Lars Bondeson (1865-1908) was the stage name of Carl Jansson-Öhlin, who was one of the founders of Swedish bondkomik (rustic humor). Born in Örebro in 1865, he was a singer, storyteller, lyricist and music publisher. His songbooks were a major influence on countless entertainers in Sweden and America.[1]

Lars Bondeson
Sweden’s original rustic comic
Born
Carl Jansson-Öhlin

1865
Died1908
Occupation(s)singer, storyteller, lyricist, music publisher

Career

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Lars Bondeson called himself "Sweden’s original rustic comic". At the same time that Jödde i Göljaryd (Karl Peter Rosén) was establishing the wardrobe and repertoire for a new form of entertainment, he was appearing at the Alhambra Variety Theatre in Stockholm. Bondeson — in contrast to Jödde i Göljaryd — took rustic humor into the world of commercial entertainment via vaudeville, dance halls and folk parks. He collected tunes and songs, which he had discovered or in some cases written himself, and published them in ten songbooks. He died in 1908, having seldom performed in later years. His career in show business had, in fact, lasted only from 1891 until 1895.[1]

Bondeson's songs were recorded in America by Gustav Fonandern, Joel Mossberg, Olle i Skratthult and Charles G. Widdén.[2] The Minnesota Historical Society has his songbooks [3] and other publications to which he contributed in its collections.[4][5]

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References

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  1. ^ a b På Nöjets Estrader by Uno Myggan Ericson, (Stockholm: Bonnier, 1971) pp. 30-45.
  2. ^ Ethnic Music on Records: A Discography of Ethnic Recordings Produced in the United States, 1893-1942 by Richard K. Spottswood, (University of Illinois Press, 1990) LCCN 89-020526. Volume 5.
  3. ^ Variete-kupletter och visor by Lars Bondeson, (Chicago: A.L. Löfström, 1912). Volumes 1-3.
  4. ^ Olle i Skratthults Nya Visor och Historier, (Willmar: Hjalmar Peterson, 1921).
  5. ^ Olle i Skratthults Visor och Historier, (Willmar: Hjalmar Peterson, 1922).
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Photos

Victor Records

Lyrics

Streaming audio