Erik Bye was a Norwegian-American journalist, folk singer, author, actor and television and radio personality. He became one of Norway’s most beloved media figures through his work at NRK (1958–1996), his programs that mixed culture, travel and underrepresented voices, and his songs and poems such as «Vårherres klinkekule». Bye was also known for his strong commitment to sea-farers and coastal communities, e.g. through his involvement with the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue and his fundraising for the rescue ship Skomvær II.