Ted Gärdestad began his career as a musician in 1962, playing accordion on Swedish television at the age of six years. The family lived in Sollentuna during Ted's childhood. He was the youngest of three siblings and had two older brothers Kjell (1944–2000) and Kenneth (1948–2018). Ted Arnbjörn Gärdestad was born to Arne (1923–2016) and Margit Gärdestad (née Sjöholm 1921–2008) on 18 February 1956 in Sollentuna, Stockholm County.
Gärdestad began his acting career in 1966 and began playing music in 1971, signing with Polar Music.
Ted Arnbjörn Gärdestad ( Swedish pronunciation: 18 February 1956 – 22 June 1997) was a Swedish singer, songwriter, musician and actor known internationally as Ted.