About Abba
One of the most successful musical groups in modern musical history is Abba. The group consisted of four members throughout its entire lifetime: Agnetha Fältskog (Anna), Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida). When they started out Anna and Bjorn were married, likewise Frida and Benny were also married. Nearing the end of a ten year run at the top of the charts worldwide, both marriages were broken, although the group stayed together (none of the members elected to leave or were replaced).
The name of Abba is an acronym derived from the first initial of each of the group members. This however was not the case in the beginning as their first songs were accredited to ‘Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid’. Deciding later that this name was too cumbersome the foursome hit upon the ever lasting and ever popular Abba (the group was officially renamed in 1973).
Björn & Benny were the first two of the group to start performing together. In fact the first time the foursome performed occurred in 1970 when the two couples went on holiday together. They gave an (impromptu) live performance at the beach for United Nations soldiers stationed in Cyprus. It was not until 1972 however that the two women were to join Björn & Benny in recording a single. The single was “People Need Love”. Anna and Frida were featured as guest vocalists for the song. The single also found its way over to the US charts.
It was after this that the four decided to record their first album together. Recording sessions started on the 26th of September of that same year (1972) with “Nina, Pretty Ballerina”.
Their biggest breakthrough however came with winning the Eurovision song contest in 1974, and from there they scaled new heights seemingly effortlessly, for the next eight years.
To date they have sold over 375 million records, worldwide and are one of the world’s best selling bands. It should also be noted that Abba is being inducted to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the 15th of March, 2010.
