Anton Jones is no stranger to Sri Lankan music lovers. He was a wanted man in almost all musical shows during the past few decades, largely because of his uniqueness in his songs.

In a career spanning almost six decades, Kalabhooshana Anton Jones has gifted evergreen musical gems like Mini Gawuma, Kanthoruwa Kanthoruwa Mama Weda Karana, Premawathi Manamperi, Asai Bayai, Polonnaruwe Podi Wije, Sepala Ekanayake, Tsunami, Maru Sira, Eric Batcho, Saman Kumara, Kande Hepuna Maha Vananthare, Sigiri Giri, Galkisse Muhudu Werale and hundreds of others. Almost all his songs were woven around historical events or significant incidents.

Impulse spoke to Anton Jones at his residence in Dehiwela.

 

Can you recall your beginning as a vocalist?

My first song on Radio Ceylon was aired in 1958. Initially I sang songs of Wally Bastian at musical shows, largely because Wally was unable to cope with his music assignments due to his obligations in the Police Department. Unlike today, we sang the full song during recordings with the full orchestra. 

 

How many albums have you released so far?

I have sung more than 300 songs and released about 20 cassettes or CDs. I have sung at musical shows in England, Paris, Italy, Canada, Middle East, Korea, Cyprus and other countries.

 

Your family?

My wife is Iris. I have two sons Tyronne and Roshan and two daughters – Roshini and Priyanka. All are married. My sons who reside in Paris can sing. They hold concerts there. For 35 years I served at Bank of Ceylon as a stenographer. I never sought promotions fearing that it might affect my signing career.

There were days I reached home at 5 in the morning after musical shows, but I would be at my desk at 8 am.

 

Who wrote your songs?

Among those who penned songs for me were K. D. Sumanapala, D. B.T.  Edirisinghe, Hemasiri Halpita. I am grateful to Wally Bastion and Maurice Dahanayake who had been my mentors in the music scene.