Reino Helismaa

Reino Helismaa

Finnish singer and songwriter, one of the most prominent representatives of Finnish popular music of the 1950s.
Date of Birth: 12.07.1913
Country: Finland

Content:
  1. Biography of Reino Helismaa
  2. Musical Career
  3. Famous Songs
  4. Screenwriting
  5. Legacy and Death

Biography of Reino Helismaa

Reino Vihtori Helismaa, born on July 12, 1913, in Helsinki, Finland, was a Finnish singer and songwriter and one of the most prominent figures in Finnish popular music of the 1950s. He collaborated with composer Toivo Kärki, with Helismaa writing the lyrics and Kärki composing the music for their songs.

Musical Career

Helismaa was known for his proficiency in several European languages, including English, German, and Spanish. He translated songs in these languages into Finnish, both for his own performances and for other Finnish musicians. His songs were not only performed by himself but also by many of his contemporaries, such as Tapio Rautavaara, Georg Ots, Olavi Virta, Esa Pakarinen, Matti Louhivuori, and others. Helismaa's influence extended to future generations of Finnish musicians, including popular singer Vesa-Matti Loiri, rock singer Hector, and the rock band Viikate. He was also recognized for his screenwriting contributions to numerous films.

Famous Songs

Some of Helismaa's most well-known songs include "Synkkä yksinpuhelu," "Reilun pojan ralli," "Pigalle ja Montmartti," "Balladi Villistä Lännestä," "Daiga-daiga-duu," "Meksikon pikajuna," "Lautatarhan Rimadonna," and "Suutarin tyttären pihalla." These songs showcase his versatility and talent as a songwriter.

Screenwriting

In addition to his musical endeavors, Helismaa also wrote screenplays for several films. Some of the movies he contributed to include "Ei se mitään!" sanoi Eemeli (1962), "Se alkoi omenasta" (1962), "Taape tähtenä" (1962), "Mullin mallin" (1961), "Toivelauluja" (1961), "Molskis, sanoi Eemeli, molskis!" (1960), and many more.

Legacy and Death

Reino Helismaa passed away on January 21, 1965, in Helsinki, Finland, after battling lung cancer. His life and work were later depicted in the 1999 film "Lebed' i strannik" (The Swan and the Wanderer). His contributions to Finnish music and film continue to be remembered and celebrated to this day.

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