The Godfather of Exotica

A brief biography of the remarkable organist and television pioneer Korla Pandit. Entry in 2008 Gimme Truth contest, True/False Film Festival. I did fool all the judges. This story is 100% true

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Gimme
• Truth
• 2008
• Korla
• Pandit
• True/false
• organ
• documentary

[erinbehren]

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.

[ogawak]

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]

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.

[Neurozumim]

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!

[fastdeploy]

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.

[sitarnut]

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.....

[meg3325]

Korla was able to pass because he's a mulatto.  He really does look Indian. Amazing story.

[Zzzeem]

Why androgynous?

[windyroselane]

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.

[store275]

Korla was hot.

[nancybmht]

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.

[cecildover]

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.

[rockyPants4000]

Yes, you have the point. Many people think that Henry Ford invented the automobile, or that Edison invented the light bulb. Neither is true, those are the men that popularized and industrialized the items that they are credited with inventing. Pretty common mistake amongst the public at large.

[obeasebaby]

wow