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Original scores and soundtracks

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{{short description|Indian composer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Johnson
| image = Johnson_(composer).jpg
| caption =
| image_size =
| background = non_performing_personnel
| birth_name = T. A. Johnson
| alias = Johnson Master
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1953|03|26}}<br/>[[Trichur]], [[Travancore-Cochin]], India
| death_date = {{death date and age |df=yes|2011|08|18|1953|03|26}}<br/>[[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu, India
| instrument = [[Pump organ|Harmonium]], guitar, flute, drums, violin, [[accordion]]
| genre = [[Film score]], [[world music]]
| occupation = Composer, music director, instrumentalist, singer
| years_active = 1978–2011
}}

'''Thattil Antony Johnson''' (26 March 1953 – 18 August 2011), popularly known as '''Johnson Master''', was an Indian [[film score]] composer and music director who has given music to some of the most important motion pictures of [[Malayalam cinema]], including those for ''[[Koodevide]]'', ''[[Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal|Namukku Paarkkan Munthiri Thoppukal]]'', ''[[Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam]]'', ''[[Vadakkunokkiyantram]]'', ''[[Perumthachan (film)|Perumthachan]]'', ''[[Njan Gandharvan]]'', ''[[Ponthan Mada]]'', and ''[[Bhoothakkannadi]]''. Regarded as one of the finest composers in the industry,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pathos-of-a-wilting-melody/article8201042.ece|title=Pathos of a wilting melody|author=P. K. Ajith Kumar|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 February 2016|access-date=2017-07-23}}</ref> he was noted for his lyrical and expressive melodies together with simple but rich tonal compositions of thematic music. Johnson is a recipient of [[National Film Awards]] twice and [[Kerala State Film Awards]] Five times.

He started his career as an assistant to [[G. Devarajan]] in the 1970s,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/03/16/stories/2006031614720400.htm|title=Devarajan, a composer who embraced different styles|date=16 March 2006|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2011-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929202205/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/03/16/stories/2006031614720400.htm|archive-date=29 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> and debuted as an independent composer in late seventies with ''Aaravam''.<ref name="300th film"/> He was a recurrent collaborator for directors [[Padmarajan]], [[Bharathan]], [[Sathyan Anthikkad]], [[T. V. Chandran]], [[Kamal (director)|Kamal]], [[A. K. Lohithadas|Lohithadas]], [[Balachandra Menon]] and [[Mohan (director)|Mohan]].<ref name="300th film">{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007050400380200.htm&date=2007/05/04/&prd=fr&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125154938/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007050400380200.htm&date=2007/05/04/&prd=fr&|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Down melody lane|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 May 2007|access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref> He has composed music for more than 300 Malayalam films, the most by any composer except for Devarajan.<ref name="300th film"/> He was the first Music Director from Malayalam cinema to be honored with the National film Awards. He died of a heart attack in [[Chennai]] on 18 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=9890975&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@|title=Johnson died}}</ref>

==Early life==

Johnson was born in Nellikkunnu near [[Trichur]] (Thrissur) in the state of [[Travancore-Cochin]] (now part of [[Kerala]]), on 26 March 1953. His father, the late Thattil Antony, was a bank employee. His secondary education was at St. Thomas School in Thope, Trichur. Johnson was a singer in the choir of Nellikkunnu St. Sebastian's Church. He obtained training in guitar and [[Pump organ|harmonium]] from his colleagues during this early periods itself. He used to sing in youth festivals and musical shows and joined the orchestra team of some local troupes and played harmonium in many concerts. He also used to sing in female voice in ''ganamelas'' (a stage show where film songs are sung by local or professional artists).<ref name="Manorama interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=8499495&programId=7940851&channelId=-1073751205&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=4|title=മനുഷ്യത്വം ഉണ്ടോ സിനിമയിൽ|language=ml|access-date=2011-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054455/http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=8499495&programId=7940851&channelId=-1073751205&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=4|archive-date=8 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1968, Johnson and his friends formed a club named Voice of Thrissur. Johnson was the main instrumentalist in the club where he played wide varieties of instruments – guitar, harmonium, [[flute]], drums and violin.<ref name="Manorama interview"/>

Within a few years, the club became one of the most sought after musical troupes in Kerala, and had more than fifty members. This club used to give accompaniment music to playback singers [[P. Jayachandran|Jayachandran]] and [[P. Madhuri|Madhuri]] in their musical shows. It was Jayachandran who introduced Johnson to [[G. Devarajan]], one of the most prolific composers of South Indian cinema then. Devarajan literally adopted Johnson and brought him to [[Chennai]] in 1974. Johnson bought an [[accordion]], during this period, from [[R. K. Shekhar]] ([[A. R. Rahman]]'s father), and began assisting Devarajan in filmscoring and composing.<ref name="Manorama interview"/>

==Film scoring and soundtracks==

Johnson began his independent career by composing the film youcores of [[Bharathan]]'s ''Aaravam'' (1978), ''[[Thakara]]'' (1980) and ''[[Chamaram]]'' (1980). He composed his first soundtracks for the film ''Inaye Thedi'', debut film of director turned still photographer Antony Eastman and actress [[Silk Smitha]]. It was Devarajan himself, who suggested Johnson to the director. Then came [[Bharathan]]'s ''Parvathi'' and [[Balachandra Menon]]'s ''Premageethangal''. ''Premageethangal'' was a notable success with four of its songs – "Swapnam Verumoru Swapnam", "Nee Nirayoo Jeevanil", "Muthum Mudipponnum" and "Kalakalamozhi" attaining cult status.

He came to prominence through his collaboration with Malayalam author and director [[Padmarajan]]. ''[[Koodevide]]'' was their first venture, which had one of the most famous songs of Johnson "Aadivaa Kaatte", a pathbreaking song in Malayalam music history. It was one of the first songs in Malayalam to so many western classical elements. The song was born out of Padmarajan's need for a western song for his innovative film. Song composition took place in Woodland's Hotel, [[Chennai]]. Another notable feature of this song was the lyrics by [[O. N. V. Kurup]], who for the first time wrote lyrics for a pre-composed song.<ref name="Manorama interview"/> Johnson worked for 11 films with Padmarajan, including his last film ''[[Njan Gandharvan]]''. This productive collaboration saw the detailed screenplay and cinematography of Padmarajan become a fertile ground for expressive musical narration and thematic scores for Johnson. This is seen in some of the greatest motion pictures of Malayalam cinema, like ''[[Nombarathipoovu]]'' (1987). Another notable collaboration of Johnson was with director [[Sathyan Anthikkad]], with whom he associated in almost 25 films. He was able to provide some of his most popular songs with Anthikkad and this combo is widely accepted to be one of the greatest director-composer collaborations in Malayalam cinema. Acclaimed Malayalam director [[Bharathan]] also collaborated with him in multiple films including ''Parvathy, Palangal, [[Ormakkayi]], Kattathe Kilikkoodu, Ente Upasana, [[Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam]], Ozhivukalam, [[Malootty]], [[Chamayam (1993 film)|Chamayam]]'' and ''[[Churam]]''. His major other collaborations with directors include Mohan (''Oru Katha Oru Nunakkatha, Sakshyam, [[Pakshe]]'' and ''Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu''), [[Sibi Malayil]] (''[[Kireedam (1989 film)|Kireedam]], [[Chenkol]], Dasaratham'' and ''Nee Varuvolam''), [[Sreenivasan (actor)|Sreenivasan]] (''[[Vadakkunokkiyantram]]'' and ''[[Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala]]''), [[A. K. Lohithadas|Lohithadas]] (''[[Bhoothakkannadi]]'', [[Kamal (director)|Kamal]] (''[[Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal]], [[Shubhayathra]], [[Ee Puzhayum Kadannu]]'' and ''Paavam Paavam Rajakumaran''), and [[Balachandra Menon]] (''Shesham Kazhchayil, Premageethangal, Kilukilukkam'', ''Kelkatha Shabdam'' and ''[[Nayam Vyakthamakkunnu]]'').

He is also noted for his collaboration with the Malayalam lyricist [[Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri]]. Their association began in 1989 with [[Sathyan Anthikkad]]'s social satire ''[[Varavelpu]]''. Most of Johnson's notable works were in the late eighties and early nineties. In 1991, he scored a record number of 31 films, including 29 with Kaithapram.<ref name="Manorama interview"/> Johnson won National awards for two consecutive years. He won his first National Award for best music direction for the motion picture ''[[Ponthan Mada]]'' (1993). The next year he got his second National award for ''[[Sukrutham]]'for the background score.

After an extremely successful career of more than a decade, Johnson took a sabbatical from film scoring by the end of the nineties. The quantity of his works began perishing during this time. By the beginning of the 2000s, he didn't sign any new projects that even his most noted collaborator Sathyan Anthikkad had to find a new composer. In 2003 he did the background score for the NFDC movie [[Parinamam]] (The Change) directed by [[P. Venu]].In 2004, he sang the song "Theekuruvi" from ''[[Kangalal Kaidhu Sei]]'', which was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]]. Perhaps it is the only song recorded by him for any composer other than himself. He returned strongly to the field with ''[[Photographer (film)|Photographer]]'' in 2006, which fetched him numerous awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/3330/malayalam/photographer/preview.htm|title=Photographer Synopisis|publisher=Nowrunning.com|access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref>

==Non-cinematic outputs==

Johnson has released four non-film albums. His first album ''Sneha Deepika'' was released in 1989 on Tharangini audios. It had nine Christian devotional songs – "Aathma Swaroopa", "Unni Yesu Pirannu", "Manninum Poovinum", "Thumbapoo Polulla", "Bhoomikku Pulakam", "Manassakumengil", "Kulir Choodum", "Arthungal Innoru" and "Vidarnna Punchiri". The featured artists were [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[K. S. Chithra]] and [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721223134/http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/php/createAlbumSongIndex.php?txt=Sneha deepika&stype=movie&submit=Find+Songs "Sneha Deepika (1989)"]</ref> His second album ''Onathappan'', a collaboration with [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] and [[Berny-Ignatius]], consisted of nine festival songs. The track "Mundon Paadam" was composed by Johnson, sung by [[M. G. Sreekumar]] and had lyrics penned by [[Bichu Thirumala]].<ref>[http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/a.php?784 "Onathappan"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721223138/http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/a.php?784 |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref> His third album ''Nannipoorvam Johnson'', consisted of twelve tracks – "Chandanakkavilinnu", "Panineeru Peyyum", "Vasundhare", "Virunnu Vanna", "Prapanjam Sundaram", "Enthe Nee Varathe", "Nilasandhyayil", "Veruthe Onnu", "Ponnazhikkuttu", "Pranayappirave", "Kalindhi", and an introductory speech by [[Sreenivasan (actor)|Sreenivasan]]. The lyricists were [[R K Damodaran|R. K. Damodaran]], [[Gireesh Puthenchery]], [[Kaithapram]], [[Bichu Thirumala]], [[M. D. Rajendran]], [[K. Jayakumar]], [[S. Ramesan Nair]] and [[Poovachal Khader]] and the songs were rendered by [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[P. Jayachandran]], [[K. S. Chithra]], [[M. G. Sreekumar]], [[Aparna Rajeev]], [[Dr. Rashmi Madhu]] and Johnson himself. In 2009, he released his second Christian devotional album entitled ''Parishudhan''. It had eleven tracks – "Vazhiyum Sathyavum Nee Thanne ([[Vijay Yesudas]]), "Mullukal Kuthi" ([[Chithra]]), "Ariyathe Polum" ([[G. Venugopal]]), "Neethimanayavane" ([[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]]), "Traditional song" (Louis), "Mazhayum Veyilum" ([[Rimi Tomy]]), "Oru Viral Sparshathal (Sudheep), "Loka Palaka" (Chithra), Neethanthamam (Vijay Yesudas), and "Kannukalil Theliyum" ([[Manjari (Indian singer)|Manjari]]).

==Music style and impact==

His skilful integration of textual rhythm of the lyrics together with rich tonal arrangement, redefined songwriting in Malayalam cinema, since the late 1980s. In his film scores, Johnson combines native South Indian melodic patterns with the harmonic structure of classical music and this has attained an expressive form of narration through film score.<ref name="Khaleej">{{cite news
|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/April/theuae_April538.xml&section=theuae&col
|title=Johnson brings an evening of melody to Dubai
|date=22 April 2010
|newspaper=[[Khaleej Times]]
|access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref> He composed for about 300 films, making him the second most composed music director in Malayalam, after his guru [[G. Devarajan]]. Though he has obtained no formal training in classical music, he was able to incorporate the beauty of [[Carnatic music|Carnatic ragas]] in his songs. Most of his songs were composed on [[Kalyani (raga)|Kalyani raga]].

Johnson's favourite male singer was [[K. J. Yesudas]], who has recorded many songs for him, while [[S. Janaki]] and [[K. S. Chithra]] were his favourite female singers. Chithra had some of her most noted songs with Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007100660471100.htm&date=2007%2F10%2F06%2F&prd=th& |title="Johnson: a versatile composer who hums a retreat note" |access-date=7 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207090502/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007100660471100.htm&date=2007%2F10%2F06%2F&prd=th& |archive-date=7 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Johnson is fondly called Johnson Master (Johnson Mashu) by Malayalee audiences. Even his contemporaries and competitors refer him with the tag 'Master' ('mash' in Malayalam).

His background scoring style has a cult following. His scores from [[Thoovanathumbikal]], [[Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal]], [[Manichitrathazhu]], [[Thaniyavarthanam]], [[Chitram]], [[Bharatham]], [[Aparan]], [[Kireedam (1989 film)|Kireedam]], [[Sukrutham]] are considered to be amongst the best.

===Awards===

Johnson won his first [[National Film Award]] for the Best Music Direction for the film ''[[Ponthan Mada]]'' (1994) and the very next year he won his second [[National film award]] for the Best Background score for the film ''[[Sukrutham]]'' (1995)<ref name="Score">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/04/stories/2006080401000300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314220126/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/04/stories/2006080401000300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 March 2007|title=Conjuror of tunes |author=P.K.Ajith Kumar|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 August 2006}}</ref> He was the first Malayalee music composer to receive a National award in music category and is also the only Malayalee music director who received two national awards in music category. This film has one song ''Adimarunge ayyayya'' (അടിമരുങ്ങേ അയ്യയ്യാ) lyrics by [[O. N. V. Kurup]] and sung by [[K. S. Chithra]] and chorus composed by [[Johnson (composer)|Johnson]]. This is a folk song. National film award committee noted that he brilliantly integrated western folk tunes into this song.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} The award was given for best music direction and background score of this film. He has received three [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director]], for the films ''[[Ormakkayi]]'' (1982), ''[[Vadakkunokkiyantram]]'' and ''[[Mazhavil Kavadi]]'' (1989), and ''Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu'' (1999). He was awarded the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Background Music]] for the films ''[[Sadayam]]'' (1992) and ''[[Sallapam]]'' (1996). He has thus received five Kerala State Film Awards in music category, an achievement he shares with Devarajan. He has received the Kerala Film Critics Awards four times, the most recent in 2008 for ''Gulmohar''. In 2007, he won the Mathruboomi Award for Best Music Director for ''[[Photographer (film)|Photographer]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/33604.html|title=Mammootty, Padmapriya bags Mathrubhumi awards |publisher=Indiaglitz|date=15 September 2007|access-date=2011-02-23}}</ref> He won the Mullasserry Raju Music Award for the song "Enthe Kannanu Karuppu Niram", also from the same film. In addition, he has received numerous other awards and nominations including Devarajan Master Memorial Award and Raveendran Master Memorial Award.<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007092151300200.htm&date=2007/09/21/&prd=th& "A treat for music lovers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110074018/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007092151300200.htm&date=2007%2F09%2F21%2F&prd=th& |date=10 November 2007 }}. ''The Hindu''. 21 September 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2011.</ref>

==Death==

Johnson, popularly known as 'Johnson Master' died at his home in [[Chennai]] on 18 August 2011 at the age of 58, due to a massive heart attack. Though he was suffering from various diseases for a long time, his death came suddenly. The Government of Kerala gave all official honours for his funeral which was held in his hometown, Thrissur. He is survived by his wife, Rani Johnson. On 25 February 2012, Renn Johnson, his son and an engineer by profession, worked at Connectivity Data Systems LLC died in a motor bike accident at Chennai. He was on the way to his office. His dead body was taken to [[Thrissur]] and was buried beside his father.<ref>{{cite news|title=Music director Johnson's son Ren dies in accident|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=120570|access-date=25 February 2012|newspaper=[[Mathrubhumi]]|date=25 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226150126/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=120570|archive-date=26 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At the time of Johnson's death, he was composing songs for 4 films, which were completed by his daughter Shan, who was a well-trained singer herself. Shan Johnson died in her rented flat in Chennai on 5 Feb, 2016, after suffering a massive heart attack. Her body was also taken to Thrissur, and was buried beside her father and brother.<ref>http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-late-music-director-johnson-s-daughter-shan-found-dead-in-chennai-2174333</ref>

==Partial discography==

===Original scores and soundtracks===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! width="25" | Year
! width="300" | Album
|-
|1979||''[[Cheriyachante Kroorakrithyangal]]''
|-
|rowspan="6"|1981||''Premageethangal''
|-
|''[[Oridathoru Phayalvaan]]''
|-
| ''Inaye Thedi''
|-
| ''Raktham''
|-
| ''Chaatta''
|-
| ''Parvathi''
|-
|rowspan="10"|1982||''Football''
|-
| ''Sooryan''
|-
| ''Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam''
|-
| ''Kelkatha Shabdam''
|-
| ''Palangal''
|-
| ''Kilukilukkam''
|-
| ''Swarna Gopuram''
|-
| ''Ithu Njangalude Kadha''
|-
| ''[[Ormakkayi]]''
|-
| ''Thuranna Jail''
|-
|rowspan="9"|1983|| ''[[Koodevide]]''
|-
| ''Shesham Kaazhchayil''
|-
| ''Kolakomban''
|-
| ''Onnu Chirikkoo''
|-
| ''[[Kattathe Kilikkoodu]]''
|-
| ''Naseema''
|-
| ''Thamburu''
|-
| ''[[Thavalam (1983 film)|Thavalam]]''
|-
| ''[[Ivide Thudangunnu]]''
|-
|rowspan="4"|1984||''[[Parannu Parannu Parannu]]''
|-
| ''Sandarbham''
|-
| ''[[Ente Upasana]]''
|-
| ''Swanthamevide Bandhamevide''
|-
|rowspan="12"|1985|| ''Akkacheede Kunjivava''
|-
| ''Nerariyum Nerathu''
|-
| ''Oru Kudakkeezhil''
|-
| ''Makan Ente Makan''
|-
| ''Kadha Ithu Vare''
|-
| ''Mounanombaram''
|-
| ''Upaharam''
|-
| ''Sannaham''
|-
| ''Jwalanam''
|-
| ''Oduvil Kittiya Vartha''
|-
| ''Aa Neram Alpa Dooram''
|-
| ''Ozhivukalam''
|-
|rowspan="9"|1986||''[[Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal]]''
|-
| ''[[Oru Katha Oru Nunnakkatha]]''
|-
| ''Neram Pularumpol''
|-
| ''Akalangalil''
|-
| ''[[Kariyila Kattu Pole]]''
|-
| ''[[Ice Cream (1986 film)|Ice Cream]]''
|-
| ''Malamukalile Daivam''
|-
| ''Ente Entethumathram''
|-
| ''Thidambu''
|-
|rowspan="8"|1987||''[[Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam]]''
|-
| ''[[Sruthi (film)|Sruthi]]''
|-
| ''Athinumappuram''
|-
| ''Ithente Needhi''
|-
| ''Arinjo Ariyatheyo''
|-
| ''Onnam Manam Poomanam''
|-
| ''Archana Pookkal''
|-
| ''Kathirippinte Thudakkam''
|-
|rowspan="4"|1988||''[[Aparan (film)|Aparan]]''
|-
| ''[[Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas]]''
|-
| ''[[Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu]]''
|-
| ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]''
|-
|rowspan="13"|1989||''[[Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal]]''
|-
| ''[[Varavelpu]]''
|-
| ''Varnatheru''
|-
| ''Radham''
|-
| ''Nerunnu Nanmakal''
|-
| ''Lal Americayil''
|-
| ''[[Kireedam (1989 film)|Kireedam]]''
|-
| ''[[Artham]]''
|-
| ''Dasaratham''
|-
| ''[[Vadakkunokkiyantram]]''
|-
| ''[[Mazhavilkavadi]]''
|-
| ''Pradeshika Varthakal''
|-
| ''Pandu Pandoru Desathu''
|-
|rowspan="25"|1990|| ''Nanma Niranjavan Sreenivasan''
|-
| ''[[Malootty]]''
|-
| ''Paavakkoothu''
|-
| ''Varthamanakaalam''
|-
| ''Muppathi Randam Naal''
|-
| ''[[Shubhayathra]]''
|-
| ''Sunday 7 PM''
|-
| ''Sandram''
|-
| ''Dr. Pasupathy''
|-
| ''[[Kalikkalam]]''
|-
| ''Gajakesariyogam''
|-
| ''[[Rajavazhcha]]''
|-
| ''Kouthuka Vaarthakal''
|-
| ''Ee Kanni Koodi''
|-
| ''[[Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum]]''
|-
| ''Niyamam Endu Cheyyum''
|-
| ''Orukkam''
|-
| ''[[Thalayanamanthram]]''
|-
| ''Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran''
|-
| ''Kaattukuthira''
|-
| ''[[Sasneham]]''
|-
| ''Mridula''
|-
| ''Mukham''
|-
| ''Ananthanum Appukkuttanum Anayundu''
|-
| ''Khalasi''
|-
|rowspan="23"|1991||''Kakka Thollayiram''
|-
| ''Sundari Kakka''
|-
| ''Nettipattam''
|-
| ''Beli''
|-
| ''Chanchaattam''
|-
| ''[[Perunthachan]]''
|-
| ''Kankettu''
|-
| ''Ezhunnaallathu''
|-
| ''Mimics Parade''
|-
| ''Athiradhan''
|-
| ''Arangu''
|-
| ''Kanal Kaattu''
|-
| ''Innathe Program''
|-
| ''Karpoora Deepam''
|-
| ''[[Aanaval Mothiram]]''
|-
| ''[[Sandhesam]]''
|-
| ''Apoorvam Chilar''
|-
| ''[[Ennum Nanmakal]]''
|-
| ''[[Njaan Gandharvan]]''
|-
| ''Nagarathil Samsaaravishayam''
|-
| ''Venal Kinavukal''
|-
| ''Cheppukilukkana Changaathi''
|-
| ''[[Nayam Vyakthamakkunnu]]''
|-
|rowspan="17"|1992||''[[My Dear Muthachan]]''
|-
| ''[[Thalasthanam]]''
|-
| ''Kunukkkitta Kozhi''
|-
| ''Mahanagaram''
|-
| ''Kasargode Khadarbhai''
|-
| ''Snehasaagaram''
|-
| ''[[Oottyppattanam]]''
|-
| ''[[Aadharam]]''
|-
| ''Maanthrika Cheppu''
|-
| ''Ezharapponnana''
|-
| ''Savidham''
|-
| ''Kudumba Sametham''
|-
| ''Neelakkurukkan''
|-
| ''[[Sadayam]]''
|-
| ''Poochaikkaru Manikettum''
|-
| ''Aayaram Gayaram''
|-
| ''Ambathu Lakshavum Maruthi Carum''
|-
|rowspan="15"|1993||''Addheham Enna Iddheham''
|-
| ''[[Golanthara Vartha]]''
|-
| ''[[Samooham]]''
|-
| ''Ghoshayaathra''
|-
| ''Ente Sreekuttiku''
|-
| ''Maanavam''
|-
| ''Samaagamam''
|-
| ''[[Chenkol]]''
|-
| ''Agneyam''
|-
| ''O' Faby''
|-
| ''[[Meleparambil Aanveedu]]''
|-
| ''[[Chamayam (1993 film)|Chamayam]]''
|-
| ''Naaraayam''
|-
| ''Thalamura''
|-
| ''Paamaram''
|-
|rowspan="14"|1994||''[[CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed.]]''
|-
| ''Rajadhaani''
|-
| ''[[Pakshe]]''
|-
| ''[[Ponthan Mada]]''
|-
| ''The City''
|-
| ''Kudumba Visesham''
|-
| ''Sandanagopaalam''
|-
| ''Manathe Vellitheru''
|-
| ''Bhagyavan''
|-
| ''Chakoram''
|-
| ''[[Pingami]]''
|-
| ''Malappuram Haji Mahanaaya Joji''
|-
| ''Kunjikkili''
|-
| ''Leader''
|-
|rowspan="8"|1995||''Ezharakuttam''
|-
| ''[[Saadaram]]''
|-
| ''Ormakal Undaayirikkanam''
|-
| ''Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Aana''
|-
| ''Mangalam Veettil Manaseswari Gupta''
|-
| ''Sunny Scooter''
|-
| ''Sakshyam''
|-
| ''Thovala Pookkal''
|-
|rowspan="7"|1996||''[[Ee Puzhayum Kadannu]]''
|-
| ''Kanchanam''
|-
| ''[[Thooval Kottaram]]''
|-
| ''[[Udhyanapalakan]]''
|-
| ''[[Sallapam]]''
|-
| ''[[Aayiram Naavulla Ananthan]]''
|-
| ''[[Kalyana Sougandhikam (1996 film)|Kalyana Sougandhikam]]''
|-
|rowspan="18"|1997|| ''Irattakuttikalude Achan''
|-
| ''Killikurisiyile Kudumbhamela''
|-
| ''Adivaaram''
|-
| ''[[Bhoothakannadi]]''
|-
| ''Manthra Mothiram''
|-
| ''Kudamaattam''
|-
| ''Sankeerthanam Pole''
|-
| ''Guru Sishyan''
|-
| ''[[Oral Mathram]]''
|-
| ''Itha Oru Snehagadha''
|-
| ''[[Churam]]''
|-
| ''Maanasam''
|-
| ''Nee Varuvolam''
|-
| ''Snehasindhooram''
|-
| ''Rishyasringan''
|-
| ''Athyunnathangalil Koodaram Panithavar''
|-
| ''Vachalam''
|-
| ''Sammanam''
|-
|rowspan="8"|1998||''Aayushmaanbhava''
|-
| ''Manjukaalavum Kazhinju''
|-
| ''Vismayam''
|-
| ''[[Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala]]''
|-
| ''Ormacheppu''
|-
| ''Kusrithikuruppu''
|-
| ''Thirakalkkappuram''
|-
| ''[[Mangamma (film)|Mangamma]]''
|-
|rowspan="2"|1999||''Angane Oru Avadikkalathu''
|-
| ''[[Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal]]''
|-
|rowspan="4"|2000||''[[Swayamvara Panthal]]''
|-
| ''[[Susanna (2000 film)|Susanna]]''
|-
| ''Ee Mazha Thenmazha''
|-
| ''[[Oru Cheru Punchiri]]''
|-
|rowspan="4"|2001||''[[Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka]]''
|-
| ''Uthaman''
|-
| ''The Gift of God''
|-
| ''Police Academy''
|-
|rowspan="4"|2002||''[[Yathrakarude Sradhakku]]''
|-
| ''[[Dany (film)|Dany]]''
|-
| ''[[Stop Violence]]''
|-
| ''Suvarna Mohangal''
|-
|rowspan="2"|2003||''[[Parinamam]] (The Change)''
|-
|''[[Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam]]''
|-
|rowspan="2"|2006||''[[Kisan (film)|Kisan]]''
|-
| ''[[Photographer (film)|Photographer]]''
|-
| 2007 || ''AKG''
|-
|2008||''Gulmohar''
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Vellathooval]]''
|-
|rowspan="4"|2011||''[[Nadakame Ulakam]]''
|-
| ''Anandhan Pillai Adhava Arjunan Pillai''
|-
| ''Bharyamar Adharikkapedunnu''
|-
| ''Khilafath''
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Navagatharkku Swagatham]]''
|}

===Original scores===
The following lists out the films in which Johnson composed the background score but not songs.
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*''Aakaashakottayile Sulthaan''
*''Aalorungi Arangorungi''
*''Aaraante Mulla Kochumulla''
*''Aaravam''
*''Aaryan''
*''Arabikkadal''
*''Abhimanyu''
*''Adimachangala''
*''Agnisharam''
*''Ambada Njaane''
*''[[Amaram]]''
*''Amrutham''
*''[[Arayannangalude Veedu]]''
*''Avidatheppole Ivideyum''
*''[[Bharatham]]''
*''Chamaram''
*''[[Chithram]]''
*''Chakravalam Chuvannappol''
*''Chithrathoonukal''
*''Dhanam''
*''Dheem Tharikidathom''
*''Ee Kaikalil''
*''Ekantham''
*''English Medium''
*''Ente Hridayathinte Udama''
*''Ente Kaanakkuyil''
*''Ithum Oru Jeevitham''
*''Iniyum Kurukshethram''
*''Kaanaakkinaavu''
*''Kaarunyam''
*''Kaaryam Nissaaram''
*''[[Kadathanadan Ambadi]]''
*''[[Kadaksham]]''
*''Kamaladalam''
*''Kazhukan''
*''Keli''
*''Kaikudanna Nilavu''
*''Kinnarippuzhayoram''
*''Kodumudikal''
*''Koodum Thedi''
*''Krishnapakshakkilikal''
*''Kudumbapuraanam''
*''Kunjaattakkilikal''
*''Maayamayooram''
*''Madhya Venal''
*''Manasiloru Manimuthu''
*''[[Manichithrathazhu]]''
*''Mankamma''
*''Mizhineerppoovukal''
*''[[Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu]]''
*''[[Mizhi Randilum]]''
*''Mounanombaram''
*''[[No. 1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North]]''
*''[[Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu]]''
*''[[Nombarathi Poovu]]''
*''Nyayavidhi''
*''[[Orma Mathram]]''
*''Ottayal Pattaalam''
*''Oru Cheru punchiri''
*''Puzha''
*''Paadamudra''
*''Parinayam''
*''Pooram''
*''Post Box Number 27
*''Pradakshinam''
*''Raagam Thaanam Pallavi''
*''Shreeraagam''
*''Snehapoorvam Meera''
*''[[Sukrutham]]''
*''Susanna''
*''Soorya Gaayathri''
*''[[Thalavattam]]''
*''[[Thazhvaram]]''
*''[[Thakara]]''
*''[[Thaniyavarthanam]]''
*''Theekkaattu''
*''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]''
*''[[Uncle Bun]]''
*''Uthara''
*''[[Utharam]]''
*''Vadhu Doctoraanu''
*''Vaadakaveettile Athidhi''
*''[[Vandanam]]''
*''Vasudha''
*''[[Vellanakalude Nadu]]''
*''Vedikkett''
*''Venkalam''
*''Vishnulokam''
{{div col end}}

===Non-film albums===
*''Rajavu ezhunallunnu – Christian devotional album .Audio by manorama music '' (2011)
*''Parishudhan'' (2009)
*''Nannipoorvam Johnson''
*''Onathappan''
*''Sneha Deepika'' (1989)

===Notable songs===
In an interview with ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'', Johnson listed the following 13 songs as his favourite songs.<ref name="Manorama interview"/>
* "Aadivaa Katte" (''[[Koodevide]]'')
* "Nee Nirayoo Jeevanil" (''Premageethangal'')
* "Swapnam Verumoru Swapnam" (''Premageethangal'')
* "Poo Venam" (''[[Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam]]'')
* "Melle Melle Mukhapadam" (''[[Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam]]'')
* "Gopike Nin Viral" (''[[Kattathe Kilikkoodu]]'')
* "Devankanangal" (''[[Njan Gandharvan]]'')
* "Swarna mukile" (''[[Ithu Njangalude Katha]]'')
* "Thankathoni" (''[[Mazhavilkavadi]]'')
* "Sundari Poovinu Naanam" (''[[Ente Upasana]]'')
* "Shyamambharam" (''[[Artham]]'')
* "Enthe Kannanu Karuppu Niram" (''[[Photographer (film)|Photographer]]'')
* "Oru Naal" (''Gulmohar'')
* "Rajahamsame"(chamayam)
* "Chandana cholayil"(sallapam)
* "Pathirappullunarnu"(Ee puzhayum kadannu)
* "Pavizham pol"(Namukku parkkaan munthirithoppukal)
* "oonjaalurangi hindola ragam mayangi"
* "Paathi meyy maranjathenthe saubhaagya"(Paavam Paavam Rajakumaran)
* "Ariyaathe ariyaathe ...ennile ennil nee"
* "Poothaalam valam kayyilendi vaasantham"
* "Kannethaa doore marutheeram"
* "Sooryaamshuvoro vayalppoovilum"
* "Maunathin idanaazhiyil"(malooty)
* "Sreeraama naamam japa"
* "Pathiraapalkkadavil ambili"(chenkol)
# "Doore doore saagaram thedi"(Varavelppu)

==Accolades==

===[[National Film Awards]]===
{|class= "wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Category
!Film
!Notes
|-
|1993
|[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
|[[Ponthan Mada]]
|
|-
|1994
|[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
|[[Sukrutham]]
|Background score only
|}
===[[Kerala State Film Awards]]===
{|class= "wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Category
!Film
|-
|1982
|rowspan=3|[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Direction]]
|[[Ormakkayi]]
|-
|1989
|[[Mazhavil Kavadi]] [[Vadakkunokkiyanthram]]
|-
|1999
|Angane Oru Avadhi Kaalathu
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0424420|Johnson}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110721223113/http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/php/displayProfile.php?category=musician&artist=Johnson Johnson] at the Malayalam Movie Database
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110721223122/http://www.malayalasangeetham.info/php/createSongIndex.php?txt=Johnson&stype=musician A list of 700 songs by Johnson]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110819030102/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=208219 Johnson Master Passed away]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110820034940/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/story.php?id=1122&cat_id=503 'കുന്നിമണിച്ചെപ്പ് തുറന്ന് – രവി മേനോന്‍' in Mathrubhumi Online]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110819030134/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/static/others/newspecial/index.php?cat=806 'ആരോടും മിണ്ടാതെ' in Mathrubhumi Online]
* [http://www.manoramaonline.com/advt/Music/Tribute-to-Johnson/index.htm 'ഓര്‍മ്മയ്ക്കായ്' in Manorama Online]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120223193002/http://www.globalindianewswire.com/index.php/20110824251/Features/Entertainment/malayalam-film-industry-never-recognized-johnsons-worth.html Malayalam film industry never recognized Johnson’s worth: G. Venugopal]

{{NationalFilmAwardBestMusicDirection}}
{{KeralaStateFilmAwardBestMusicDirection}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson}}
[[Category:Indian film score composers]]
[[Category:Musicians from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Malayalam film score composers]]
[[Category:Best Music Direction National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Best Background Score National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:1953 births]]
[[Category:2011 deaths]]

Johnson (composer) - Revision history

Amit raj at 07:36, 27 December 2025

>Aadirulez8: /* Original scores and soundtracks */