Rauli Aarre Tapani Somerjoki born 30.08.1947 in Somero. Nickname "Badding" he got from his school friend "Rafe".
Before his first own single, he took part of many M. A. Numminen's projects. He took part in 'Jyväskylän Kesä' culture festival with Numminen and his friends, theirs performance stopped by police because it contains unsuitable material. After that Badding, Numminen and friends formed underground rock orchestra 'Suomen Talvisota 1939-1940' (Finnish Winter war 1939-1940). Like earlier they performances causes some kind of scandal all places where their show visit.
Suomen Talvisota 1939-1940 released only one LP 'Underground Rock' in 1970. This LP was not very popular in those days, but it was model of many younger rock artists and got cult status in Finnish rock.
1970 Badding guest first Ruisrock-festival in Turku, same festival appears on stage Tasavallan Presidentti and Kaleva too.
On the same year Badding wrote the music for movie 'Bensaa suonissa' (Petrol in veins). He got Jussi-award on this job.
On the same year, he finally makes his first own single 'Mun sormuksein / Sulamit'. 'Mun sormuksein' was originally Elvis Presley song 'Wear My Ring Around Your Neck' and 'Sulamit' was old Finnish humppa (humppa=old Finnish dance music style)
On 1971 Badding composed and play some songs in LPs 'Perkele! Lauluja Suomesta', 'Niemisen pojat ja naapurin äijä' and 'Joulupukin Juhannsuyö'. First LP contains music from Jörn Donner's movie 'Perkele! Kuvia Suomesta'. Other two was Numminen's products, 'Joulupukin Juhannusyö' (Santa Clause's Midsummer night) contains unusually Christmas songs.
On the summer 1971 released Badding's first LP 'Synnyin rokkaamaan' (I born to rock). It was not very popular and its famous song was 'Valot' (Lights).
Badding got his first jackpot to single 'Fiilaten ja höyläten' on 1973. It was top on charts many months. 'Fiilaten ja höyläten' was originally Chuck Berry's song Reelin' And rockin'. To this song, like many others, Finnish words made Jarkko Laine. In single B-side was song 'Mikset nuku sisko pieni' (Little sister, why you do not sleep?). He made this song for his little sister Raija.
Next year released his second LP 'Näin käy rock and roll' (Like this works rock and roll). This LP's famous song was 'Paratiisi' (Paradise). 'Paratiisi' was composed by Badding and words made by Arja Tiainen. Other famous songs on this LP were 'Mä jäin kii', originally Elvis song 'I Got Stung' and Oi, kuu originally Elvis song 'Blue Moon'.
Late on 1975 released his third LP 'Sydän lämpöä täys' (Heart full of thanks). This LP was not so popular than his earlier LPs and some magazines he said that this is his last LP. LP contains less rock and roll than two LPs before it.
This time Badding has many personal problems and he retires from publics many years and made only two singles.
On 1981 Badding released single 'Kuihtuu kesäinen maa / Ensimmäisenä iltana' with Esa Pulliainen's band The Agents. This single was beginning of new success. The Agents gave new sound on music and the next single 'Paras haihtua vaan / Ikkunaprinsessa' was a really new breakthrough. Single's B-side 'Ikkunaprinsessa', original 'Glendora' is one of the Badding's famous song.
After this single Badding released LP 'Ikkunaprinsessa' (Window princess). It was very popular and got very good reviews in the music magazines.
On the same year on 1982 Badding released LP 'Rakkaudella-Raulilta' too. It contains only old Finnish dance music and it's almost unknown.
On 1983 released next LP 'Tähdet, tähdet' (Stars, stars). It was completely similar than earlier LP and it contains songs 'Tähdet, tähdet' and 'Yksi vain ei tuu', originally Johnny Cash's country song 'Still Miss Someone'
On the year 1985 Badding record single 'Laivat/Ilta-aurinko'. Single's A-side 'Laivat' (Boats) is originally Russian song 'Parohody'. Finnish words made by Irma Arvola.
After the single Badding released his last LP 'Laivat'. This LP, like previous, Badding's accompanist was The Agets, this time they used name The Young Beats.
Somerjoki's last public appearance was 28.12.1986 in restaurant Sorsanpesä in Seinäjoki.
Rauli Badding Somerjoki died in Helsinki 14.01.1987
Updated: 13.04.2002