Popular Carnatic Musician KG Jayan, 90, Dies Due To Age-related Illness

Prominent Carnatic musician and singer Kalarathnam aka KG Jayan died at his home in Tripunithura, Ernakulam district, Kerala today, April 16. He was aged 90. He had been facing many health challenges and receiving treatments for age-related ailments for some time. KG Jayan, along with his late brother KG Vijayan, had produced many mesmerising tracks including the devotional songs composed for Lord Ayyappa. They were the first composers to produce and sing such tracks. He lent vocals to the Sree Sabareesa’ Song from the album Thiruvabharanam. KG Jayan also penned the track’s lyrics.

The duo, KG Jayan and KG Vijayan, also composed the music for this hit devotional song. Singer KJ Yesudas lent the vocals for this number. Their collaboration with stalwarts such as KJ Yesudas cemented their place in the hearts of the listeners.

Both KG Jayan and KG Vijayan teamed up for another track in praise of Lord Ayyappa titled Sreekovil Nada Thurannu Song from the album Thiruvabharanam, Vol 1.

KG Jayan’s contributions to music earned him many accolades including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award and the Harivarasanam Award. This award is jointly instituted by the Government of Kerala and the Travancore Devaswom Board. In 2019, the Union government awarded KG Jayan the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country. As per the reports, his final rites will be held on Wednesday, April 16. In addition to Manoj, the Sreekovil Nada Thurannu composer is survived by another son, Biju K Jayan. His wife Sarojini passed away a few years ago.

The veteran artist’s brother and another legendary singer KG Vijayan had died at 53 due to a heart attack. He was on his way to a concert at the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. KG Jayan performed at the concert for the first time after his brother’s death at the Nagampadam Siva Temple, Kottayam, Kerala. As per the reports, it was an emotional moment for the Sreekovil Nada Thurannu composer as he had never performed without his brother. After completing the concert somehow, he didn’t perform in any concert for a year.