How cool was this guy- never spoke- don't you wish all the talking ego-heads on TV today could learn a lesson from Korla. What a pioneer...... maybe the coolest guy ever on tele.....
Korla's son Shari was in my a capella class in high school and Korla would come play the organ for us. He was very encouraging to our young group of high school singers. This was in Pomona, California in the 1960s.
This guy was the first thing I ever saw on television. We got our first set in 1948 and when it was turned on, there he was on Channel 5 in LA. I was 5 years old and facinated by anything that moved but watched him for what seems like hours now. I have wondered about this for the next 60 years and now, thanks to You Tube, I know who he was...or I know as much as anyone I suppose.
As a pre teen in the early days of television I always made sure I was home in time to See Korla. Though I saw him in performnce of theatre Organ in his later days I never knew he was African American. I like him all the better knowing this.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
There's no doubt that Korla Pandit was an interesting musician, and man for that matter, but "Godfather of Exotica?" I heartily disagree. My grandmother also played the organ before Les Baxter recorded "Ritual of the Savage." Does that make HER the godmother of Exotica??
I have to defend my original statement regarding Korla Pandit's role in the exotic sound movement. His television program predates Baxter, Lyman and Denny by at least two years. I cannot claim that no one was playing exotic music before 1948, but can't identify anyone that did so much to popularize it. Did your grandmother have a television program which was syndicated into thousands of American homes?
There should be a film about him. He was doing it before Lex Baxter. He is so much the father of exotica, I agree. And this story of a black american guy pretending to be from India? A total seller. And he looks incredibly good. A legend!
Total agreement. A 45-60 minute documentary on him would be fascinating. Someone should get on it before what's left of his family and relations dies off completely.
Actually, these were among the first short musical performances produced specifically for play on television. There is a rich history of 'soundies', but these were intended for play in movie theatres. In any case, I'm glad you enjoyed my all too short piece on this fascinating guy.
Very nice! Mr. Pandit's story is interesting, indeed. I don't agree, however, that his shows were 'the first music videos.' There have been short films of musical performances for pretty much as long as there have been sound movies.
How cool was this guy- never spoke- don't you wish all the talking ego-heads on TV today could learn a lesson from Korla. What a pioneer...... maybe the coolest guy ever on tele.....
sitarnut 4 weeks ago
Korla was able to pass because he's a mulatto. He really does look Indian. Amazing story.
meg3325 4 months ago
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Another finely attenuated INTONARUMORON pick.
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engineofdoom 7 months ago
Why androgynous?
Zzzeem 10 months ago
Korla's son Shari was in my a capella class in high school and Korla would come play the organ for us. He was very encouraging to our young group of high school singers. This was in Pomona, California in the 1960s.
windyroselane 1 year ago
Korla was hot.
store275 1 year ago
This guy was the first thing I ever saw on television. We got our first set in 1948 and when it was turned on, there he was on Channel 5 in LA. I was 5 years old and facinated by anything that moved but watched him for what seems like hours now. I have wondered about this for the next 60 years and now, thanks to You Tube, I know who he was...or I know as much as anyone I suppose.
nancybmht 2 years ago
As a pre teen in the early days of television I always made sure I was home in time to See Korla. Though I saw him in performnce of theatre Organ in his later days I never knew he was African American. I like him all the better knowing this.
cecildover 2 years ago
wow
obeasebaby 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
There's no doubt that Korla Pandit was an interesting musician, and man for that matter, but "Godfather of Exotica?" I heartily disagree. My grandmother also played the organ before Les Baxter recorded "Ritual of the Savage." Does that make HER the godmother of Exotica??
Pandit was a talented organist. End of story.
erinbehren 3 years ago
I have to defend my original statement regarding Korla Pandit's role in the exotic sound movement. His television program predates Baxter, Lyman and Denny by at least two years. I cannot claim that no one was playing exotic music before 1948, but can't identify anyone that did so much to popularize it. Did your grandmother have a television program which was syndicated into thousands of American homes?
ogawak 3 years ago
There should be a film about him. He was doing it before Lex Baxter. He is so much the father of exotica, I agree. And this story of a black american guy pretending to be from India? A total seller. And he looks incredibly good. A legend!
Neurozumim 3 years ago 7
Total agreement. A 45-60 minute documentary on him would be fascinating. Someone should get on it before what's left of his family and relations dies off completely.
fastdeploy 3 years ago 6
Actually, these were among the first short musical performances produced specifically for play on television. There is a rich history of 'soundies', but these were intended for play in movie theatres. In any case, I'm glad you enjoyed my all too short piece on this fascinating guy.
ogawak 3 years ago
Very nice! Mr. Pandit's story is interesting, indeed. I don't agree, however, that his shows were 'the first music videos.' There have been short films of musical performances for pretty much as long as there have been sound movies.
bloodredvinyl 3 years ago
"music may not save your soul,
but it will make your soul worth saving." Korla Pandit
*quite an evolved soul*
meganinjo 3 years ago
excellent video. fooled me too :)
ZuzerHun 3 years ago
"But MOMMY! that would be...INCENCE"
chicagotgirl 3 years ago
Great commentary...
Thank you very much for sharing.
MsClaudia777 3 years ago 2
well done
ChubbyCheckerChannel 3 years ago 3
I love the informative narration. I love this guy.
hollywoodartchick 3 years ago 2