It is often said that God created the cuckoo and the singers to repeatedly hear the most beloved, sweet voice. They turn the sorrowful silence of the surroundings and time into a symphony. P Jayachandran is a legendary singer who captured the hearts of generations through the sweetness in his voice. With his demise, an era of golden songs is coming to an end.

One National Award for Best Playback Singer and five Kerala State Awards. Thousands of songs in languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. In addition to the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Singer, he was also honoured with the Kalaimamani Award for his contributions to Tamil film music. He won numerous awards in Kerala, including the Swarlaya Award and the JC Daniel Award.

Jayachandran did not impress audiences with the number of songs he sang but with the emotional depth in every performance. His voice, pure and beautiful, stood out, a sound that is not easily imitated. His songs will remain in the hearts of Malayalis for a very long time.

When Yesudas won the first prize for Best Classical Song at the 1958 State Arts Festival, Jayachandran won the first prize in Mridangam. From there, these two blessed singers together ruled the Malayalam film music empire. When Yesudas became known as the Gandharva of songs, Jayachandran was the one who earned the divine title of 'Bhava Gayanakan' (Singer of Emotion). Though he first sang for the movie Kunjalimarakkar, it was the song 'Manjalayil Mungithorthi' composed by Devarajan Master for the film 'Kalithozhan' that made him popular as a playback singer.

When remembering Jayachandran’s songs, one of the first that comes to mind is 'Neelagiriyude Sakhikale.' Some of his other popular songs are 'Chandanathil Kadanjeduthoru', Ramzaanile Chandrikayo' and 'Anuraga Ganam Pole'. The songs he sang for the new generation, such as 'Praayam Nammil Moham Nalki,' 'Olanjalikkuruvi,' and 'Sharadambaram,' remain highly popular.

Jayachandran, a devoted follower of Vadakkumnathan, also became a symbol of devotional songs in Malayalam. Both of Kerala's greatest singers were fortunate to sing the verses of the epochal spiritual leader, Sree Narayana Guru. Perhaps this was nature's design. It was through singing Guru's verse that Yesudas began his music journey. Under the musical direction of Devarajan Master, Jayachandran also sang Guru's Shivaprasadapanchakam.

Just like Malayalis, the people of Tamil Nadu also embraced Jayachandran's songs. He received the Tamil Nadu Government's Best Singer Award several times. He had the privilege of working with many talented music directors. Songs by composers like M.S. Baburaj, G. Devarajan, Ilaiyaraaja, and R.K. Shekhar became hits through Jayachandran’s voice. The song Raasathi Onna Kaanaatha from Ilaiyaraaja’s music helped Jayachandran conquer South India.

Jayachandran also sang the song Vellithenkinnam composed by R.K. Shekhar. His son, Dilip Shekhar, who was only nine at the time, later became the world-renowned A.R. Rahman. In 1994, Jayachandran won the Tamil Nadu Government's award for the song from the film Kizhakku Cheemaiyile, composed by A.R. Rahman.

Both literature and music possess the ability to transcend time and age. Jayachandran, who sang over 15,000 songs across various languages, was a close friend of Kerala Kaumudi. He leaves behind gentle melodies that will never fade, never lose their fragrance, in the hearts of listeners. We also express our heartfelt condolences to his family and the music community as they mourn his loss.