Arthur Kylander

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Arthur Arkadius Kylander (February 16, 1892-1968) was Finnish-American folk musician, singer, song-writer, mandolinist and member of the Industrial Workers of the World. Born in Lieto, Finland, Kylander moved to the United States at the age of 22 in 1914, where he became a migrant worker as a carpenter and in the logging industry. In 1925 he met his wife Julia Varila, a pianist and accordianist, and the two began performing together and touring. Kylander did recordings for Victor Records between 1927 and 1929 and published two song books called Comic Songs. After the depression, the Kylanders moved to Hollywood, California where Arthur worked as a butler and chauffeur. In 1943 they bought a 240 acre parcel of forested property where Arthur grew and sold Christmas trees. In 1964, Kylander was named the Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Kylander's most notable songs include Kulkurin Valssi (Hobo Waltz), Muistojen Valssi (Memories Waltz), and Suomalainen ja Sauna (The Finn and the Sauna). Many of Kylander's songs deal with the hardships of the immigrant worker but have a strong sense of wit and humour. Some, like Kulkurin Valssi, are unique for the time period in that they openly discuss inter-racial relationships in a positive way. Similar to Hiski Salomaa, Kylander's songs are sung in a mix of Finnish and Finglish.

New World Finn article and lyrics to some of Kylander's songs in Finnish and English