Born in a family where parents and siblings sang, I grew up liking music. The recognition and praise received when I sang at churches, schools and colleges, did encourage me. The opportunities to participate in community events as a singer in Kerala, Bombay and New Delhi provided an additional boost. With some formal training early on and later from gifted teachers, my interest in music flourished. Since moving to America in 1968, spreading the music of India, especially the popular kind, became an important mission for me.
Professional recording started in Chicago with “Nazaranippattukal” (1993) followed by “Avanichandrika” in Las Vegas. I have produced 22 audio CDs and three video CDs; three more groups are in the making.
These groups of songs are compilations of some of my favorite songs in Malayalam and Hindi. They include movie melodies and original compositions both popular and devotional. Most of the original works are by my brother, the late Mathew Mapleton. (He was a gifted singer and a versatile composer in Hindi and Malayalam. He studied and worked under Bollywood music director, the late Iqbal). Every movie song in my selection is an immortal one. Works of all legendary music directors have been, by choice, included. Most of these have been musically embellished and/or lyrically extended to enhance their appeal. Some lyrics selected are unpublished–works by ONV, Kunianthodath, Shaji and others in Malayalam and by Dr. Subhash Kelkar, internationally famous radio-host of Geetanjaly, Detroit and playwright, in Hindi.
All of these collections will soon appear in formats accessible for music lovers. Please direct all of your enquiries to:
Email: alexjmapleton@alexjmapleton
There are THREE options to experience my songs:
- My YouTube Channel: Alexander Mapleton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVZNaT7mOUHS0ksT6IGmoA
There are 9 songs in Hindi and 16 songs in Malayalam, both popular/movie and devotional. Here is a list of the songs:
- Hindi:
1. Jabse Dekha Tumhen
2. Neel Yagam Par
3. Pukarta Chala Hoon
4. Toote Hue Khwabon Ne
5. Mujhe Kitna Pyaar Hain Tumse
6. Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaha
7. Tujhe Kya Sunaoon Main Dilruba
8. Yeh Shaam Aur Tera Naam
9. Milte Hi Ankhen
- Malayalam:
1. Kerala Naatay (Popular)
2. Kuliraniyum Thennal (Popular)
3. Aaru Nee (Popular)
4. Raagam Paarijaatham (Popular)
5. Kakkiyutuppittu (Popular)
6. Sandhyambaram (Popular)
7. Marhavillu (Popular)
8. Madhurikkum Ormakal (Movie)
9. Thamka Kinakkal (Navalokam)
10. Engine Nee Marakkum(Neelakuyil)
11. Kayalarikathu (Neelakkuyil – new version)
12. Mannine Pankitunnu (Nirakutam – new version)
13. Snehathin Itayan (Devotional)
14. Mother Teresa (Devotional)
15. Prabhata Reshmi (Devotional)
16. Divyakaarunya Nadha (Devotional)
2. Recordings from my LIVE CONCERTS
A Sample of Selections from FOUR Live Concerts*:
| Mohd. Rafi Nite – (Introductions by Dr. Subhash Kelkar, Host of Gitanjali Radio Program) (Detroit) Ford Motor Co. Auditorium, Dearborn, MI April 11, 1981 | |
 | 1. Chhoo Lene Do 2. Oh Raat Ke Musafir 3. Ehsan Tera Hoga 4. Mohabbat Choomay 5. Teri Duniya Se Door 6. Jo Wada Kiya Click Here to Listen |
| Anmol Rattan (Amoolya Ratnangal) – (Gems of Hindi Movie Music) Kidangoor, Kerala Lions Club & Golden Club May 29, 2005 | |
 | 1. Awaara Hoon 2. Chal Akela 3. Khoya Khoya Chand 4. Dheere Dheere Chal 5. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas 6. Tumhen Yaad Hoga 7. Dum Dum Dhiga Dhiga 8. Baazigar Click Here to Listen |
| Kala Sandhya St. Mary’s H H School, Kidangoor, Kerala Centenary Celebrations January 20, 2007 | |
 | 1. Madhurikkum Ormakal 2. Alliambel 3. Penninte Chem Chundil 4. Paal Nilavinum 5. Pathinaalaam Ravudithathu 6. Chandana Kaatte 7. Ishq Mein Mere Rabba 8. Katalinakkare Click Here to Listen |
| Sungeeth Sandhya Kidangoor, Kerala Fine Arts Society December 14, 2008 | |
 | 1. Prema Yamuna Theeram 2. Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni 3. Ente Swapnathin 4. Vaishakka Sandhye 5. Erhilampaala Poothu 6. Oh Priye 7. Bahut Pyaar Karte Hai 8. Kitna Hasih Hai Click Here to Listen |
*Samples from other concerts like Symphony India, Sham-E-Tarannum, etc will be posted as they become available.
3. My Audio Publications
Audio Publications in MALAYALAM:
| CHILANKA– Ever-sweet Malayalam Melodies (East West Music, 2011) | |
 | A collection of 12 original compositions sung by India’s leading vocalists: KS Chitra, Vani Jairam, Sujatha, Lekha Nair, Elizabeth Raju , Gayathri and Deepa. A true reflection of the versatility and originality of the late Mathew Mapleton as a composer/music director. Lyrics by ONV, Bichu Thirumala, Joseph Mattom, C. Kurianthodath, Rajan Maret, etc. Every song a musical delight! Tracks: 1. Kuliraniyum Thennal 2. Ambala Vilakkukal 3. Ambili Ammavan 4. Madhumaasa Nilavu 5. Panineerkattu 6. Paarilirangiya Thaarungal 7. Raagum Paarijaathum 8. Ponnilanjippoo 9. Jabse Dekha Tumhen 10. Mannine Pankitunnu 11. Pulimarachottilay 12. Kerala Naatay Click Here for a Sample |
| VENMUTH: Old is Gold in Malayalam (East West Music, 2011) | |
 | Essentially, an enlargement and replacement of Ponmuth. A collection of fourteen classic songs from Malayalam movies and musicals with everlasting appeal. Every song is enriched, embellished, and often extended. Selections cover gems from three decades – from 1953 with ‘Thiramaala’ to 1978 with ‘Rowdy Ramu.’ A Connoisseur’s delight and must-have! Tracks 1. Madhurikkum Ormakalay 2. Velutha Pennay 3. Chakkarapandalil 4. Kaayalarikathu 5. Naladamayanti 6. Vellambal Poikayil 7. Thalakku Meethay 8. Kanmani Neeyen 9. Thangakinakkal 10. Enginay Nee Marakkum 11. Chandanappallakkil 12. Aaamalar Poikayil 13. Thaamara Thumpi 14. Hey Kaliyotamay Click Here for a Sample |
| NAZARANIPPATTUKAL: Christian Wedding Songs of India, (Mapleton Music, 1993) | |
 | This, my first CD, is a collection of “Ancient Songs” (Puranthanappattukal). It remains very special to me because it allowed me to express both my passion for music and pride in my Knanaya heritage. The songs are grouped into 5 categories: Anointment of the Bride, Preparation of the Groom, Folk Dances, All Occasions, and Wedding Reception. Tracks: Disc 1 Songs for Mylanchi Ideel (Anointment of the Bride) 1. Mar Thoman (a) 2. Maranarul (Mylanchippattu) 3. Alam Chamanyathil 4. Annannu Kannimar 5. Pirhawarhikku Songs for Anthum Charthu (Preparation of the Groom) 6. Mar Thoman (b) 7. Maraneesho Songs for Folk Dances 8. Akkalam Bawa 9. Thamara Bhangi 10. Alahanayanum (Orupadesum) Disc 2 Songs for all occasions 11. Nallororshlaym 12. Othu Thirichavar 13. Moonmum Malankara 14. Innu Nee Nyungalay 15. Anpinotay Bawa 16. Baroo Mariyam Songs for the Wedding Reception 17. Mar Thoman (c) 18. Warhwenna Warhoo (Song of Blessing) 19. Alahanayan (Warhoowattakali) 20. Ponnanintheetum (a medley) 21. Munga Thungam Click Here for a Sample |
| AVANICHANDRIKA: Popular Songs – Malayalam, (Mapleton Music, 1999) | |
 | A group of ten original compositions reminiscent of the good old melodies with contemporary orchestration. In comparison to some of today’s popular tunes which may easily fade from your memory, these tunes will beckon you. Tracks: 1. Malayalanatu 2. Vruchhikakattu 3. Nishagundhi 4. Maanasapoika 5. Pichakapoovanum 6. Avanichandrika 7. Naalathey Prabhathum 8. Urhimukhathalinganum 9. Ee Lokum 10. Minnaminungukal Click Here for a Sample |
| MALAYALASHEELUKAL: Popular Songs, (Mapleton Music, 2002) | |
 | Eleven haunting melodies, all ORIGINAL compositions in the evergreen age-old style with modern musical sound, make up its contents. Lyricists include ONV, Kurianthodath and the late Rajan Maret. 3 Oppana (Mappila) style songs are a special attraction. Tracks: 1. Monchulla Sundari 2. Pattukari Tathamma 3. Vellilamkavu 4. Panchami Ravu 5. Poomegham 6. Vilakkutharumo 7. Konchikurhanju 8. Madhumasanilavu 9. Kakkiyuduppu 10. Panapathrangal 11. Paris Lady Click Here for a Sample |
| EASHWARADHYANUM: Christian Devotional, (Mapleton Music, 2002) | |
 | All songs are devoutly devotional in flavor; tunes are tasteful and will linger long in the ears. As the title says, the songs are bound to elevate your thoughts to your creator and saviour. It includes six ORIGINAL compositions and some immortal hymns. Lyrics of Mahakavi Kattakayam, Sr. Rosalia, P.V. Thommy, V. Nagel, and Rajan Maret do evoke piety. Tracks: 1. Snehathin Itayan 2. Jagalpithavu 3. Devakumaran 4. Sandhyavandanum 5. Vanilay Pithavu 6. Dayavaaridhy 7. Deivathin Snehum 8. Surarajan 9. Varhthappettavan 10. Jattarathil Jananum Click Here for a Sample |
| BHAKTIGEETHUNGAL: Christian Devotional, (Mapleton Music, 2002) | |
 | Lyrical beauty and simplicity of themes when cast in melodious tunes make some hymns simply stand out. That is what these ten songs really are. Here some very traditional hymns go hand in hand with contemporary lyrics. Some are truly old wine in a new bottle. Two hymns are in praise of St. Alphonsa, St. Mother Teresa and Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Tracks: 1. Deva Ninnagamum 2. Easter Hymn 3. Paateetaam Gloria 4. Calvariyutay Varhi 5. Prapanchamam Devalayam 6. Enthinu Kerhunnu 7. Nalleesho 8. Prabhatha Reshmi 9. Pithavay Sthuthi 10. Mother Teresa Click Here for a Sample |
| MARIAGANA ARCHANA: Marian Devotional Songs, (Mapleton Music, 2020): Volume 1 | A collection of 16 melodious Marian hymns, in two volumes. They emphasize the theme, “To Jesus, through Mary”. Several hymns are brand new, never published before. |
 | Tracks: Volume 1 1. Amme Mariye 2. Sehiyon Suthaye 3. Aliverum Snehamathave 4. Anugraha Poomarha 5. Kanyaka Mathave 6. Jagambrikaye 7. Mary Manonje 8. Mullinkoottam Thannil Click Here for a Sample |
| MARIAGANA ARCHANA: Marian Devotional Songs, (Mapleton Music, 2020): Volume 2 | |
 | Tracks: Volume 2 1. Snehamrutham Theti 2. Oru Mathra Kooti 3. Nee Ente Velicham 4. Swargeeya Raniyam 5. Christianikalute Sahayam 6. Katalala Meethe 7. Ethrayum Dayayulla 8. Prakashapoornayayi Click Here for a Sample |
| ENTE ABHAYAM, (Mapleton Music, 2020): Volume 1 & 2 | |
 | These fifteen devotional songs reflect the good news Jesus brought to the world through his birth. Two songs are presented in two formats each in four parts and the ordinary styles one of which is a special appeal to the Holy Spirit. Vani Jairam’s rendition is simply immortal. Volume 1 Volume 2 Tracks Tracks 1. Varaname Ente Hrudayathil 1. Deivum…Nirayum Nidhi 2. Dayaroopaneesho 2. Vaa Vaa Yesunadha 3. Varoo Nirmalasneha 3. Orhukivarum 4. Vaa Vaa Yesunadha 4. Devalayathinte 5. Athipaavanamaam 5. Deva Deva 6. Jeevithasgara Natuvil 6. Jeevanil Prabha 7. Shanthikiranam 7. Varaname Ente Hrudayathil 8. Kaalam Tharhukiyunarthum Click Here for a Sample |
| LAVANYA: Sweet Malayalam Melodies, (Mapleton Music 2020) | |
 | This group of twelve popular style Malayalam songs reflect all comtemporary styles including oppana and ghazal. It also contains one unrecorded song by ONV. Singers Kester, Najim Arshad, Chithra Arun, Gayathri etc. are featured. Tracks: 1. Karimirhiyil 2. Sindoorachoppulla 3. Devakanye 4. Katte Katte 5. Innu Varum 6. Sandhyambarathin 7. Akale Neela 8. Ormayil Oru Mownageetham 9. Akale Chirikkum 10. Theti Vilikkkam 11. Mookam Patukayano 12.Mankanikal Theti Click Here for a Sample |
| VASANTHA POWRNAMI: Soft Moonlight-like Melodies, (Mapleton Music, 2020) | |
 | Ever popular singers KS Chithra, Gayathri, Najim Arshad are presented in this group of fourteen songs. The variety in lyrics, musical styles and formats used will appeal to your hearts and ears. Tracks: 1. Aaru Nee En Veedhiyil 2. Ormayil Oru Snehageetham 3. Sandhye Raagasandhye 4. Thusharam 5. Ankanamalarukal 6. Nishavensurabhikal 7. Ennanuragam 8. Mandaramalar Viriyum 9. Poroo Manovaatiyil 10. Oru Raagasandhya 11. Marhavillu Theliyana 12. Kandilla 13. Kannukal 14. Kuliraniyum Click Here for a Sample |
Audio Publications in HINDI:
| RAAT TAARONKI – Original and modified Hindi melodies (East West Music, 2011) | |
 | Twelve songs – Six original and six enriched/enlarged and sung by Vani Jairam, Sujata, etc. Selections come from far and near, decades old or contemporary. A rare opportunity to appreciate the lyrical beauties by Detroit’s “Geetanjaly” fame, Dr. Subhash Kelkar. Tracks 1. Raat Taaronki 2. Ye Shaam Aur Tera Naam 3. Miltey Hi Aankhen 4. Bheegi Raat Mein 5. Jabse Dekha Tumhen 6. Woh Mere Humsaaye Hain 7. Aapne Kya Kiya 8. Abhi Thehro 9. Meri Yaad Mein 10. Bheegi Bheegisi 11. Hale Dil 12. Chori Chori Aanken Click Here for a Sample |
| IMMORTAL HINDI MELODIES (Mapleton Music, 2008) | |
 | Taken from live concerts held in India & the USA by Alex, Shyla, Vidya, etc. including hits from Anari, Andaaz, Awaara, Aah, BlackMail, Kaala Bazaar, Kajal, Parvarish, Sambandh, etc. originaly sung by Md. Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, and composed by legends – Naushad, Shanker-Jaikishen, SD Burman, Ravi, Hemant Kumar Kalyanji-Anandji, etc. Tracks: 1. Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho 2. Dil Ki Nazar Ze 3. Chhoo Lene Do 4. O! Rath Ke Musafir 5. Awara Hoon 6. Aja Re Ab Mera Dil Pukara 7. Chal Akela 8. Pal Pal Dilke Paas 9. Mastibhara 10. Khoya Khoya Chand Click Here for a Sample |
| ANJALY- An Offering: Devotional Songs – Hindi, (Mapleton Music, 2002) | |
 | An unusual collection of original melodies from the north and south. It includes One Tulsi bhajan and a Brahmananda bhajan. Tracks: 1. Jaago Jaago 2. Swagath Karo 3. Tu Dayalu Deen Hoon (Tulsi Bhajan) 4. Devta. Sub Ke Pitha 5. Aao Chale. Aao Chale 6. Prem Mudith Man Se Keho 7. Prabhu Mein Hoon Das (Brahmananda Bhajan) 8. Dayasaagar 9. Kya Hai Karishma 10. Hum Bole Prabhu Click Here for a Sample |
| PYAAR KAR LE Hindi Popular, (Mapleton Music, 2004) | |
 | A loosely knit love story is the back drop for this group. The boy meets this beautiful girl. She procrastinates. Eventually it ends in a joyous union and they lived happily ever after. Many popular hits from Mollywood (Malayalam Filmdom). Along with a few original compositions adorn this group. As always, lyrical extension and musical embellishments add novelty and variety. Tracks: 1. Tum Sundar Ho 2. Dil Mein Tum Samaye 3. Pyaar Kar Le 4. Baharon Ka Daur 5. Chhalke Surahi 6. Maane Na Meri Mehbooba 7. Dard Bhari Raaten 8. Zehreeli Raahon Pe 9. Kyon Geet Milanke 10. Dolee Mein 11. Aa Gaye Pyaar Ke Din 12. Sindoori Mang Seji Click Here for a Sample |
| HOMAGE: MOHD. RAFI, (Mapleton Music, 2020): Volume 1 | This is a two part collection of 24 songs sung by Rafi spanning a long period starting with the 1948 movie MELA. The last song “Geet Ab Toh”, in Voume 1, is a tribute penned by Dr. Subhash Kelkar for the first-ever memorial concert in Md. Rafi’s honor (it was held on April 11, 1981 in Detroit, Michigan). Mathew Mapleton composed the music and I sang it. “Jo Wada Kiya”, “O Raat Ke Musafir”, & “Aane Se Uske were other immortal songs from that concert included in this group. The musical embellishments/changes and the lyrical extensions may spring a surprise; hopefully you will relish them. |
 | Tracks: Volume 1 1. Yaad Na Jaye 2. Neel Gagan Par 3. Jis Raat Ke Khwab 4. Tujhe Dekha 5. Mohabbat Jhoome 6. Jo Wada Kiya 7. Hue Hum Jinke Liye 8. Yeh Hai Bombai 9. Aaja Ke Intezar 10. Aaye Hai Door Se 11. Dheere Dheere Chal 12. Geet Ab Toh Click Here for a Sample |
| HOMAGE: MOHD. RAFI, (Mapleton Music, 2020): Volume 2 | |
 | Tracks: 1. Chhoo Lene Do 2. Tasveer Teri Dil Mein 3. Tujhe Kya Sunaoon 4. Jeet Hi Lenge 5. Man Mera Ehsan 6. O Raat Ke Musafir 7. Aane Se Uske 8. Tum Hi Tum Ho 9. Yah Zindagi Ke Mele 10. Pukarta Chala Hoon 11. Toote Hue Khwabon Ne 12. Woh Jab Yaad Aaye Click Here for a Sample |
| MEMORABLE MODERN MOVIE MELODIES: (Mapleton Music, 2020) | |
 | Twelve lilting tunes covering the last decade make up this rare collection. It covers ever enjoyable hots from ASHIQUI 2 to AA AB LAUT CHALEN, from BAAZIGAR to BODY GUARD, from KRRISH to KAZOOR, from SAAJAN to SANAM and some more. A special attraction: an unpublished male version of a memorable female hit. Tracks: 1. Labon Kakarobar 2. Ishqi Mein Mere Rabba 3. Jo Meri Rooh Ko 4. Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani 5. Bahut Pyaar Karte Hair 6. Kaise Piya Se 7. Tum Hi Ho 8 Aa Ab Laut Chalen 9. Teri Meri Prem Kahani 10. Ham Yaar Hai Tumhare 11. Baazigar 12. Falak Dekhoon Click Here for a Sample |
| CHHALKI CHANDNI: Memorable Moonlight Melodies, (Mapleton Music, 2020) | |
 | Eleven melodious numbers reflecting moon (Chand) and the romantically linked soft and soothing moonlight (Chandni) are featured. Selections include the nostalgic song from the 1949 movie DILLAGI (Tu Mera Chand) and this group’s title song, an original composition. Many more ever popular love songs make up this very appealing group. Tracks: 1. Chhalki Chandni 2. Tu Mera Chand 3. Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni 4. Tu Jo Nahin Hai To 5. Aao Chalen 6. Dheeme Suron Mein 7. Sharab Cheez 8. Yeh Raat Yeh Chandni 9. So Bhi Jaa 10.Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi 11. Chhalki Chandni Click Here for a Sample |
| AGELESS HINDI MELODIES: (Mapleton Music, 2002): Volume 1 & 2 | My associates and I strived hard to pick 24 songs which truly earned a place in a collection with that very title. Your approval and satisfaction were our goals. We went as far back as the classic song from the 1943 movie KISMET, sung by Amirbai Karnataki. The variety in terms of the thematic mood and melodic structure will be pleasing. |
 | Volume1 Volume2 Tracks 1. Tu Pyaarka Sagar 1. Ab Tera Siva 2. Kitna Hasih Hai Mousam 2. Aansoo Bhari 3. Tumhen Yaad Hoga 3. Dheere Se Aaja 4. Aaja Meri Barbad 4. Ehsan Tera Hoga 5. Tu Mera Chand 5. Tumhare Hai Tum Se 6. Aaja Re Ab Mera Dil 6. Main Shair Toh Nahin 7. Milte Hi Ankhen 7. Jhoom Jhoom Ke Naacho 8. Mana Janab 8. Do Sitaron Ka Zameen 9. Chal Akela 9. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas 10. Yehan Badla 10. Chhalia Mera Naam 11. Dil Ki Nazar Se 11. Duniya Badal Yayi 12. Masti Bhara Hai 12. Watan Ki Raah Mein Click Here for a Sample |
| Forthcoming audio publications: | |
 | – NIRMALYAM: Malayam Ghazals – IBADUTT: Hindi Ghazals – EVERLASTING MOVIE MELODIES (Hindi) |
Alex J. Mapleton 