Kishore Kumar was born in a small place known as Khandwa located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He was born in a typical Bengali family and was the youngest among his siblings. He had two elder brothers (Ashok Kumar and Anoop Kumar) and a sister (Sati Devi). His father Kunjilal Ganguly was a lawyer by profession and his mother Gauri Devi was from a well-to-do family.

When struggling to become a singer he was often told by people, `Aapki awaaz mein woh baat nahin hai` (your voice has something amiss) and even his elder brother, the legendary actor, Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor instead of a singer as he thought that actors are better paid. But all that Kishoree Kumar wanted to do in life was to sing.

Once, the great S.D Burman had come to Ashok Kumar's house to meet up when he heard Kishoree singing. He actually thought it was K.L. Saigal singing and inquired if he was there too! When he came to know that it was Kishoree singing, he truly appreciated and encouraged the young lad to continue refining his voice but at the same time, develop a style of his own. Kishoree kept this advice in mind and went on develop his own signature style. He perfected yodeling, a unique style he heard amongst the Austrian music collections of his brother Anoop. In Hindi film industry, his yodeling turned out to be widely popular and became a trademark of Kishoree Kumar. His songs sounded absolutely natural, like laughter.

At the age of 18, he came to Bombay where elder brother Ashok Kumar was a major star. He got his first opportunity as a singer in Bombay Talkies Ziddi, 1948 where he sang the song Marne ki Duayen Kyon Mangu for Dev Anand. He has sung soulful songs for Dev Anand and also fun filled songs for Rajesh Khanna. After Rajesh Khanna went out of the scene, Kishoree Kumar belted out chart topping hits for superstar Amitabh Bachchan. When R.D. Burman stormed the music world, Kishoree Kumar re-surfaced with hits like Roop Tera Mastana and many other melodious songs. Some films that deserve a special mention are Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin, Kinara, Dream Girl, Anurodh, Sharabi, Mr. Natwarlal, Gol Maal, Dostana, Manzil, Padosan, Shalimar, Khatta Meetha, Kasme Vaade, Ghar, Don, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Dilli Ka Thug, etc.

When his popularity began to diminish during mid 80's, he retired and wanted to return back to Khandwa, his native place. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. On October 13th 1987, co-incidentally the birthday of his elder brother Ashok Kumar, Kishoree suffered a heart attack and breathed his last. His untimely and unexpected death shocked the entire nation. Kishoree Kumar married four times and his eldest son Amit Kumar also ventured into the world of music.