Vilhjálmur Vilhjálmsson (singer)

Early life

Vilhjálmur was born April 11, 1945 to a musical family. His father and sister were both considered successful musicians. His father’s name was Vilhjálmur Hinrik Ívarsson and his mother´s name was Hólmfríður Magnúsdóttir. Vilhjálmur was born and raised in Merkines, close to the international airport, KEF, in Reykjanes, the peninsula south and west of Reykjavik. Vilhjálmur was the youngest of five siblings. He was often called Hólmar during his childhood, Hólmar being his middle name. Vilhjálmur did not have much belief in his own musical talent and did not think his path lay in that direction.

Early career

In 1961 Vilhjálmur went to school in Akureyri where he studied law but eventually changed his studies to medical studies. He was approached by a group of schoolmates during the first year and was asked to join their band as their singer. This was due to his sister Elly having become a successful musician known across the land. Vilhjálmur did not intend to join the group at first but eventually gave in. the group was known as Busabandið which translates to "The Freshmen Band". Vilhjálmur learned to play the double bass while playing with the band.

Vilhjálmur joined Ingimars Eydal’s band in 1965, around the time he finished college. Vilhjálmur made two records with the band and played with them in Reykjavík for the first time. The first record of the two by the Ingimars Eydals band came out in October 1965 and the second one came out in February 1966. Vilhjálmur became famous around the country for a couple of songs he sang with Ingimars Eydal’s band. These include the songs Litla Sæta Ljúfan Góða (translation: Small, Cute, Sweet and Kind), Raunsaga (translation: True Story) and Vor í Vaglaskógi (translation: Spring in Vaglaskógur). Vilhjálmur quit the band in 1965 because he wanted to continue his medical studies.

Vilhjálmur also worked with Magnús Ingimarsson and his band in 1964 in order to earn money for his family and to continue school. This band mostly played songs by foreign musicians and translated the texts from English to Icelandic. The band played every night of the week at a restaurant by the name of Röðull but they also frequently played on a TV show hosted by Svavar Gestsson which really helped Vilhjálmur to get noticed.

Later career and solo career

During the summer of 1970 Vilhjálmur was given the opportunity to record a two-song album for the SG Hljómplötur record label. This was Vilhjálmur’s first solo album and the picture on the cover was taken on his wedding day. The songs on the album were "Hún hring minn ber" (translation: She bears my ring) and "Árið 2012" (translation: The Year 2012), which is the first Icelandic version of the Mexican song La Golondrina.

Vilhjálmur and his sister Elly recorded an album together in 1969. The record consisted of 12 songs and had the title "Systkinin Vilhjálmur og Elly Vilhjálms syngja saman" (translation: The siblings Vilhjálmur and Elly Vilhjálms sing together).

Vilhjálmur and Elly decided in consultation with Svavar Gestsson to make 2 more records as a follow-up to their first record together. They decided to start as quickly as possible because Vilhjálmur had intended to take a break from the music scene. The records were a tribute to two Icelandic musicians that had an anniversary coming up. The first record was made to honor Sigfús Halldórsson who had made many songs the Icelandic people knew by heart. The title of the record is "Vilhjálmur og Elly Vilhjálms syngja kunnustu lög Sigfúsar Halldórssonar" (translation: Vilhjálmur and Elly Vilhjálms sing the best known songs by Sigfús Halldórsson) and came out in early April 1970. The second record came out in September 1970 and honored Freymóður Jóhannsson, who was better known by his pseudonym The 12th of September. The record was given the name: Vilhjálmur og Elly - Lög Tólfta September (Vilhjálmur and Elly – The songs by 12 September). It received decent reviews although not as good reviews as their first record.

Vilhjálmur and Elly recorded their final record together in 1971 where they sang 12 Christmas songs picked by Svavar Gestsson. The record became a big success and was used as the soundtrack to the nation’s Christmas preparations all around the country.

Vilhjálmur recorded 2 solo records; one in 1972 and another in 1973. The first record was called "Glugginn hennar Kötu" (Kate’s Window). Glugginn hennar Kötu is a 12-song record and the songs were personally picked by Vilhjálmur. The second record was called "Fjórtán fyrstu login" (translation: The First 14 Songs). The record was a collection of old recordings by Vilhjálmur.

Personal life and death

Vilhjálmur was married 3 times in his life and has two sons and one daughter. Besides being a famous musician, Vilhjálmur also had a pilot's license. Vilhjálmur died in a car crash in Luxembourg on 28 March 1978. He was 32 years old.

Influence

Vilhjálmur is one of Iceland’s most beloved musicians and his music is cherished by Icelanders, young and old. In 2008 a memorial concert was held in his honor where many of Iceland’s most respected musicians performed.