Toivo Kärki

Toivo Pietari Johannes Kärki (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈto͡iʋo ˈkærki]; 3 December 1915 in Pirkkala – 30 April 1992 in Helsinki) was a Finnish composer, musician, music producer and arranger. He is especially remembered for his collaboration with Reino Helismaa. Kärki composed approximately 1400 recorded compositions, many of which had several versions, and wrote hundreds of unrecorded songs. He composed the music for about 50 films, several revues, theatrical plays, and radio comedies. He also arranged a large number of songs written by other people. He trained several of Finland's most important popular music lyricists. During his career, he helped dozens of singers get started in the industry, many of which remain active to this day. He made himself an important name in Finnish tango. He is buried in the Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki.