Malayalam film industry has lost yet another genius and this time none other than the great composer Johnson master. To quite a few, he might be just “another” celebrity guest in Idea Star Singer who plays guitar. But for those who love the soothing music when Malayalam film industry was in its peak in 1980’s and 1990’s, he is their beloved Johnson maashu.
What distinguished Johnson master from other composers, was his ability to adapt completely with the situation of the movie and deliver his composition. His music reached the common man easily as it was melodious, as opposed to the semi classical / classical rendering by Raveendran master, another legend. His earlier compositions consist of very few instruments, and the way music blends with the song and how he manages to sooth the audience is amazing.
He has really been a master of melodies, and I love almost all of them. The songs which come to my mind first whenever I think of Johnson master includes
Devankanangal (Njaan Gandharvan)
Anuraagini itha (Oru kudakeezhil)
Melle Melle Mugapadam (Minnaminunginu Nurunguvettom)
Mandaracheppundo (Dasaratham)
Neelaraavil (Kudumbasametham)
Aarodum Mindathe (Chinthavishtayaaya Shyamala)
Chaitra Nilavinte (Oraal mathram)
Aakashamaake (Namukku Paarkkan Munthiri Thoppukal)
Devakanyaka Suryathamburu (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu)
Kaneer Poovinte (Kireedam)
Madhuram Jeevamritha (Chenkol)
Kunnimani Cheppu (Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu)
Mounathinn Idanazhiyil (Malooti)
Oonjalurangi (Kudumbasametham)
Pathimey marenjathenthey (Paavam Paavam Raajakumaran)
Anuraagini itha (Oru kudakeezhil)
Melle Melle Mugapadam (Minnaminunginu Nurunguvettom)
Mandaracheppundo (Dasaratham)
Neelaraavil (Kudumbasametham)
Aarodum Mindathe (Chinthavishtayaaya Shyamala)
Chaitra Nilavinte (Oraal mathram)
Aakashamaake (Namukku Paarkkan Munthiri Thoppukal)
Devakanyaka Suryathamburu (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu)
Kaneer Poovinte (Kireedam)
Madhuram Jeevamritha (Chenkol)
Kunnimani Cheppu (Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu)
Mounathinn Idanazhiyil (Malooti)
Oonjalurangi (Kudumbasametham)
Pathimey marenjathenthey (Paavam Paavam Raajakumaran)
His contributions in the semi-classical genre is also worth mentioning and the songs which I immediately think of includes
PaalaPoove (Njaan Gandharvan)
Devi (Njaan Gandharvan)
Ponnil kulichu (Sallapam)
Bhramakamalam (Savidham)
Maunasarovaram (Savidham)
Rajahamsame (Chamayam)
Gopike Nin Viral ( Kaatathe Kilikoodu) (My mom used to sing this to me when I was a kid, and I would sleep only after that )
PaalaPoove (Njaan Gandharvan)
Devi (Njaan Gandharvan)
Ponnil kulichu (Sallapam)
Bhramakamalam (Savidham)
Maunasarovaram (Savidham)
Rajahamsame (Chamayam)
Gopike Nin Viral ( Kaatathe Kilikoodu) (My mom used to sing this to me when I was a kid, and I would sleep only after that )
The variety of music he rendered was quite amazing and it is hard to believe that it was Johnson master himself behind Anuraagini, Ponnil kulichu and Anthikadapurathu (Chamayam). Songs of 3 different genres, different mood and what not!
Your demise has created a huge vacuum which may never be replaced. We will really miss you Johnson master.
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