Photo of Edwin Johnson (1979) Photographer Lewis Koch, 1949. Mills Music Library Digital Collections .
ASI Spelmanslag photo of Edwin (far left) playing with John Erickson (second from left) with the "Minneapolis Dala Orchestra" also known as the Minneapolis Dala Förening Spelmanslag at the American Swedish Institute. Around 1960. Photo credit by Roy Svedvik.
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There is a wealth of information to explore about Edvin Vilhelm Jonsson and the musical legacy carried on by his family.
Originally from Rättvik, Dalarna, Sweden, Edwin was a Swedish fiddler and instrument maker. He played a significant role in preserving and advancing Swedish folk music traditions in the United States. Born on December 6, 1905, Edwin grew up listening to fiddlers near his home, absorbing their music and crafting his first fiddle as a young boy. When he was about to immigrate to the United States in 1924, his mother wouldn't allow him to bring it along. She told him, "You are going to work, not play." Despite intending to stay for only one year, he decided to settle permanently and began craft himself another fiddle. Edwin met Nall Jon Eriksson, another musician from Rättvik's fiddling tradition. Together, they performed at local Swedish-American gatherings and with a larger group of fiddlers called, "The Dala Orchestra" which made a recording and played at local venues like the American Swedish Institute. Edwin met and married Elsie, who shared his Rättvik roots, and they raised a family, instilling in them a deep love for their homeland's music. Their daughter Nancy played piano accordion, autoharp and eventually a Swedish cittra (zither) that once belonged to her great aunt from her mother's side. Their son Bruce chorded along on fiddle. Edwin's passion for crafting musical instruments was brought to a new level after he met the legendary nyckelharpa player, Ceylon Wallin, during one of his invitations to play at the Smithsonian Folk Music Festival in 1976. He eventually built several nyckelharpa along with numerous fiddles, which significantly contributed to the presence of these traditional Swedish instruments in America. His passion and work to preserve Swedish folk music earned him recognition from various organizations including the Wisconsin Governor and the King of Sweden. Edwin's musical legacy has continued through generations. His son Bruce and grandson Paul Dahlin, known as the American Swedish Spelmans Trio, performed alongside him for years. Paul eventually took responsibility of preserving his grandfather's musical heritage, which led to the establishment of the ASI Spelmanslag in 1985. Through Paul's careful stewardship, this fiddling group has influenced hundreds of musicians over the years, all of whom share a profound passion for Swedish folk music. Paul has also received notable recognition for his efforts from the National Endowments for the Arts and the Polar Star award from Sweden. Edwin retired from his work as a plasterer in the 1960's and enjoyed his days filled with music and muskie fishing in Hayward Wisconsin until his passing in 1984. |
