Thodur Madabusi Krishna is one of the pre-eminent vocalists in the rigorous Karnatik tradition of India's classical music. His tutelage is in this form that originated in the southern peninsula of the sub-continent nearly five hundred years ago. His training has been under the distinguished gurus, B. Seetharama Sarma, Chengalpet Ranganathan, and Semmangudi Srinivasier, placing him in the highest reaches of that time-honored system. He has, at the same time, come to occupy a markedly distinct place in the Karnatik universe for the stunning individuality of his renditions distinguished for an inner luminosity and a passionate intensity that are all his own. T M Krishna belongs to a tradition but is not owned by it. His concert stage, whether in his hometown of Chennai or anywhere else in the world, is wholly classical but his concert practice is uncompromisingly his own.

As a public intellectual, Krishna speaks and writes about issues affecting the human condition and about matters cultural.

In 2017 he received the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration Award for his services in promoting and preserving national integration in India. In the same year, he received the revered Isai Perarignar award from Tamil Isai Sangam for his contributions to Tamil music. In 2019, he received the Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram the highest honour for musicians, instituted by the Kerala State Government. In 2021, he received the Pasumai Award in memory of Dr. Jeevanandam, a well-respected Gandhian and social worker.

He is the Sangita Kalanidhi designate for the year 2024, one of the most prestigious awards given to Karnatik musicians by The Madras Music Academy.