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'JAMES TAYLOR OF MALAYSIA' DIES
July 14, 2004, New Straits Times

By Gerald Chuah

OBITUARY - Jairus Anthony

SINGER Jairus Anthony known as the "James Taylor" of Malaysia died at 8.45pm on Monday morning at the age of 41. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001.

A well-known folk and retro singer, Jairus had been performing in the pub circuit in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur for the past 20 years in places like Ecstasy and Street Connection in Damansara Utama, PJ and the Backyard Pub in Sri Hartamas, KL, where he was resident performer for the past five years.

He had also performed in Ipoh and had been involved in doing jingles. He had a band, simply called the Jairus Anthony band comprising his brother Edmund, Justin Wah and Simon Leo Justin.

Edmund, who was his back-up bass player, said his brother was "best being on stage and his presence can never be replaced. He went beyond music." Two of his favourite songs were You've Got a Friend by Carole King, and Carolina on My Mind by Taylor.

Edmund said his brother had accepted his condition and died without pain. "We best remember his smiles which spoke more than words, even when he was taken into the ambulance," he added.

There were two benefit concerts organised for him at the Backyard Pub in September 2003, and another at The Actors Studio Bangsar in KL last April 11. The concert at Backyard Pub was a huge event which spread through word-of-mouth, and received overwhelming support from the music community.

The concert at The Actors Studio Bangsar, was supported by his friends such as Pete Teo, Rehman and Rafique Rashid, Hassan & Markiza, Hana, David Mark and Julie Lingam, among others.

Theatre personality Faridah Marican, co-founder of The Actors Studio, said Jairus was "a lovely singer and a wonderful friend".

Singer/songwriter Teo remembered Jairus as a fantastic performer. "He did great covers of James Taylor. He was also gentle and well-liked," he said.

Jairus leaves his mother Josephine Anthony and brothers Sylvester, Francis, Edmund and Gerard. The funeral service will be held at the St Francis Xavier Church in Jalan Gasing, PJ, at 10.30am today. For details, call 019-319-8688 or 016-226-8738.

© The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad. All rights reserved.

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