Happy birthday, Anni-Frid Lyngstad!

Anni-Frid Lyngstad, born November 15, 1945 in Ballangen, Norway, is one-fourth of the Swedish super-group ABBA. She's the only non-Swedish member of the group.  

She had a moderately successful singing career in Sweden, but it wasn't until she joined ABBA that she reached international fame.  She was married to fellow bandmate Benny Andersson for three years.  ABBA went on to sell 150 million albums and singles world-wide.

Her first solo album following the end of ABBA, Something's Going On, was released in 1982 and reached #1 in Sweden, and the single went to #1 in Belgium and Switzerland.  It is one of the best selling solo album of the ABBA members. 

ABBA inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010

Swedish super-group ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame March 15, 2010.  The Bee Gees Barry and Robin made the announcement.  ABBA released eight studio albums and have won numerous international music awards.

Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad  were on hand to accept the recognition.  Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog are the other two members of the group.

Genesis was inducted the same night.

ABBA releases "Super Trouper" 1980

Super-duper Swedish group ABBA (Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Anni-Fryd Lingstad) released their seventh studio album Super Trouper November 3, 1980.  It generated three hit singles, The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper and Lay All Your Love on Me.  It was also the biggest selling album of 1980 in the United Kingdom.

ABBA releases "The Visitors" 1981

Swedish super-group ABBA released their 8th and final album, The Visitors, November 30, 1981.  Many consider this to be their most complex and mature effort, getting away from the lighter pop music they had previously recorded.

Of course, it might have to do with both couples getting divorced the previous year and recording sessions became tense.  The Visitors peaked at #29 on the US Billboard 200 but went to #1 in other countries.

Happy birthday, Bjorn!

Bjorn Ulvaeus, born April 25, 1945, is probably best known for the Swedish 70's super-group ABBA.  He began his music career with the Hootenanny Singers.  Later he met Benny Anderson and soon the two formed ABBA.  The band lasted about 10 years but made history in such a short time with hits like Dancing Queen, Waterloo and Take a Chance on Me.

After ABBA, Bjorn has continued to collaborate with best friend Benny, writing musicals such as Chess and producing the movie Mamma Mia!