From rock band dropout to the Grammy-nominated chant master of American yoga
In short: Before he became a globally recognized voice in devotional kirtan, Jeffrey Kagel was a college student briefly fronting the band that would eventually become Blue Öyster Cult. A transformative journey to India in 1970 redirected his path, leading him to embrace a life dedicated to chanting the names of God.
Born Jeffrey Kagel in 1947, the artist known as Krishna Das underwent a profound shift in 1970 when he traveled to India. There, he became a dedicated follower of the spiritual teacher Neem Karoli Baba, who bestowed upon him the name Krishna Das. This transition marked a departure from his earlier musical pursuits, including his short-lived tenure as the lead singer for the group that evolved into Blue Öyster Cult. Since 1996, he has released seventeen albums, blending traditional kirtan with Western musical sensibilities.
His influence has bridged diverse musical worlds, attracting collaborators ranging from Sting and Steely Dan bassist Walter Becker to producer Rick Rubin. In 2013, his album Live Ananda earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Age Album, an achievement that saw him perform at the ceremony and prompted the Grammys to label him the Rockstar of Yoga. Beyond his performance career, he established the Kirtan Wallah Foundation in 2014 to disseminate the teachings of his guru.
His life has not been without significant turbulence. In 2002, he pleaded guilty to a federal money laundering charge linked to an incident where he connected acquaintances involved in hashish importation to a banker. Sentenced to three years of probation and six months of house arrest, he later described the legal ordeal as a liberating experience that allowed him to shed the burden of keeping secrets. Today, he remains a prominent figure in the intersection of American yoga culture and devotional music, continuing to compose melodies for various spiritual practices.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Krishna Das (singer)
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