Jai Uttal is a Grammy-nominated composer and musician. His heart and mind is filled with the rhythms and melodies of both India and the rock, jazz and reggae of the Western world. His travels through India, where he met incredible saints and musicians, led him to embrace Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of the heart, which he's been sharing for over 50 years.

Growing up in Manhattan, his father, a record executive, introduced him to the magic of 60’s and 70’s pop music. He remember so vividly the excitement of sitting with his sister and listening to the latest hits that his dad would bring home from the local radio stations. His musical education evolved from studying classical piano to discovering ‘old timey’ banjo and then screaming electric guitar. But it was when he attended a concert at 17 years of age that everything changed for him. Hearing Maestro Ali Akbar Khan’s sarode ignited a burning spark in his soul and under his guidance, he slowly discovered my singing voice. Kirtan called him out of his shell, showing him that singing was essential to his own healing and helpful in the healing of others.  

In 1971, when he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, his passion for music, kirtan and spirituality fully came together. Through Maharajji’s grace, the practice of singing mantras became his lifeline, or what he likes to call his “soul support system.” He planted a seed of longing in Jai and gave him the tools to water that seed.

As he explored various musical styles and continued his study of classical Indian raga, he began a lifelong journey of musical experimentation and exploration. His first album, ‘Footprints’, aimed to bridge Indian melodies with Western harmony, and it marked the start of a beautiful musical and devotional evolution that, over 20 albums later, continues to this day. 

It's been his deep joy to sing for you, and with you, all these years, creating spaces where everyone can open their hearts and discover the innate beauty their own voices.