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46 years after its superhit, Tarja Ylitalo is still asked to sing "Kerrasta poikki" at every concert
🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

46 years after its superhit, Tarja Ylitalo is still asked to sing "Kerrasta poikki" at every concert

From Helsingin Sanomat · (39m ago) Finnish Positive tone

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Beloved singer Tarja Ylitalo performed at Pyhän Laurin chapel in Ylläs, playing the harmonica and singing.
  • Ylitalo finds the harmonica a helpful instrument for managing pain by requiring concentration.
  • Her hit song "Kerrasta poikki" remains popular, with audiences requesting it at every concert 46 years after its release.

The enduring appeal of Finnish schlager singer Tarja Ylitalo is a testament to her deep connection with her audience and the timeless quality of her music. Even 46 years after the release of her superhit "Kerrasta poikki," the demand to hear it live at every concert speaks volumes about its lasting impact on Finnish culture.

Täältä mie olen ponnistanut.

— Tarja YlitaloYlitalo stating her origins and the song that launched her career.

Ylitalo's recent performance at the Pyhän Laurin chapel in Ylläs, where she played the harmonica and sang, showcases her continued engagement with her craft. The harmonica, she notes, is not just an instrument but a therapeutic tool, aiding her in focusing and momentarily forgetting any pain she might experience. This personal touch adds another layer to her artistry, revealing a singer who finds solace and strength in her music.

From a Finnish perspective, Ylitalo represents a cherished era of popular music. Her songs are woven into the fabric of many lives, evoking memories and emotions that transcend generations. While international media might focus on fleeting trends, stories like Ylitalo's highlight the enduring power of established artists who remain relevant and beloved within their home country.

Meillä meni hienosti konsertti. Soitin, lauloin ja huuliharppuryhmä säesti.

— Tarja YlitaloYlitalo describing her recent performance at Pyhän Laurin chapel.

Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through a heartfelt ballad or a lively performance, is what has sustained her career. The continued requests for "Kerrasta poikki" are not just about nostalgia; they are about a shared cultural experience that Ylitalo continues to provide, making her a true icon in the Finnish music scene.

Huuliharppu on hyvä soitin. Se auttaa unohtamaan kivun, kun sitä keskittyy puhaltamaan.

— Tarja YlitaloYlitalo explaining the therapeutic benefit she finds in playing the harmonica.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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