Kenneth Gärdestad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Gärdestad
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Kenneth Gärdestad presenting the Ted Gärdestad Stipend, May 2016
|
|
| Born |
John Charles Kenneth Gärdestad
9 May 1948 |
| Died | 3 March 2018 (aged 69) |
| Occupation | Songwriter, lyricist, architect |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Soft rock, vispop |
| Years active | 1970s–2018 |
| Labels | Polar |
| Associated acts | Ted Gärdestad |
John Charles Kenneth Gärdestad (born May 9, 1948 – died March 3, 2018) was a Swedish songwriter. He was best known for writing the words for songs by his younger brother, Ted Gärdestad. Kenneth also worked as an architect and helped people with mental health issues.
He wrote the lyrics for the winning song "Satellit" at Melodifestivalen 1979. This song was sung by his brother Ted. "Satellit" then went on to the Eurovision Song Contest that same year. Kenneth also wrote a book about his life called Jag vill ha en egen måne in 2005. Later in his life, he started the "Ted Gärdestad Stipend." This is a special award given to new singers and songwriters.
Music Career
Kenneth Gärdestad wrote the words for many songs by his brother, Ted Gärdestad (1956–1997). This included songs for the Swedish music contest Melodifestivalen. He wrote "Oh, vilken härlig dag" for Melodifestivalen 1973. He also wrote "Rockin' 'n' Reelin'" for Melodifestivalen 1975.
In Melodifestivalen 1979, Kenneth and Ted won with the song "Satellit". This meant the song represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979. The contest was held in Jerusalem, and "Satellit" finished in 17th place.
Kenneth also appeared on the Swedish TV music show Doobidoo in 2008. He competed with singer Lotta Engberg. In Melodifestivalen 2010, he wrote the lyrics for "Hur kan jag tro på kärlek?". This song was performed by Erik Linder. It placed fifth in its semi-final and did not make it to the final.
In 2016, Kenneth received the Musikförläggarnas pris. This is an honorary award for his many years of work in Swedish music. It recognized his ability to create timeless stories through his lyrics. In 2018, he won an honorary Grammis award. This award celebrated his long career in music and his wonderful lyrics.
Honoring His Brother
In 2018, a movie about his brother, Ted: För kärlekens skull, was released. Kenneth helped make sure the movie scenes were realistic. He also supported the film's creation. Actor Peter Viitanen played Kenneth Gärdestad in the movie.
Kenneth was a special guest on the TV show Så mycket bättre in 2016. This show was broadcast on the Swedish TV channel TV4. In the last episode of that season, different singers performed many of Ted Gärdestad's famous songs. These included "Helt nära dig" by Little Jinder and "Sommarlängtan" by Magnus Carlson. Other songs were "Himlen är oskyldigt blå" by Jill Johnson and "505 to Casablanca" by Freddie Wadling. Also performed were "Sol, vind och vatten" by Lisa Ekdahl and "I den stora sorgens famn" by Tommy Nilsson. Finally, "För kärlekens skull" was sung by Danny Saucedo.
Architecture Work
From 2008 until his death, Kenneth Gärdestad was the main architect at Kunskapsskolan. This is a network of independent schools in Sweden. He designed many of the rooms in these schools. Kunskapsskolan means "The Knowledge School." It provides education for students from ages 10 to 19.
The schools designed by Kenneth Gärdestad have a very open style. They feature lots of glass and brightly painted walls. There are 36 Kunskapskolan schools across Sweden.
Activism
Kenneth Gärdestad created the annual "Ted Gärdestad Stipend." This award has been given since 1999. It helps new singers and songwriters by promoting their work. The prize also includes a special concert to honor them.
Personal Life
Kenneth's brother, Ted Gärdestad, was a famous Swedish singer. Ted represented Sweden in Eurovision with one of Kenneth's songs. Their other brother, Kjell (1944–2000), also wrote songs. Kjell co-wrote the song "Viking" with Ted.
Death
In 2014, Kenneth Gärdestad shared that he had skin cancer and a type of lymphoma. He passed away on March 3, 2018, at the age of 69.
Awards
- 2016 – Musikförläggarnas pris
- 2018 – Honorary Grammis award
