Raveendran began his career as a playback singer through the song "Parvanarajanithan" from a Malayalam film, Velliyazhcha. Later he associated with many composers and meanwhile served as a dubbing artist for films. He dubbed for actor Shankar in Aranjaanam directed by P. Venu. Primarily wished to become a playback singer, his destiny was changed by K. J. Yesudas, who realised his ability to create tunes which eventually led to his first movie Choola in 1979.