Theodor Larsson

Theodor Larsson (1880–1937) was a Swedish songwriter and comedian.

Career

Larsson was born June 8, 1880, in Gylle parish near the town of Trelleborg in Skåne. He died June 30, 1937, in Mjölby. A Swedish bondkomiker (rustic comic) and lyricist, his professional name was Skånska Lasse (Skåning Lasse). He worked as a cabinetmaker in Malmö, then for a short time in Stockholm before moving to Östergötland, where he found employment at a furniture factory in Mjölby. It was during his time there that Larsson embarked on his course as an entertainer. He often performed in a long coat with a flowery vest while playing the accordion. Married twice, he was the father of eleven children, several of whom also became entertainers. Another of his compositions, Josefin mä symaskin (Josephine with the sewing machine), crossed the Atlantic in a version by Bert Leman.

There is one song above all others for which Lasse is remembered, Bonnjazz (Country dance), which he recorded in 1924. The song, one of the best-known works in Swedish popular music, has gone by many names, including Jazz på landet (Dance in the country) and Johan på snippen (Johan on the snippet of land). In America it was recorded by Lydia Hedberg in 1925 and Olle i Skratthult in 1927.

Wahlberg, who was an engineer by profession, lived in Örebro in the province of Närke. When the iron industry flourished in the mining region of Bergslagen, people would come to Örebro to do business at Hindersmässan (The St. Henry’s Fair), an annual event which has continued until the present day. Wahlberg used to amuse himself on the piano, and one time after a visit to the local fair he set down some musical impressions. The result was a schottische he called Hindersmässan.

Selected lyrics Bonnjazz Genom sotat glas Josefin mä symaskin Nödbroms visan