Krishna Das

The spirituality of India is blended with modern, electronic influences by Long Island, New York-raised Krishna Das (b. Jeffrey Kagel). The founder of Triloka Records, Das continues to update the musical accompaniment to traditional Hindu chanting and satsong. Influential spiritual leader Ram Dass described Das as "an example of someone whose heartsongs open the channels to God". Das' connections to Indian spirituality developed in his early 20s. Having grown up on jazz, blues and rock and roll, Das was working as a school bus driver when friends inspired him to visit Ram Dass in 1968. Driving six hours through snow, Das arrived at his destination in New Hampshire. Although he only visited with Ram Dass for a few hours, the experience completely altered the course of his life. Two years later, Das traveled to northern India where he spent two years as a devotee of Guru Mahara-ji (Neem Karoli Baba). While in India, Das became involved with the spiritual aspects of the country's music. With his visa expiring, Das returned to the U.S. in March 1972. In 1990, Das founded Triloka Records. The label has become a leading distributor of world music recordings. His debut album, One Track Heart, released in 1996, focused on updated chants from the ancient tradition of Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion). His second album, Pilgrim Heart, released in 1998, featured a guest appearance by Sting, who sang on the tune "Mountain Hari Krishna" and played bass on "Ring Song." Das continues to conduct intensive seminars, workshops and chanting sessions, issuing Live on Earth...For a Limited Time Only in early 2000.