage to Bob Dylan – Indian style". BBC News.
- ^ "Inside the Indian town obsessed with Bob Dylan". The Independent. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Meet Lou Majaw, India's Bob Dylan". Hindustan Times. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Lou Majaw presented 4th Bhupen Hazarika National Award". Eastern Feed. 24 October 2016.
- ^ "Celebrating the Showman". assamtribune.com. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
- ^ "Hon. D.Litt. to Zubeen Garg and Lou Majaw at 10th USTM Convocation – USTM". Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Time, Pratidin (27 August 2024). "USTM Holds 10th Convocation, Honors Zubeen Garg and Lou Majaw". Pratidin Time. Retrieved 27 August 2024.