Seija Simola has passed away

We are sad to report that Seija Simola, the Finnish representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 1978, has passed away at the age of 72.
Seija’s ex-partner, Pekka Hartonen, confirms the news:

“It is true, she died on the 21st August.”

Seija Simola represented Finland in Eurovision 1978 with the song Anna rakkaudelle tilaisuus, or ‘Give Love A Chance’ in English. The song features Seija telling a young boy that he must learn to give love a chance to stay positive in a world that is not as new and exciting as it may seem. The song finished in 18th place with 2 points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99M229W5C6M

After Eurovision

Despite her poor result at Eurovision, Seija Simola went on to have a long and successful career and became a household name in Finland. She is known as one of the greatest Finnish singer-songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s. Some of her most well-known songs include: Maritza, Et itkeä saa Argentiina, Kun aika on, Ei rakastaa voi tämän enempää, and Sulle silmäni annan.

In 2011, Seija unfortunately lost her voice due to damage to her vocal cords. After this, she withdrew from publicity and gave very few interviews. In an interview in 2014, she looked back at her career and talked about how much she longed to sing again:

“It’s my life’s work, so of course I remember it with fondness. The music business is very different today, the popular genre of music has completely changed.”

Seija also said that the most enjoyable thing for her was working in a studio:

“I never liked the jukebox. In the studio, it felt great to work together and record something beautiful.”

We offer our condolences to Seija Simola’s family and friends.
What are your fondest memories of Seija Simola? Was she one of your favourites in 1978? Do you like her other songs? Let us know in the comments below.