CHENNAI: Malayalam film score composer and eminent music director Johnson, often referred to as the King of Melody, passed away due to heart attack around 8.30 pm on Thursday in Chennai. He was 58.

He underwent a severe chest pain while at his home at Kattuapakkam in Chennai. Though he was rushed to Sree Ramachandra Medical College, he died on the way. His body is now kept at this hospital.

He has composed music for more than 300 Malayalam films, the most by any composer except for Devarajan. Some of the films he worked with are Njan Gandharvan, Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal, Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam, Vadakkunokkiyantram, Perumthachan, Amaram, Manichitrathazhu, Malootty, Chamayam, Churam.

Johnson's favourite male singer is K. J. Yesudas, who has recorded many songs for him, while S. Janaki and K. S. Chithra are his favourite female singers. Chithra had some of her most noted songs with Johnson.

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