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. Helismaa's work spanned various genres, including romantic and humorous themes, and he wrote numerous hit songs such as "Päivänsäde ja menninkäinen" and "Balladi villistä lännestä". Helismaa passed away on January 21, 1965. The Helismaa Lyricist Award is named after him and has been honoring distinguished Finnish lyricists every five years since 1989.
