Reino Helismaa
Reino Vihtori "Repe" Helismaa, born Reino Vihtori Helenius on July 12, 1913, in
Helsinki, Finland, was a Finnish singer, lyricist, and entertainer. After
serving in the military and working various jobs, Helismaa began his musical
career by performing at events with a guitar and writing for magazines under
pseudonyms. His breakthrough came post-World War II when he formed the duo
Iloiset trubaduurit with Tapio Rautavaara. Their first notable recording was
"Yhteinen Susannamme" in 1947, followed by collaborations with composer Toivo
Kärki and singer and accordionist Esa Pakarinen....
