Jahn Teigen

Jahn Teigen (1949–2020) was a Norwegian singer, songwriter and entertainer from Tønsberg who became one of the most beloved and eccentric figures in Norwegian pop music. He began his career in the early 1970s fronting the progressive rock band Popol Ace, and later found broader fame through his work with the comedy troupe Prima Vera before launching a long and prolific solo career. Teigen possessed an extraordinary, operatic vocal range that set him apart from typical pop singers of his era, and stories persist that he was even approached to front the British progressive rock band Genesis, an offer he declined.

He is perhaps best remembered internationally for a rather unusual milestone: in the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest he became the first artist ever to score zero points, performing the song «Mil etter mil» for Norway. Far from ending his career, the incident only cemented his status as a national icon, and he returned to represent Norway twice more, with «Adieu» (alongside Anita Skorgan) in 1982 and «Do re mi» in 1983. At home his flamboyant stage persona, theatrical costumes and genuine vocal talent made him a beloved cult figure for decades.

Beyond Eurovision, Teigen built a substantial catalogue of Norwegian pop hits including «Optimist», «Det vakreste som fins», «Min første kjærlighet», «Gi meg fri» and «Slå ring», songs that remain staples of Norwegian popular culture. He continued performing and releasing music right up until his death in 2020 at age 70, remembered as both a comedic showman and a genuinely gifted vocalist.