Together with his brother Kenneth Ted Gärdestad wrote many memorable songs. In 2016 he should have turned 60-years-old. In the documentary 'Ted Gärdestad – För kärlekens skull' Björn Ulvaeus, Darin, Marie Ledin, Janne Schaffer, Per Ragnar, Ted's daughter Sara Zacharias and his brother tells us about their memories of him.
Ted Gärdestad got his breakthrough at the age of 15. Stikkan Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson released the LP 'Undringar', including the song 'Jag vill ha en egen måne' written by Ted and Kenneth.
In 1979 Ted participated in Melodifestivalen for the third time with the song 'Satellit' and won. At this time his search for his own identity became more obvious. Meanwhile he found the Bhagwhan community in the early 80's and moved to Oregon, USA. At the same time he became a father. His daughter Sara was born in 1982 and his son Marc the year after.
Even though Ted was struggling with mental illness he kept on writing songs – including 'För kärlekens skull'. The album 'Äntligen på väg' was released in 1994, Ted died in 1997.
The documentery 'Ted Gärdestad – För kärlekens skull' will be shown on SVT1 February 21st.
Photo by Bertil S-son/SVT