Tapio Rautavaara

The multitalented Tapio Rautavaara (March 8, 1915 - September 25, 1979) of Finland was successful and famous as an athlete, performing artist and actor. He won the gold medal in the javelin at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London and many other top placements in international javelin competitions. He was also a member of the Finnish winning team in the archery World Championships of 1958. Picture on the right is an "official" fan picture from 1946, that highlighted both of his roles.

Related Topics:
March 8 - 1915 - September 25 - 1979 - Finland - Athlete - Actor - Gold medal - Javelin - 1948 Summer Olympics - London - Archery - 1958

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His mellow, sentimental recordings are still somewhat popular. His version of the Johnny Cash mainstay I Walk the Line given the title Yölinjalla (and transformed into a song about a long haul truck-driver) is one of the most frequently played recordings played on the radio on nights. Another perennial favorite is his recording of the Reino Helismaa's song Päivänsäde ja Menninkäinen (about a sprite of daylight and a nocturnal troll, and their doomed romance).

Related Topics:
Johnny Cash - Reino Helismaa

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Rautavaara acted in numerous Finnish films, and was also supposedly a candidate for the part of Tarzan after Johnny Weissmuller quit his career.

Related Topics:
Film - Tarzan - Johnny Weissmuller

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His memorial is located in the centre of Helsinki's Oulunkylä district, where Rautavaara spent most of his life.

Related Topics:
Helsinki - Oulunkylä

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Ville Valo, frontman of a Finnish love metal band HIM, regards Rautavaara as his biggest idol in Finnish popular music.

Related Topics:
Ville Valo - HIM

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