Tony Warren, the veteran entertainer known as the "Tom Jones of Malaysia", died late yesterday afternoon. He was 81.
Warren, a former schoolteacher renowned for his renditions of the Welsh singer's hits, passed away in his sleep.
His son, Andrew Warren, 54, a live audio engineer and production manager, said his father was found in his favourite chair at their family home in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.
"Daddy was in his room, most probably watching his iPad, and he fell asleep. When Mummy came back at night, she found the house in darkness and Daddy asleep, still wearing his glasses. When she tried to wake him up, she realised he had passed away," said Andrew, who was on his way home from Kuala Lumpur International Airport after arriving from Jakarta today.
Warren leaves behind his wife, Cecilia Weller, Andrew and his daughter Lisa, and five grandkids.
Final curtain for Warren
With more than 50 years in the entertainment scene, Warren earned his nickname after impressing audiences with his renditions of Jones' hits, including Green, Green Grass of Home, I Can’t Stop Loving You and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.
His breakthrough came in 1969 when he performed at a concert featuring Indonesian singer Hetty Koes Endang at Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Although he was one of the supporting acts, his performance earned a standing ovation.
The emcee subsequently introduced him as the "Tom Jones of KL," a title he later developed into the "Tom Jones of Malaysia."
Warren began singing at the age of 17 and performed with a band called The Socialites in Ipoh. While working as an English teacher, he continued singing at events, balancing his passion for music with the responsibilities of raising a family.
After retiring from teaching, he remained active in show business, performing at corporate functions and venues including the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur. He also performed in Singapore, Jakarta and Cambodia.
His career took him to Perth, Australia, after a talent scout watched one of his performances in Kuala Lumpur and invited him to perform there.
Warren subsequently performed at a Channel 7 telethon and at Burswood Resort and Casino in Perth. He also released three CD compilations featuring songs by Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck and other artistes.
His admiration for Jones went beyond singing the star's hits. Warren studied the singer's recordings, performances and stage movements to perfect his impersonation.
Talented entertainer
In an interview with The Star in 2011, Warren said performing gave him an adrenaline rush and expressed his hope of continuing to sing for as long as he could.
"I'll be singing for a long time to come," he said.
His performances were known for their energy and cheeky stage presence, which endeared him to audiences over the decades.
Following his death, Andrew paid tribute to his father in a Facebook post, reflecting on the different roles he had played in people's lives.
"To some of you, you would have probably known him as Mr Warren or Cikgu Warren, the teacher, discipline master from school, and to others, Tony Warren (Tom Jones of Malaysia), the entertainer. But to me and my sister, he was simply... Daddy. May he rest in eternal peace as he makes his way home," he wrote.'
Fans and former colleagues also took to the Musicians for Musicians Facebook page to express their condolences.
"Rest in eternal peace, dearest Tony. I shall miss our impromptu chit-chats over the balcony. Couldn't help but get you to render a few tunes off the cuff. You shall be dearly missed," wrote Edward Jules Savarimuthu.
"A fabulous, jovial gentleman. We both worked at the same club for many years. Always a cheerful gentleman. You will be really missed by all of us. Thank you for the music," wrote Jaysiman Raghavan.
Forever in our hearts
Warren will be remembered for his talent, warmth and joy. Photos: Filepic
Warren entertaining senior citizen at an event in the Portuguese Settlement in Melaka.
Photo: Filepic
From left: Warren performing with fellow musicians Terry Rajan and Mike Maniam.
Photo: Filepic
Warren with Weller and their grandson, Luke Warren. Photo: Andrew Warren
Warren was a loving husband and grandfather who treasured his family as much as he loved music. Photo: Andrew Warren
Andrew (left) was Warren's pride and joy. Photo: Andrew Warren
Warren’s passing is a great loss to Malaysia’s music scene. Photo: Facebook/Tom Warren
