Ted Arnbjörn Gärdestad (February 18, 1956 – June 22, 1997) was a Swedish singer, musician and composer.

At fifteen, he signed with Stikkan Anderson’s record label Polar. Gärdestad’s debut album, Undringar (1972) was produced by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. This marked the beginning of his success, above all with the single “Jag vill ha en egen måne”. Gärdestad composed all his music, with his brother Kenneth Gärdestad always contributing as the lyricist.

Later on, he continued to release successful albums like Ted (1973) and Upptåg (1974). Despite attempts to break into the international scene with albums like Blue Virgin Isles (1979) and I’d Rather Write A Symphony… (1980), success eluded him. Gärdestad participated in Sweden’s Melodifestival five times, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980, where he placed 1st as highest in ‘79 with “Satellit”.

In 1981, Gärdestad released “Stormvarning!” before taking a thirteen-year break from the industry. His return in the 90s included a duet with Swedish singer and friend Harpo and the release of “Kalendarium 1972-93” (1993). His eighth and last album, “Äntligen på väg” was released the next year. The plan was to release another album after 1994, which never happened since it was never fully completed.

In June of 1997, Gärdestad passed away due to suicide. Several years before his death, Gärdestad had struggled with mental health problems in combination with undiagnosed schizophrenia. Gärdestad’s music and melodies are still appreciated and his legacy continues to live on to this day.

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