Kenneth Gärdestad

Kenneth Gärdestad
Kenneth Gärdestad presenting the Ted Gärdestad Stipend, May 2016
Born
John Charles Kenneth Gärdestad

(1948-05-09)9 May 1948
Sollentuna, Sweden
Died3 March 2018(2018-03-03) (aged 69)
Sollentuna, Sweden
Occupation(s)Songwriter, lyricist, architect
Musical career
GenresSoft rock, vispop
Years active1970s–2018
LabelsPolar

John Charles Kenneth Gärdestad (9 May 1948 – 3 March 2018) was a Swedish songwriter, best known for writing lyrics for the songs of his brother, Ted Gärdestad. He participated at Melodifestivalen 1979 as a songwriter for the winning song "Satellit" performed by his brother. The song went on to Eurovision the same year, where it placed 17th. Gärdestad was also an architect, affiliated to the private Kunskapsskolan, where he designed the interior of several of its high schools. Gärdestad published the biography Jag vill ha en egen måne in 2005. In later years he became a mental health activist, and created the "Ted Gärdestad Stipend", a prize awarded to amateur singers and songwriter.