Vexi Salmi

Vexi Salmi
Vexi Salmi in 2009
Vexi Salmi in 2009
Background information
Birth nameVeikko Olavi Salmi
Also known asBertil Berg, Bill Black, Lars Luode, Leo Länsi, Antero Ollikainen, PA, Pasi Penttilä, Rudolf Van Pornoff, Emil Retee, Emil von Retee, Irja Tähde[1]
Born(1942-09-21)21 September 1942
Hämeenlinna, Finland
Died8 September 2020(2020-09-08) (aged 77)
Helsinki, Finland
OccupationLyricist
Years active1965–2020

Veikko Olavi "Vexi" Salmi (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈʋeksi ˈsɑlmi]; 21 September 1942 – 8 September 2020) was a Finnish lyricist. He wrote the lyrics to numerous popular songs for several prominent artists, including Irwin Goodman, Jari Sillanpää, and Katri Helena. His career as a lyricist began in the 1960s, and continued until his death. During his prolific career, he wrote the lyrics for over 4,000 songs, more than 2,400 of which have been recorded.[2][3] In addition to song lyrics, he authored several novels and one collection of poetry. Salmi's latest work also included collaborating with Ilkka Lipsanen on a 60th anniversary album, and he also acted as a judge on a television program on music lyrics, Biisikärpänen [fi]

Salmi was awarded the Juha Vainio Writer's Award in 1993 for his long and successful career as a lyricist.[2] Another music writer's award, the Vexi Salmi Award, was named after him in 2003.[4]

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