Ram Dass is an American musician, producer, songwriter, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. His work spans contemporary folk, ambient, world, instrumental, mantra, and contemplative music. He has toured internationally for many years, most notably as a member of Snatam Kaur’s ensemble, while also developing an extensive career as a recording artist and producer.

Is Ram Dass the same person as the spiritual teacher who wrote Be Here Now?

No. Ram Dass the musician is a different person from Richard Alpert, the American spiritual teacher and author of Be Here Now, who was also known as Ram Dass. The musician Ram Dass was given the name at birth and has used it professionally throughout his career.

Is his professional name Ram Dass or Ram Dass Khalsa?

His artist name is Ram Dass. He is sometimes credited as Ram Dass Khalsa in production, engineering, and other recording credits, which is why both names may appear in databases and album liner notes.

What kind of music does Ram Dass make?

His music draws from contemporary folk, ambient, instrumental, world, devotional, and contemplative traditions. Rather than working within a single genre, his recordings often combine acoustic musicianship, improvisation, detailed production, and influences gathered from many different musical traditions.

What instruments does Ram Dass play?

Ram Dass is a multi-instrumentalist who plays clarinet, piano and keyboards, guitar, bass, percussion, and sings. Raised by two professional musicians, he began playing music at a very early age, first studying piano formally and later receiving his most extensive training as a classical clarinetist. He regularly moves between instruments in both live performance and recording sessions.

What is Ram Dass’s connection to Snatam Kaur?

Ram Dass grew up with Snatam Kaur and has been a longtime member of Snatam Kaur’s touring ensemble. He has performed with her around the world for many years. His live role has included clarinet, keyboards, guitar, and vocals. He is also Snatam Kaur’s current producer, working with her on recordings in addition to his ongoing role as a touring musician.

Did Ram Dass perform at the GRAMMY awards?

Yes. Ram Dass performed with Snatam Kaur at the 61st GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony in 2019, when her album Beloved was nominated for Best New Age Album.

Who has Ram Dass worked with?

His live, recording, and production work has included artists such as Snatam Kaur, Ajeet, Mirabai Ceiba, Ganavya, Jai-Jagdeesh, Nirinjan Kaur, Simrit, Peter Kater, Matthew Schoening, Tina Malia, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Peter Yarrow, Guster, Jahnavi Harrison, and others.

What does Ram Dass do as a producer?

Ram Dass works across production, arrangement, recording, mixing, instrumentation, and, on some projects, mastering. His role often extends beyond conventional studio engineering into shaping arrangements, performances, instrumentation, and the overall direction of a recording.

Are “The Water Poem” and “Heart Takes Flight” by Ram Dass?

Yes. “The Water Poem” and “Heart Takes Flight” are songs by Ram Dass & AWARÉ from the 2021 EP And Now He Has Wings. The project was created following the death of Ram Dass’s newborn son and explores grief, love, recovery, and the experience of continuing to live after profound loss. Both songs have become among the most widely heard releases from the EP.

Ram Dass (Musician/Music Producer) — Events, Music & Tickets

Connect

Official Websiteramdassmusic.com

Spotify494K followers

YouTube17K subscribers

Apple MusicListen on Apple

BandcampSupport direct

Instagram17K followers

FacebookCommunity

X (Twitter)Latest updates

As Seen In

Yoga JournalReview: And Now He Has Wings

Recognition

Rachel Reilly Young Artist Award

Stay in Touch

Create your BrightStar account

Follow Ram Dass (Musician/Music Producer) and discover other retreats, teachers, and gatherings across the conscious wellness world. New programs, early-bird pricing, and seasonal guides — once a month.

Free BrightStar account. Follow venues and teachers, save events, get personalized recommendations across the conscious wellness ecosystem.