Among the prominent and outstanding Ghatam vidhwans of the senior generation is Vaikom R Gopalakrishnan, who is much sought after by all leading artistes.  Gopalakrishnan made his debut performance at the age of eight and since then, has accompanied all leading artistes'. Gopalakrishnan  is  a seasoned mrudangam player, taking active participation on
Bharathanatyam Events also.

Born at Vaikom in Kerala, Gopalakrishnan started learning Ghatam and Mrudangam from his father Sri R.Ramaswamy Iyer and later had advanced training from Sri.Karaikudi R.Chandramouli at Mumbai. He had a natural flair for rhythm right from his childhood. As opportunities were limited in his village, Gopalakrishnan's father sent him to Mumbai and here, several opportunities came on his way. 

He started accompanying all leading vidhans of Chennai who came to perform at Mumbai.  Gopalakrishnan started performing for Dr.KJ Yesudas in 1972 and from then on, he has been accompanying him regularly and also been abroad  including Gulf countries with him on many concert tours. He has also accompanied T.N.Krishnan and Kadri Gopalnath during  concerts in USA.

Gopalakrishnan is working as a staff artiste of All India Radio, Chennai and is an "A Top" graded artist.

He also got a Meritorious award from MaharaJapuram Santhanam Trust.