Ismo Alanko

This article is about the solo Finnish singer. For Finnish band fronted by Ismo Alanko, see Ismo Alanko Säätiö.

Ismo Alanko
Ismo Alanko at Teatria, December 10, 2011.
Ismo Alanko at Teatria, December 10, 2011.
Background information
Birth nameIsmo Kullervo Alanko
Also known asKullervo Kivi
Jari Kullervo[1]
Toomas Eest[2]
Born (1960-11-12) November 12, 1960 (age 63)
Kerava, Finland
OriginJoensuu, Finland
GenresRock
Instrument(s)Singing, guitar, bass, keyboards, cello
Years active1979–present
LabelsPoko, Fullsteam
Websitewww.ismoalanko.com

Ismo Kullervo Alanko (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈismo ˈʔɑlɑŋko]; born November 12, 1960) is a Finnish musician. He is known as the frontman of several bands, most famously Hassisen Kone, Sielun Veljet and Ismo Alanko Säätiö, as well as a successful solo artist.

Alanko is known for his versatility and interest in different musical styles. During his career he has recorded punk rock, alternative rock, progressive rock, electronic music, schlager, dance music, children's music and film scores. He has achieved eight platinum records, 16 gold records and four Emma awards.[3] Also a recognized lyricist, Alanko won the Juha Vainio Writer's Award (Juha Vainio -sanoittajapalkinto) in 2003 for his song texts.[4]

In a City magazine article in 1999, 43 Finnish journalists picked the top 99 Finnish rock artists. Ismo Alanko placed 20th, with his former bands Hassisen Kone and Sielun Veljet placing 12th and 4th, respectively.[5]

Alanko comes from a musical family: of his two younger brothers, Petri Alanko is a reputed classical flute player, Ilkka Alanko is the singer/guitarist of Neljä Ruusua, and his sister Satu Alanko-Rautamaa a violinist, and a member or the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.

  1. ^ Jari Kullervo on discogs.com – Retrieved on April 8, 2008
  2. ^ Toomas Eest on discogs.com – Retrieved on April 13, 2008
  3. ^ Tero Valkonen on Pomus – Populaarimusiikin museo[usurped] – Retrieved on April 17, 2008
  4. ^ Pekka Nissilä: Juha Vainion Rahaston tunnustuspalkinto Ismo Alangolle Archived February 11, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, SELVIS magazine 3/2003
  5. ^ Suomipopin 99 suurinta, City magazine 21/1999