author
Tatu Pekkarinen
1892–1951
A beloved Finnish songwriter, writer, and screenwriter, Tatu Pekkarinen became known for witty couplets, memorable songs, and vivid characters rooted in the Savonia region. His work ranged from comic performances to wartime satire and more serious lyric writing.
2 Audiobooks
Tiilikivimies : ynnä muita pikkupaloja
by Tatu Pekkarinen
"Hauska tutustua!" : Viisunikkarin elämyksiä Lännen kultamaassa
by Tatu Pekkarinen
About the author
Tatu Pekkarinen, whose full name was Taavetti Pekkarinen, was born in Kuopio, Finland, on December 6, 1892, and died in Helsinki on July 4, 1951. During the 1920s, he was a popular performer in cafés and cinemas, and he wrote under several pseudonyms, including Ilmari Mäkitie, R. Kainulainen, Reino Raudus, Samu Kirjala, and Erkki Salama.
Pekkarinen wrote many couplets in the Savonian dialect and helped create the character Jussi Jutikainen, which became an enduring part of Finnish popular culture. He frequently collaborated with composer Matti Jurva, writing lyrics for Jurva’s melodies; together they toured the United States in 1927 and made their first record there.
He wrote lyrics for roughly 280 songs, as well as novels, film scripts, and revue plays. His best-known works include “Kaunis Veera,” “On lautalla pienoinen kahvila,” “Nikkelimarkka,” and “Njet Molotoff,” while songs such as “Väliaikainen” and “Pieni sydän” show his more serious and lyrical side.