Kari Tapio facts for kids
Kari Tapio was a very popular Finnish singer. His real name was Kari Tapani Jalkanen. He was born in Suonenjoki, Finland, on November 22, 1945. He became famous for singing schlager and country & western music. He sold over 830,000 records, making him the best-selling solo artist in Finland. Kari Tapio passed away on December 7, 2010, at the age of 65.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Kari Tapio started his music journey in the 1960s. He performed with local bands like ER-Quartet in his hometown, Pieksämäki. He also took singing lessons to improve his voice. Before becoming a full-time musician, he worked in a printing house.
His first song, "Tuuli kääntyköön," was released in 1972. After this, he joined a show by Ilkka "Danny" Lipsanen. At first, his job in the show was to help with a snake used in the performance.
Rise to Fame and Popular Songs
Kari Tapio became widely known in 1976. His song Laula kanssain (meaning "Sing with Me") was a big hit. This song was a Finnish version of "Sing My Love Song." More popular songs followed, like Viisitoista kesää ("Fifteen Summers"), which was a cover of "Living Next Door to Alice." Another hit was Kaipuu ("Longing").
Later, many of his songs became very famous. These included Olen suomalainen ("I Am a Finn"), Myrskyn jälkeen ("After the Storm"), and Paalupaikka ("Pole Position"). In 2003, he received the Iskelmä-Finlandia award for his great music career.
Musical Style and Influences
Many of Kari Tapio's songs had sounds from country music. He often sang Finnish versions of songs by famous American country artists. These included Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
Eurovision Song Contest
In 2008, Kari Tapio was one of the singers hoping to represent Finland. He wanted to go to the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. His song was called Valaise yö ("Light up the night"). He placed second in the finals. Another band, Teräsbetoni, was chosen to represent Finland that year.
Family Life
Kari Tapio was married to Brita Kyllikki "Pia" Viheriävaara. They got married in 1969. They had three sons named Jiri, Jani, and Joona. Jiri and Jani played in Kari's band. Joona worked as Kari's manager, helping to organize his career.
Later Life and Legacy
Kari Tapio passed away suddenly on December 7, 2010. He was 65 years old. He had faced health challenges before, including a heart attack in 1996. A special concert was held in Tampere on October 18, 2011. This concert honored his life and music.
Discography
Albums
- Aikapommi (1974) (with Erkki Liikanen)
- Nostalgiaa (1976)
- Klabbi (1976)
- Kaipuu (1977)
- Kari Tapio (1979)
- Jää vierellein (1981)
- Olen suomalainen (1983)
- Ovi elämään (1984)
- Osa minusta (1986)
- Elämän viulut (1987)
- Tää kaipuu (1988)
- Aikaan täysikuun (1990)
- Yön tuuli vain (1992)
- Sinitaikaa (1993)
- Laulaja (1994)
- Myrskyn jälkeen (1995)
- Meren kuisketta (1997)
- Sinut tulen aina muistamaan (1998)
- Valoon päin (1999)
- Bella Capri (2000)
- Kari Tapio konserttilavalla (2001)
- Joulun tarina (2001)
- Juna kulkee (2003)
- Toiset on luotuja kulkemaan (2004)
- Paalupaikka (2005)
- Kuin taivaisiin (2007)
- Kaksi maailmaa (March 26, 2008)
- Viimeiseen pisaraan (March 25, 2009)
- Vieras paratiisissa (May 5, 2010)
Compilations
- 28 suosituinta levytystä (1987)
- Toivotut (1992)
- Viisitoista kesää (1995)
- 20 suosikkia – Olen suomalainen (1995)
- 20 suosikkia – Luoksesi Tukholmaan (1997)
- Parhaat (1997)
- Kaikki parhaat (1999)
- 20 suosikkia – Kulkurin kyyneleet (2001)
- 20 suosikkia – Sanoit liian paljon (2001)
- Kaikkien aikojen parhaat – 40 klassikkoa (2002)
- Nostalgia (2005)
- Lauluja rakkaudesta (2006)
- Laulaja 1945-2010 (2011)
See also
In Spanish: Kari Tapio para niños
- List of best-selling music artists in Finland
