Marie Fredriksson emerged as a significant force in Swedish popular music, transitioning from independent punk roots to international prominence. Born in Össjö in 1958, she developed her vocal and instrumental skills early in life. Throughout her career, she functioned as a versatile recording artist, songwriter, and pianist who balanced a prolific solo discography with her work in Roxette.
Early Development and Punk Origins
Fredriksson grew up in Östra Ljungby, where she began performing in childhood. During her teenage years, she explored the music of The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, and Deep Purple. She enrolled in a music school in the Svalöv Municipality at age seventeen, composing music for theatre productions. Following her 1977 graduation, she moved to Halmstad and joined the local indie scene. She co-founded the punk band Strul in 1978, which established the Strulfestivalen. After the group dissolved in 1981, she briefly performed with the project MaMas Barn.
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Producer Lasse Lindbom signed Fredriksson to EMI Sweden after recognizing her vocal talent. She released her debut solo album, Het vind, in 1984, followed by Den sjunde vågen in 1986 and Efter stormen in 1987. In 1986, she formed the duo Roxette with Per Gessle. The pair found international success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums including Look Sharp! and Joyride. During this period, she maintained her solo presence, notably releasing the single Sparvöga in 1989.
Health Challenges and Later Works
In 2002, Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour after fainting at her home. Despite health setbacks, she continued recording as a solo artist, producing albums such as The Change in 2004 and Min bäste vän in 2006. Her 2008 single Där du andas marked her first solo number-one track in Sweden. She later reunited with Gessle for additional Roxette recordings and a world tour. Her final solo album, Nu!, was released in 2013. She died in Djursholm on 9 December 2019.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Össjö
- Died: 2019, Djursholm
- Primary Member: Roxette, Strul
- Awards: Rockbjörnen (1988, 1991), Litteris et Artibus (2003), H. M. The King's Medal
- Notable Solo Tracks: Sparvöga, Tro, Efter stormen, Ännu doftar kärlek
- Language Proficiency: Swedish, English
- Instruments: Voice, piano
Questions readers ask
Which bands was Marie Fredriksson associated with?
She was a member of the punk group Strul, the project MaMas Barn, and the pop-rock duo Roxette.
Did Marie Fredriksson pursue a solo career alongside Roxette?
Yes, she maintained an active solo career, releasing multiple albums throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, including her 2008 number-one single Där du andas.
Achievements
- H. M. The King's Medal
- Notable work: Ännu doftar kärlek
- Notable work: Efter stormen
- Notable work: Sparvöga
- Notable work: Tro
- Instruments: piano and voice
- Genres: pop music
