Career
These songs, visor, are traditionally very narrative and the performance is "acted" to some degree. The singer is in context a vissångare, a troubadour character. Åkerström was also known for his actor"s interpretations of Bellman"s 18th century material, and his unusual ability to reach deep bass notes (especially on his interpretation of Bellman"s song Glimmande nymf).
He may have aspired at an early age to become a vissångare, being a devoted listener to Ruben Nilson.
After performances at the famous vispråmen "Storken," he released his first record in 1963, Fred Åkerström sjunger Ruben Nilson. He was a contemporary of Cornelis Vreeswijk, and the two were at times very close, touring together and releasing a joint record, early in their careers.
He became an alcoholic in later life.