Tapio Rautavaara

Finnish singer, composer, lyricist, athlete and actor, born March 8, 1915 in Pirkkala, Finland; died in an accident September 25, 1979 in Vantaa, Finland. Tapio Rautavaara was one of the most beloved singers in Finland, and he recorded 310 songs during his career. He worked often together with Esa Pakarinen, Reino Helismaa and Toivo Kärki. He was also a successful athlete: he won the gold medal in the javelin at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, and he was also a member of the winning team representing Finland in the Archery World Championships of 1958. He also acted in over 20 films.