Musician Jussi Raittinen has died.
Musician Jussi Raittinen has died. Raittinen was 80 years old when he died.
Raittinen’s death is reported on his Facebook account, which is managed by his good friend Raimo Öystilä.
– My good friend Jussi died yesterday in his hometown in Helsinki, exhausted by a long illness. Thank you Jussi for the long friendship! I wish you strength For Carita and Pekka with his family, it is written in the publication.
Iltalehti caught up with Raittinen’s wife, Carita Raittinen.
– This final phase, more than two months, has been heavy, tiring and varied, Carita says by phone.
– The death was a surprise, yes and no. Yes, it came quite quickly, he continues.
Raittinen died exhausted by a long illness. Petri Anikari
Jussi Raittinen gave his last interview to Iltalehti last September. At that time, he celebrated his 80th birthday. At the same time, his band was preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Raittinen organized two celebratory concerts in honor of his birthday, but no more birthdays could be celebrated due to health concerns.
Three years ago, Raittinen underwent bypass surgery and was fitted with a pacemaker. Raittinen had to use aids for his movement.
– Of course, health is a concern, because the condition has not improved much. This is such an old man’s life now, but I’m turning 80 after all. I would never have imagined that I would even live to be this old, Raittinen stated in the interview.
Last summer, Raittinen received a new diagnosis. He was found to have skin cell changes of various degrees, which is why he actively underwent treatments.
Raittinen was married to his wife Carita for over 53 years. Carita is a specialist nurse by profession and she helped and cared for Raitti as best she could. The couple has two children: the late son Yuccawho died in 2013 as well Pekka.
Raittinen founded his band Jussi & The Boys in 1964. He was often seen performing especially in Helsinki, but also around the world. One well-known restaurant where Raittinen performed was Storyville in Helsinki.
Raittinen told lltalehti last year that a documentary film is being made about him and his band. He said that the documentary has a name Rocking my way to mewhich is also the name of Raittinen’s last album.