Korla Pandit "The Swan" Snader Telescriptions

Korla Pandit (1922-1998)
Early television entertainer and 50s icon Korla Pandit
Pandit appeared on KGO-TV in 1957, and many older
San Franciscans recall how the camera slowly moved in for
a closeup of his jeweled turban. Many songs ended with a
full-screen shot of his seductive eyebrows and the
diamond- and topaz-like jewels.
His visual works were recorded on early music-video
presentations by film pioneer Louis D. Snader of
Snader Telescriptions (who eventually replaced
Pandit with Liberace, jump-starting the pianist's career).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Korla
• Pandit
• The
• Swan
• Snader
• classical
• soul
• world
• music

[PaTudie]

I like this kind of music. I remember this guy from my youth

[cecildover]

I loved wattching Mr. Pandit in T.V.'s early days created a lifelong love for all organ music Classical or Theatre. Did he really play the melody with his left hand and accompanyment with right hand on piano or did they reverse the film Image?

[3investigators]

Quite an amazing performer and very intriguing man. He was actually an American of White and Black extraction but in the eyes of the public he completely changed himself into a mysterious Euro/Hindu:) Incredible eyes.

[fromthesidelines]

His real name was John Roland Redd; he was previously known as "Juan Rolando" before he professionally became 'Korla Pandit' after World War II...

[angelsart]

So this is fascinating. I grew up watching him as a kid totally mesmerized by his eyes and music. On another clip, I find out his heritage is African-American and not East Indian as they portrayed him on 50's TV. He bears a slight resemblance to Michael Jackson. Does anyone else see that in his eyes? It's a little uncanny in a way since Korla Pandit was born way before Michael. Well, Bravo to Korla for bringing us all amazing music.

[msorensen54]

This is truly amazing stuff. Beyond the unusual nature of it he's an excellent player with a true mastery of the instrument. I "discovered" this fella about a week ago and have played any number of his clips since then. I wish there was more of this sort of thing around these days.

[OrganicVeggieLoaf]

No reversal of film image. The melody is slow enough to be played by the left hand easily. The right hand plays the more complex piano backup line.

[JLitBakerstreet]

Audiences couldn't get into this kind of a character nowadays. It's so difficult to inspire wonder.

[palealien]

Well, his kerchief is in the correct pocket, so....

[wanturlove]

I watched Korla Pandit, perhaps on KTLA Channel 5 (or 9, 11, 13, can[t remember which) in Los Angeles over half-a-century back. Another favorite on local LA TV was Florian Zabock (might have misspelled it) a fine violinist.

[myfare65]

WOW, what awesome memories....ones I cannot reveal....