Krishna Das is an American singer and teacher known for performing Indian devotional chants, or kirtans. Born Jeffrey Kagel in 1947 in Long Island, New York, he becomes associated with kirtan and broader spiritual practice through study and travel rather than through a conventional pop or rock background.

Early life and study

In the winter of 1968, Krishna Das meets Ram Dass, who has recently returned from his first trip to India. After living and travelling with Ram Dass in the United States and hearing his accounts of Neem Karoli Baba, Krishna Das travels to India in the 1960s and studies with the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. He lives in India for almost three years and is drawn to Bhakti Yoga and the practice of kirtan, chanting the names of God.

Religious practice and teaching

While in the ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas, Krishna Das serves as an appointed pujari, or priest, for the Durga temple and immerses himself in the worship of the Divine Goddess. He also studies Buddhist meditation practices and later devotes himself to singing and teaching. His performances combine chanting with musical accompaniment, meditation instruction, readings from different spiritual traditions, and discussion of the spiritual path.

Career

Krishna Das returns to America at Maharaj-ji’s request in 1973. He goes on to release several CDs and travels internationally to perform and teach, sometimes with Ram Dass. He is widely regarded as one of the best-known American singers of Indian kirtan-style devotional music.

Labels and releases

His recordings appear on Krishna Das Music and Triloka Records.

Related artists

Artists often linked with him include Bhagavan Das, Jai Uttal, Wah, Deva Premal, and Snatam Kaur Khalsa.