About Jimmy Boyle

Born on July 26, 1922 on the island of Penang, to Jeanne Moissinac and John Walter Boyle, Jimmy Boyle's contributions to Malaysian music deserves a place in our history books.

When asked about his proudest achievement, Jimmy states that it was when his creation "Kemegahan Negaraku" was played as the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time in Padang Merdeka on September 16, 1963.

With close to 350 works to his name, Jimmy also wrote many memorable songs like "Putera Puteri", "Gema Rembulan", "Jauh Jauh" and many more.

After his release as a Prisoner of War (POW) during the Japanese Occupation where Jimmy was tortured, he became a teacher at his alma mater, St. Xavier's Institution in 1946, teaching English, History, and Physical Education. 

He never stopped his musical output, publishing a book titled "Irama Tanah Melayu" in 1962, a collection of Jimmy’s compositions featuring patriotic, romantic, children’s and nature inspired songs, with lyrics and foreword by Mr. Dol Baharim, Director of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM)

The famed trombonist Jack Teagarden did a tour of Malaysian in 1958, and played Jimmy’s song “Legak Penari”. Later Teagarden returned to the USA and performed the song with his Brass Ensemble, and the tune was broadcasted on “Voice of America”.

Sadly, Jimmy left us on May 8, 1971, of a brain haemorrhage, leaving behind his widow Linny Boyle who was then pregnant with their only child James Boyle. James is now an award-winning music director, musician, and passionate educator, following closely in his father's footsteps.