Renowned pianist-composer Ooi Eow Jin passes away at 86

Pianist-composer Datuk Ooi Eow Jin passed away at Kuala Lumpur Hospital today (Sept 18). He was 86.

His passing was confirmed to the media by Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT) after receiving a call from his wife Datin Elaine Khaw at around 4.48pm.

Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez told The Star: “Today is a sad day for all of us in the music industry as we mourn the passing of a legend, Datuk Ooi Eow Jin, who was well known as a composer, producer, arranger, orchestra leader and performer as well.

“He was an excellent pianist. He leaves behind many good memories for all of us, which we will cherish forever.

“So thank you to Datuk Ooi for all you’ve done. Our deepest condolences to the family.”

Ooi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015 which left him with little motor function.

Since then, he had been cared for by his wife with the help of a caregiver.

In the year 2022, he was admitted for Covid-19, along with his wife and their son.

While both husband and wife recovered from Covid-19, their son – Raymond, who suffered from a brain tumour – passed away at the age of 58.

Ooi began as a pianist in the RTM Orchestra in the 1960s.

Since then, he’s enjoyed an illustrious four-decade career in the local music industry, collaborating with Tan Sri P. Ramlee and writing songs for artists such as Datuk Sudirman Arshad, Rahimah Rahim, and the Alleycats.

Datuk Ooi Eow Jin (centre) in the year 2015. Photo: The Star