Viljo Vesterinen

Viljo "Vili" Vesterinen was a Finnish accordionist and composer.
Vesterinen was born in Terijoki. He studied piano and cello at the Vyborg Music Institute, but as an accordionist he was self-taught. Vesterinen mainly played in different bands and theatres early in his career. Vesterinen made his first recordings in 1929. Vesterinen's most popular recording is Säkkijärven polkka. Even though it is not Vesterinen's own song, his version of the song is one of its most popular renditions. Other popular songs are Metsäkukkia, Hilpeä hanuri and Valssi menneiltä ajoilta. Vesterinen made a total of 130 recordings during his career. Heavy use of alcohol and cigarettes caused his health to deteriorate and affected his ability to play.
Vesterinen also appeared in some films. The biopic Säkkijärven polkka is the story of Vesterinen's life.