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Gun-Marie Fredriksson (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈɡɵnː maˈriː ˈfrêːdrɪkˌsɔn] ⓘ; 30 May 1958 – 9 December 2019) was a Swedish singer, songwriter, pianist, and lead vocalist of pop-rock duo Roxette, which she formed in 1986 with Per Gessle. The duo achieved international success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their albums Look Sharp! (1988) and Joyride (1991), and had multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number ones.

Key Information

Fredriksson had a successful career in her native country prior to forming Roxette. She was a member of punk group Strul, a band which created their own music festival in 1979. Strul's dissolution led to the creation of her next project, the short-lived MaMas Barn, after which she began releasing solo work. Her first album, Het vind, was issued in 1984, followed by Den sjunde vågen in 1986 and ... Efter stormen in 1987. Roxette's international breakthrough coincided with a period of inactivity for Fredriksson as a solo artist, punctuated only by the release of the non-album single "Sparvöga" in 1989. Subsequent solo albums included Den ständiga resan (1992) and I en tid som vår (1996).

In 2002, after fainting at home, Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour. During her rehabilitation, she continued to record music as a solo artist, resulting in The Change in 2004 and Min bäste vän in 2006, as well as the non-album single "Där du andas" in 2008—her first and only solo number one single in Sweden. She and Gessle later reunited to record more albums as Roxette, and the pair embarked on a worldwide concert tour. She also continued to record as a solo artist in her native Sweden, releasing Nu! in 2013. Fredriksson died on 9 December 2019 as a result of health issues stemming from her brain tumour.

Early life

[edit]

Gun-Marie Fredriksson was born on 30 May 1958 outside the small Swedish village of Össjö.[4] When she was four years old, her parents sold their farm and relocated to Östra Ljungby, where her father Gösta took a job as a postman and her mother Inez became a factory worker.[5] Three years later, her oldest sister Anna-Lisa was involved in a fatal traffic collision; her car was crushed by a tanker truck while she was travelling to purchase a dress for her engagement party. Marie explained: "She was 20 – and I can barely remember her today. But I remember the grief, how the family was torn apart. Completely. After that I had to fend for myself. I was only seven years old."[6]

With both parents in full-time employment but unable to afford child care, Marie and her underage siblings would often be left unaccompanied at home while their parents worked. It was during this period, with the help of siblings and friends, that she learned how to sing, read notation and play musical instruments.[7] She also credited her pastor with encouraging her love of music, and said that she had been performing "ever since I was little and me and my sister Tina went to Sunday school. We had a wonderful pastor in Östra Ljungby. I've got really bright, lovely memories of that place, even when my big sister died. I loved all the songs. It was such a source of freedom for me… for both of us."[6]

Her interest in music continued to grow throughout her teens, as she discovered artists such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Deep Purple.[8] She enrolled in a music school in the Svalöv Municipality at the age of seventeen,[8] where she befriended students from the theatre department by composing music for their amateur plays. Since no other vocalist in the school could emulate Fredriksson's vocal range, she joined the cast of a musical she co-wrote. This musical toured throughout Sweden, with its run culminating in a performance in Stockholm for Prime Minister Olof Palme.[9]

Career

[edit]

1978–1984: Early work

[edit]

After graduating from music school in 1977, Fredriksson moved to Halmstad, where she worked in theatre before becoming involved in the local indie music scene.[10] She formed punk group Strul (English: Hassle) in 1978 with then-boyfriend Stefan Dernbrant—the band consisted of an extensive and fractious lineup of musicians, the majority of whom would leave after a single performance. Strul established their own independent music festival in 1979, Strulfestivalen,[11] which was financially lucrative for the band. The festival was held each summer for three years, until 1981.[12] Dernbrant exited the group in December 1980 when he and Fredriksson ended their relationship. Due to the success of the festival, Fredriksson opted to continue performing under the Strul name alongside the band's other longest-serving member, guitarist Martin Sternhufvud. The group's popularity increased substantially in 1981, culminating in several performances on Swedish music television programmes. This exposure led to Strul signing with independent record label Bastun, which released their first and only single in June, the double A-side "Ki-I-Ai-Oo" / "Strul igen". The release was timed to coincide with the 1981 version of Strulfestivalen, which would be the last; three months later, the group permanently disbanded following a "disastrous" performance at the Pop Around the Clock festival, which was broadcast nationally on Swedish radio.[9]

Following Strul's breakup, Fredriksson and Sternhufvud formed a new band, MaMas Barn (English: MaMas Children). The two were the only permanent members, with Sternhufvud moving to vocals and Fredriksson to keyboards. The name was created by combining the first two letters of both members' given names.[9] The duo regularly shared a rehearsal space with Gyllene Tider - a successful Swedish band fronted by Per Gessle[13] - leading to that band's bassist and drummer – Anders Herrlin and Mickael "Syd" Andersson, respectively – joining MaMas Barn. This close relationship between the two bands resulted in Fredriksson performing vocals on Gyllene Tider's 1981 song "Ingenting av vad du behöver" (English: "Nothing of What You Need"). The following year, MaMas Barn signed with CBS Records International before their recording contract was sold to WEA International, which financed the recording of their only album, Barn som barn (English: Children as Children). The album was produced by ABBA guitarist Finn Sjöberg and eventually released in November 1982. Although it was a critical success, the record struggled commercially, selling approximately 1,000 copies. The group disbanded shortly after.[9]

"Så nära nu"
30-second sample of "Så nära nu", released as the lead single from the Lasse Lindbom Band's 1982 album Romantisk Blackout
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Believing Fredriksson to be "too talented to be hiding behind keyboards", Gessle invited her to audition for Gyllene Tider's producer Lars-Göran "Lasse" Lindbom.[10] Impressed with her voice, Lindbom offered Fredriksson a contract as a solo artist on EMI Sweden, although she initially refused the deal, saying she was "too nervous" and "lacked the confidence" to be a solo artist.[14] She performed duet vocals on "Så nära nu" (English: "So Near Now"), the lead single from the Lasse Lindbom Band's 1982 album Romantisk Blackout.[9] The album was successful in Sweden,[15] and she joined Lindbom's band as a featured vocalist for an extensive tour of the country. Following its completion in the autumn of 1983,[14] Fredriksson recorded backing vocals for Gyllene Tider's debut English album The Heartland Café, released in Sweden under the band's original name, and in EP format in North America under the name Roxette—derived from the Dr. Feelgood song of the same name.[9]

1984–1989: Solo work and Roxette

[edit]

On Gessle's insistence, Fredriksson agreed to embark on a solo career in late 1983,[16] recording her debut album from December 1983 to June 1984, with Lindbom as co-writer and producer.[17] "Ännu doftar kärlek" (English: "Still the Scent of Love") was issued as her debut single in May 1984, becoming a top twenty hit on Sverigetopplistan, Sweden's national record chart.[18] Her debut album, Het vind (English: Hot Wind), was released in September,[9] and also peaked within the Sverigetopplistan top twenty.[18] The album was promoted by a three-month double bill concert tour, featuring Fredriksson performing as a solo artist alongside Lindbom's eponymous band.[19] The title track was issued as the second and final single in October, b/w a Swedish version of Cyndi Lauper's "All Through the Night", retitled "Natt efter natt" (English: "Night After Night").[9]

Her first solo tour took place from March to June 1985,[9] after which she performed vocals for Spännande Ostar (English: Exciting Cheeses).[20] This cover band appeared on several Swedish television programmes, and consisted of Fredriksson and Lindbom performing alongside Per Gessle and Mats Persson. The same year, Fredriksson and Lindbom travelled to the Canary Islands to write songs for her second solo album.[9] Den sjunde vågen (English: The Seventh Wave) was released in February 1986 and peaked at number six on Sverigetopplistan, selling over 90,000 copies.[18][21] "Den bästa dagen" (English: "The Best Day") and "Silver i din hand" (English: "Silver in Your Hand") were issued as singles,[9] while the title track and "Mot okända hav" (English: "Toward Unknown Seas") were top ten hits on Svensktoppen, Sweden's airplay-based chart.[22] She won the 1986 Rockbjörnen award for Best Swedish Female,[23] and embarked on her second tour as a solo artist.[9]

Fredriksson performing in Gävle on 5 August 1987 during Rock runt riket

While Fredriksson had established herself as a prominent soloist, Gessle's solo work struggled to replicate the success of Gyllene Tider; his second studio album Scener (1985) sold less than 20,000 copies, a significant drop from the 400,000 copies sold by Moderna tider four years earlier. EMI Sweden's managing director, Rolf Nygren, suggested Gessle translate one of his Swedish compositions to English and record it as a duet with Fredriksson.[24] The resulting song, "Neverending Love", was issued under the band name Roxette—the name Gyllene Tider had used to release The Heartland Café in North America in 1984.[9] The track peaked at number three on the Swedish Singles Chart,[25] and was one of the most popular songs on Swedish radio that year.[26] Their debut album, Pearls of Passion, was a major success upon release in October 1986, peaking at number two and eventually selling over 200,000 copies,[24] but it failed to chart internationally.[25] Roxette embarked on their first tour in the summer of 1987, "Rock runt riket" ("Rock Around the Kingdom"), a 15-date co-headlining tour with Eva Dahlgren and Ratata.[27]

Fredriksson's third studio album, ... Efter stormen (English: After the Storm), was issued in October 1987.[9] It peaked at number one and sold over 50,000 copies within a month of release,[18][21] and was certified platinum by the Swedish Recording Industry Association for shipments in excess of 100,000 units.[28] Both the title track and "Bara för en dag" (English: "Just for a Day") were top ten hits on Svensktoppen,[29][30] and she promoted the album with a sold-out concert tour.[21] Roxette released their second studio album, Look Sharp!, on 21 October 1988.[9] Once again, it was an immediate commercial success in Sweden, selling over 140,000 copies within ten days of release, but failed to chart internationally.[31]

"Sparvöga"
30-second sample of "Sparvöga", which remains Fredriksson's highest-selling solo single in her native country
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Two weeks later, EMI released Den flygande holländaren (The Flying Dutchman), a tribute album to musician Cornelis Vreeswijk, who died the previous year. Fredriksson performed three songs on the compilation.[9] One of these, "Felicia – Adjö", became her first number one on Svensktoppen.[32] Den flygande holländaren peaked at number two for three consecutive weeks in Sweden, held off the top spot by Look Sharp!.[18] The compilation was certified double platinum there, denoting shipments in excess of 200,000 units.[28] The non-album single "Sparvöga" ("Sparrow-eye") was recorded as the theme music for a miniseries of the same name,[9] and became both her highest-peaking and best-selling single to date when it was issued in February 1989.[18][28] Fredriksson won the award for Pop/Rock Female at the 1989 Grammis, the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards,[33] as well as the Rockbjörnen award for Best Swedish Female, for the fourth consecutive year.[23]

1989–1992: Roxette's international breakthrough

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"The Look" was issued as the third single from Look Sharp! in Sweden,[9] and was a top ten hit upon release in January 1989.[25] The following month, the track unexpectedly entered the Billboard Hot 100,[34] despite the duo not having a recording contract in the US; the local branch of EMI had previously rejected Roxette as "unsuitable for the American market."[35] An exchange student from Minnesota returned from Sweden and asked his local Minneapolis-based Top 40 radio station to play the song.[36] The track quickly became popular, and the station began distributing the song to their sister radio operations throughout the US.[37][38] "The Look" topped the chart after just eight weeks,[34] and went on to peak at number one in a total of 25 countries.[39] The single's parent album eventually sold over 9 million copies worldwide.[40] "Listen to Your Heart" was the band's second number one on the Hot 100, while the album's final single, "Dangerous", spent two weeks at number two.[41] Fredriksson ended 1989 performing on-stage as part of The Husbands, a cover band formed by Lasse Lindbom and Niklas Strömstedt.[42]

"Så skimrande var aldrig havet"
28-second sample of Fredriksson's recording of Evert Taube's "Så skimrande var aldrig havet", released on the 1990 tribute album Taube
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In 1990, Fredriksson contributed a cover of the Evert Taube composition "Så skimrande var aldrig havet" ("The Sea Was Never So Sparkling") to the tribute album Taube.[9] The same year, Touchstone Pictures approached Gessle to compose a song for the upcoming film Pretty Woman. As he did not have time to compose a new song—Roxette had recently embarked on their first international concert tour[24]—a new edit of their 1987 single "It Must Have Been Love" was created, and featured prominently in the movie. The track became their third number one on the Hot 100, and remains one of Roxette's best-known and most successful singles.[43] The following year, the duo released their third album, Joyride, which remains their most successful release, with worldwide sales of over 11 million copies.[40] The title track gave them their fourth and final number one on the Hot 100, while "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" peaked at number two.[41] The album was promoted by the "Join the Joyride! Tour", their biggest and widest ranging tour.[44][45]

1992–2002: Continued solo work

[edit]

Fredriksson returned to solo work following the recording of Roxette's fourth album, Tourism. She was a featured vocalist on "Änglamark" ("Angel Land"), a Band Aid-style recording spearheaded by former ABBA vocalist Anni-Frid Lyngstad under the banner Artister för Miljö (Artists for the Environment), which was released in July 1992.[46] She also performed the track alongside all of the other featured artists during a televised gala the following month. Fredriksson's fourth solo album, Den ständiga resan (The Eternal Journey), was released that October, and remains both her highest-selling and most critically successful solo studio album, with sales of over 185,000 copies in Sweden as of 2002.[9] She was nominated for three awards at the 1993 Grammis, including Songwriter of the Year and Artist of the Year, winning the latter.[47][48] "Så länge det lyser mittemot" ("As Long as There Is Light on the Other Side") and "Mellan sommar och höst" ("Between Summer and Autumn") were issued as commercial singles; the latter song, "Så stilla så långsamt" ("So Still, So Slow") and "Det regnar igen" ("It's Raining Again"), were also top ten hits on Svensktoppen.[49][50] She toured in support of the record.[51]

Her first musical collaboration with husband Mikael Bolyos, "Herren ber för dig" ("The Lord Prays for You"), was released in November 1994 on the charitable compilation Vilda fåglar: sånger om barn (Wild Birds: Songs About Children), the proceeds of which were donated to children's hospitals in Nordic territories.[52][53] The next summer, she was a featured vocalist with Bolyos' band Sugarcane, during their concert residency in Halmstad nightclub Penny Lane.[54] She took part in this residency every summer between 1995 and 2002,[9] performing vocals on several of Bolyos' original compositions and numerous cover versions, including "The Good Life".[55]

Her fifth solo album, I en tid som vår (In a Time Like Ours), was recorded by Fredriksson and Bolyos at their home studio in Djursholm between February and September 1996. She was eight months pregnant when it was released in November, so was unable to promote it.[9] The album peaked at number two on Sverigetopplistan, and lead single "Tro" became the longest-charting song of her career on the Swedish Singles Chart, either as a solo artist or as part of Roxette; it reached number eight and spent a total of 29 weeks on the chart.[18][25] Her duet with Anni-Frid Lyngstad, "Alla mina bästa år" ("All My Best Years") – from Frida's 1996 album Djupa andetag (Deep Breaths) – was released as a single in February 1997.[9]

Fredriksson performing as part of Roxette at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on 24 October 2001

Fredriksson and Gessle collaborated on a new Roxette album throughout 1997 and 1998; Have a Nice Day was eventually released in February 1999. She was more involved in its composition and production than on previous Roxette releases, recording numerous demos at her Djursholm studio and singing lead vocals on ten of the album's fourteen songs. The record includes "Waiting for the Rain", the first Roxette song written and composed solely by Fredriksson.[9] Prior to the album's release, the duo signed a new recording contract with their longterm label EMI, which saw Fredriksson obtain the copyright for her entire solo discography.[56] The process of recording the album was reputedly difficult and confrontational, with Fredriksson later heavily criticising co-producer Michael Ilbert: "I ended up under his thumb. He would only communicate with Per and [Roxette's regular producer] Clarence Öfwerman. He complained to everyone that my voice was weak, that I needed to re-record vocals, and that my songs weren't good enough. He criticised me until I started crying. I lost all my confidence, and no longer felt happy in Roxette."[57]

Her first greatest hits album, Äntligen – Marie Fredrikssons bästa 1984–2000, was released in 2000, and was the second best-selling album of the year in Sweden, behind the Beatles compilation 1.[58] It was also one of the best-selling albums of 2001 in the country,[59] and was certified triple platinum for shipments of almost 250,000 units.[60] The two new songs recorded for the compilation, "Äntligen" ("Finally") and "Det som var nu" ("That What Was Now"), were both minor hits.[18] The latter song featured Patrik Isaksson, and was a Swedish re-recording of a demo originally produced by Fredriksson for Have a Nice Day.[9] The record was promoted with a Swedish tour.[61]

In 2001, Roxette released their seventh album, Room Service. Even though Ilbert was not present for this album's recording, Marie later said she "lost all desire to continue Roxette", and would appear at the recording studio as infrequently as possible; she instructed her taxi driver to wait outside while she recorded vocals for "Milk and Toast and Honey". The album was supported with a European tour, after which Fredriksson "called for a meeting" with Gessle, wherein she discussed disbanding Roxette, to which Gessle agreed.[57] She issued a box set containing all of her previous studio albums, Kärlekens guld (Love's Gold), in June 2002.[9] Roxette scheduled the release of two new compilation albums, The Ballad Hits and The Pop Hits, which were to be promoted with performances at the 2002 edition of the pan-European orchestral concert series "Night of the Proms". A press conference announcing these appearances as Roxette's "swan song" was scheduled to take place in the Netherlands on 12 September 2002.[57][62]

2002–2003: Brain tumour diagnosis and aftermath

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On 11 September 2002, Fredriksson complained of feeling unwell after jogging with her husband.[63][64] She collapsed in a bathroom after becoming nauseated, with the impact of the fall fracturing her cranium. She then had an epileptic seizure.[6] Scans later indicated she had a brain tumour in the back of her head.[65] The diagnosis led to the cancellation of Roxette's "Night of the Proms" appearances.[66] After waiting several weeks for the effects of the fracture and resulting concussion to subside, she underwent successful surgery to remove the tumour, which was malignant, and she endured months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.[67][68]

In January 2003, King of Sweden Carl Gustaf XVI awarded Roxette the Litteris et Artibus (Culture and Education) award. Both Gessle and Fredriksson attended the ceremony, which was the first event Fredriksson appeared at after her operation, and one of very few public appearances she made over the next two years.[67][69] Lasting effects of the tumour included her being blind in one eye and having limited hearing and mobility,[70] as well as being unable to read or write.[71] She was also unable to speak for a considerable period of time after her treatment.[6] On 21 October 2005, Fredriksson conducted an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, saying: "It's been three very difficult years, [but] I'm healthy. I'm not receiving treatment any more."[72]

2004–2008: Return to creativity

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Following her diagnosis and treatment, Fredriksson and Bolyos began work on her next studio album as a form of therapy at their home studio in Djursholm.[73][74] The Change debuted atop the Swedish Album Chart,[18] and was certified gold for shipments in excess of 30,000 units.[75] It ended 2004 as the 18th best selling album in the country.[76] Several of the songs included were debuted during Fredriksson's live appearances with Sugarcane in the mid-1990s.[54] It was also her first studio album to receive a worldwide release.[77][78] Lead single "2:nd Chance" was a top ten hit in Sweden.[18] Despite being unable to read or write, Fredriksson rediscovered her love of drawing during her illness, and began using charcoal to create artwork as another form of therapy.[79] She drew the cover art which accompanied The Change,[74] and held her first art exhibition – titled "After the Change" – at the vernissage of the Doktor Glas gallery in Kungsträdgården, Stockholm in October 2005.[72] Every painting displayed at the exhibition was sold by the end of the second day.[79] She held further art exhibitions, titled "A Table in the Sun", in both Stockholm and Gothenburg in 2008.[79][80]

In February 2006, she released an album of Swedish cover songs titled Min bäste vän (My Best Friend), which peaked at number three on the Swedish Albums Chart.[18] Later that year, she collaborated with Gessle on the recording of two new Roxette songs: "One Wish" and "Reveal", which were released on the greatest hits compilation A Collection of Roxette Hits: Their 20 Greatest Songs!.[81] Fredriksson performed vocals on several tracks of Bolyos' debut solo album A Family Affair, which was released in June 2007.[82] In November, Capitol Records issued a ballad compilation of Fredriksson's Swedish-language solo material, Tid för tystnad – Marie Fredrikssons ballader (Time for Silence – Marie Fredriksson's Ballads).[83] The compilation contained two previously unreleased recordings,[84] one of which, "Ordet är farväl" ("The Word Is Goodbye"), was based on a lyric Py Bäckman wrote for Fredriksson's 1984 album Het vind.[19]

2008–2018: Return to touring, Roxette reunion and solo work

[edit]
Gessle and Fredriksson celebrating the 25th anniversary of "The Look" topping the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2014

"Där du andas" ("Where You Breathe") was released in August 2008 as the theme song to the film Arn – The Kingdom at Road's End,[85] and became Fredriksson's first number one single in her home country.[18] During the winter of 2008, she took part in the "Stjärnklart" ("Starlit") series of concerts, which saw her performing an abbreviated set alongside other vocalists in Swedish concert halls.[79][86][87] In May 2009, she joined Gessle on-stage at the Melkweg in Amsterdam to perform acoustic renditions of several Roxette songs, during a concert of his "Party Crasher Tour".[88] Immediately after the gig, Gessle announced to Aftonbladet that Roxette would perform at the 2009 edition of "Night of the Proms".[89] On the first night of that tour, Expressen reported that the duo had been recording material for a new album since May 2009.[90]

The duo reunited for a private performance at the Wedding of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, and Daniel Westling at Stockholm Palace on 18 June 2010.[91] Roxette then embarked on a seven-date tour of Europe in the summer of 2010.[92] "She's Got Nothing On (But the Radio)" was released in January 2011, becoming a substantial hit in mainland Europe,[93] and their highest-peaking single in Germany since 1992's "How Do You Do!".[94] Their eighth studio album, Charm School, followed the next month.[95] "The Neverending World Tour", their first world tour in fifteen years, began in March 2011,[96] eventually concluding in February 2016.[97] Another studio album, Travelling, was released in March 2012.[88] In June 2013, Fredriksson performed "Ännu doftar kärlek" at the Wedding of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill.[98] In November, she released Nu! (Now!), her first album of original Swedish material since 1996.[99] It was supported by a nineteen-date tour of Swedish concert halls,[100] her first solo concerts since 2000.[101]

Roxette's tenth studio album, Good Karma, was released in June 2016,[102] and was due to be promoted with a European tour celebrating the duo's 30th anniversary.[103] However, these concerts were cancelled after Fredriksson was advised by her doctors to cease all touring activity, due to poor health. She released a statement saying: "Sadly, now my touring days are over and I want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful fans that [have] followed us on our long and winding journey."[104] Fredriksson released three non-album singles after she announced her retirement from touring: "Alone Again" and "I Want to Go" in 2017,[105][106] and "Sing Me a Song" in 2018.[107]

Personal life

[edit]

Fredriksson met her husband, keyboardist Mikael "Micke" Bolyos, during the Australian leg of "Join the Joyride!" in December 1991. She later said of the impact meeting Bolyos had on her professional career: "If [we] hadn't met, I don't know if I would have been able to continue in Roxette much longer. I couldn't handle the personal side of life on tour. I was hanging out in bars, drinking too much. I was sad a lot of the time and had a hard time with the press, when I always had to be nice and say the right things, always having to be available to everybody, always putting on a smile and being happy. Marie Fredriksson the performer had grown in stature, at the expense of Marie the private person. I had less and less space to be myself, and when I was myself I felt uncertain, small and lost."[6]

The couple married in a private ceremony in May 1994, which was attended only by immediate family members.[5] Her decision not to invite Gessle and his wife to the wedding briefly became a source of tension between the duo. She later explained: "Some of our friends felt excluded and disappointed. Today I understand that, for example, Per and [his wife] were hurt [not to be invited], but then I didn't see it that way. My only concern was that I wanted the wedding to be private. It was what felt important then."[108] Fredriksson and Bolyos had two children, a daughter (Inez Josefin) and a son (Oscar Mikael).[5][109][110]

Death

[edit]

Fredriksson died on 9 December 2019 at the age of 61, having had cancer for 17 years since her 2002 brain tumour diagnosis.[111][112] A private funeral, with only her immediate family in attendance,[113] took place at an undisclosed location.[114] Among the tributes expressed to Fredriksson was a statement from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who said "We have been struck by the sad news that singer Marie Fredriksson has passed away. For many in our country, even in my family, her music is closely associated with memories from particularly important moments in life."[115] A concert in memory of Fredriksson took place at the Stora Teatern in Gothenburg on 20 January, featuring performances from Per Gessle and Eva Dahlgren. The concert was broadcast in its entirety five days later on Sveriges Television.[116]

Posthumous releases

[edit]

A previously unreleased solo song titled "Sea of Love" was issued posthumously on the first anniversary of her death. Recorded in 2017, it was the final track she recorded in her lifetime, and was inspired by the peaceful demonstrations that followed the 2017 Stockholm truck attack.[106] Roxette issued a compilation album of outtakes titled Bag of Trix on 11 December 2020, containing several previously unreleased demos composed by Fredriksson.[117] Another solo song, "Stay", was released as a non-album single on 28 May 2021.[118]

Discography

[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, see Marie Fredriksson discography. For Fredriksson's releases as part of Roxette, see Roxette discography.

Awards and nominations

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1986 Marie Fredriksson Best Swedish Female Won [23]
1987 Won
Efter stormen Best Swedish Album Won
1988 Marie Fredriksson Best Swedish Female Won
1989 Won
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1988 Marie Fredriksson Pop/Rock – Female Nominated [119]
1989 Won [33]
1993 Nominated [47]
Artist of the Year Won
Songwriter of the Year Nominated [48]
1997 Pop/Rock – Female Nominated [120]

See also

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References

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Works cited

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Marie Fredriksson

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Gun-Marie Fredriksson (30 May 1958 – 9 December 2019) was a Swedish , and best known as the of the duo , which she formed in 1986 with and with whom she achieved global success, selling over 75 million records worldwide. Born in the small village of Össjö in southern as the youngest of five children to a postman father and factory worker mother, Fredriksson displayed early musical talent, teaching herself to sing and play piano, guitar, and drums without formal training. At age 19, she moved to , where she joined the local punk band Strul and later MaMas Barn, marking her entry into the in the late . Her solo career began in 1984 with the Swedish-language debut album Het Vind, produced by Lasse Lindbom, which she followed with seven more solo releases over the years, three of which topped the Swedish charts: Efter Stormen (1987), Den Ständiga Resan (1992), and The Change (2004). Roxette's formation stemmed from Fredriksson's collaboration with Gessle, a fellow native and songwriter; their debut single "Neverending Love" in 1986 topped the Swedish charts, and their self-titled first album Pearls of Passion went platinum domestically. International breakthrough came with the 1988 album Look Sharp!, propelled by the U.S. No. 1 hits "" and "Listen to Your Heart," followed by "" (featured in the film ) and "Joyride" from the 1991 album of the same name, making Roxette the most successful Swedish music act after with four No. 1s and over 50 singles released. The duo toured extensively, performing more than 550 concerts to millions of fans across 10 studio albums, the last being (2016), while Fredriksson's powerful, emotive vocals became a hallmark of their melodic sound. In her personal life, Fredriksson married musician Mikael Bolyos in 1994, with whom she had two children, Josefin and Oscar; she also endured the childhood tragedy of losing her older sister suddenly, an event that influenced her songwriting. Her career was interrupted in 2002 when she was diagnosed with a malignant after collapsing with a , resulting in the loss of sight in her right eye and an initial prognosis of months to live; remarkably, she returned to performing in 2004 with her English-language solo album The Change and rejoined for tours and releases in 2009. challenges led to her retirement from live performances in 2016, though she recorded her final solo single "Sea of Love" in 2017, which was released posthumously in 2020. Fredriksson passed away on 9 December 2019 at her home in , , at age 61, after a 17-year battle with cancer; her Listen to My Heart: Life, Love & was published posthumously in Swedish in 2021 and in English in 2023; additionally, a live album from her final solo tour was released posthumously in 2024.

Early life

Family background

Gun-Marie Fredriksson was born on 30 May 1958 in Össjö, a rural village in Ängelholm Municipality, . She was the youngest of five children in a working-class family; her father, Charles Gösta Fredriksson, worked as a postman, while her mother, Inez Dagmar Fredriksson (née Hoffert), was employed as a factory worker. Her older siblings included sisters Anna-Lisa, Ulla-Britt, and Tina, as well as brother Sven-Arne. The family initially lived on a farm in Össjö, where Fredriksson spent her early childhood surrounded by nature and the rhythms of rural life; financial pressures led her parents to sell the property when she was four, prompting a move to the nearby town of Östra Ljungby. This period was marked by profound loss when, at age eight, Fredriksson's oldest sister, Anna-Lisa, died in a car accident, an event that devastated the family, deepened their bonds, and left a lasting emotional scar on the young Marie, later informing recurring themes of and resilience in her songwriting.

Education and musical beginnings

Fredriksson attended upper secondary school in Ängelholm, where her interests leaned toward and rather than traditional academics. Initially enrolled in a two-year finance course—chosen partly because she could not secure entry into her preferred program—she soon gravitated toward creative expression, reflecting her growing passion for performance over scholarly pursuits. At the age of 17, in 1975, Fredriksson enrolled at Fridhems folkhögskola, a music-focused institution in Svalöv Municipality, where she immersed herself in musical studies and graduated in 1977. Her teenage years marked a pivotal discovery of key musical icons, including , , and , whose works fueled her self-taught skills on —begun with childhood lessons—and guitar. Influenced by , , and 1960s-70s pop during her time at the school, she began exploring songwriting and performance, forming her first band with classmates and co-writing music for student productions. Following her graduation, Fredriksson moved to in 1977 at age 19, seeking greater independence to pursue her artistic ambitions away from her hometown. To support herself, she took on temporary jobs, including as a waitress, while engaging in local theatre work and auditioning for musical opportunities in the burgeoning indie scene.

Musical career

Early work (1978–1984)

In 1978, following her graduation from music school, Marie Fredriksson relocated to in pursuit of opportunities in the local music scene. She soon joined the punk band Strul in 1979, where she served as a vocalist and keyboardist alongside members including frontman Martin Sternhufvud, Lennart "Led" Nilsson, and Stefan Dernbrandt. The group, active until its dissolution in 1981, performed at local venues and even organized its own that year, marking Fredriksson's entry into professional performances. After Strul disbanded, Fredriksson collaborated with Sternhufvud to form the short-lived duo MaMas Barn in 1981, shifting toward a pop-oriented sound with elements of rock. The pair, with Sternhufvud on vocals and Fredriksson on keyboards and occasional songwriting contributions, released their only album, Barn som barn, in November 1982 on Metronome Records. Tracks like "Allting Flyter," co-written by Fredriksson, highlighted introspective lyrics over melodic arrangements, and the group undertook local gigs before parting ways in early 1983. Transitioning to a solo career, Fredriksson signed with Svenska AB in 1983 and debuted with the single "Än Är Det Inte För Sent," reflecting her growing confidence as a songwriter. Her first full-length album, Het Vind, arrived in September 1984, produced by Lasse Lindbom at EMI Studios in . The record explored themes of love, emotion, and personal introspection through and upbeat tracks, including the power hit single "Ännu doftar kärlek," released earlier that May, which propelled the album into Sweden's top 20 charts. The success of Het Vind brought Fredriksson local acclaim, culminating in a win at a in 1984 that resulted in prominent television appearances, such as on the program Bagen. These milestones solidified her reputation in the Swedish scene, showcasing her versatile voice and self-taught skills honed from her youth.

Solo debut and Roxette formation (1984–1989)

In 1986, Fredriksson released her second solo album, Den sjunde vågen, which marked a significant step in her burgeoning career as a solo artist. Produced by Lars-Göran Carlsson and Fredriksson herself, the album featured introspective and a blend of pop and rock elements, with the title track "Den sjunde vågen" becoming one of its standout singles. It achieved commercial success in , peaking at number six on the Swedish Albums Chart and remaining on the list for ten weeks. The album's release was followed by Fredriksson's second solo tour in , solidifying her status as a leading female artist in the domestic scene. That same year, she received the Rockbjörnen award for Best Swedish Female Artist, recognizing her contributions to Swedish . Fredriksson followed with her third solo album, ...Efter stormen, released in October 1987. Produced by Lasse Lindbom, it topped the Swedish Albums Chart and earned her first nomination, along with a Rockbjörnen for Best Swedish Album and Best Female Artist. The album's success, driven by singles like "Efter stormen," further established her as a prominent solo artist. Fredriksson first encountered in the late 1970s through shared rehearsal spaces in , but their professional connection deepened in November 1981 when Gessle left a handwritten note and a demo cassette at her studio, inviting collaboration. This led to casual songwriting sessions and informal recordings over the next few years, building a creative rapport between the two established Swedish musicians. By 1986, with both signed to , they officially formed the pop-rock duo , aiming to combine Fredriksson's powerful vocals with Gessle's songwriting prowess for a fresh sound. Roxette's debut album, Pearls of Passion, arrived in October 1986, featuring a mix of upbeat pop tracks largely penned by Gessle and co-produced by with Clarence Öfwerman. The lead single "Neverending Love" became a major hit in , topping the charts and driving album sales. In 1987, released a remix version titled , which included club-oriented reworks of tracks from the debut to appeal to dance audiences. Fredriksson balanced these duo commitments with her solo endeavors, earning another Rockbjörnen for Best Swedish Female Artist in 1987 while promoting Roxette's early material.

Roxette's global breakthrough (1989–1992)

Roxette achieved their global breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, Look Sharp!, initially issued in Sweden on October 21, 1988, by . The album arrived in the United States on April 1, 1989, through , marking the duo's entry into the North American market. The breakthrough single "The Look," released in early 1989, propelled the album to international prominence by topping the for one week in April. Follow-up releases "Listen to Your Heart" and "Dangerous" further solidified their success, with the former reaching number one on the in November 1989 and the latter peaking at number two in March 1990. These hits, characterized by Fredriksson's emotive vocals and Gessle's melodic songwriting, drove Look Sharp! to over 10 million copies sold worldwide, including one million certified units in the US. Building on this momentum, released their third album, Joyride, on March 28, 1991, which debuted at number one on charts in multiple countries, including and . The title track "Joyride" became a massive hit, topping the in May 1991 and reaching number one in at least 17 countries worldwide. Other singles from the album, such as "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)," peaked at number two on the , while "The Big L." entered the top 20 in several markets. Joyride achieved platinum certification in the for one million units shipped and sold over 11 million copies globally, establishing as one of the era's leading pop-rock acts. To capitalize on their rising fame, launched their first worldwide tour, the Join the Joyride! Tour, beginning on September 4, 1991, in , , and concluding on July 22, 1992, in , Sweden. The tour encompassed over 100 concerts across , , , and , attracting more than 1.7 million attendees. As part of this period's promotional activities, the duo recorded an acoustic session at in on January 9, 1993, featuring reinterpreted versions of their hits and marking them as the first non-English-speaking act to perform on the series.

Parallel solo career and Roxette success (1992–2002)

Following the global breakthrough of Joyride, released : Songs from Studios, Stages, Hotelrooms & Other Strange Places in June 1992, an album largely recorded during their extensive world tour, blending new studio tracks with live performances and demos to capture the energy of their travels. The lead single "How Do You Do!" became a top-10 hit across and reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Fredriksson's dynamic vocals over upbeat pop-rock arrangements. This release solidified 's international momentum, with the album peaking at number two in and charting in over 20 countries. Parallel to Roxette's output, Fredriksson pursued her solo career with Den ständiga resan (The Eternal Journey) in October 1992, her fourth studio album and most commercially successful solo effort, which explored themes of personal introspection, life's , and emotional maturity through introspective lyrics and melodic pop structures. The album featured reflective ballads like the title track, emphasizing bittersweet moods and a sense of wandering, and sold over 185,000 copies in alone, earning platinum certification. Fredriksson co-produced the record with Mikael Bolyos, allowing her to delve into more personal Swedish-language songwriting amid Roxette's English-focused global demands. Roxette's fifth album, Crash! Boom! Bang!, arrived in April 1994, marking a shift toward more polished production with external collaborators, including American songwriter , who co-wrote tracks like "You Don't Understand Me," a poignant ballad highlighting Fredriksson's emotive range. The album's lead single topped charts in and , blending driving rhythms with themes of restless freedom, while the record itself achieved multi-platinum status in . To promote it, Roxette embarked on the Crash! Boom! Bang! World Tour from September 1994 to May 1995, performing over 90 shows across , , , and to audiences exceeding one million, with Fredriksson's stage presence central to the high-energy sets. In the late 1990s, Fredriksson balanced commitments with further solo explorations of maturity and contemplation. Her fifth solo album, I en tid som vår (In a Time Like Ours), released in November 1996, was a ballad-heavy collection reflecting on , time's passage, and inner strength, produced at her home studio for an intimate feel. Tracks like "Tro" () underscored spiritual themes, earning critical praise for its emotional depth and achieving gold status in . followed with in 1999, a return to eclectic pop-rock that charted well in , though it marked a slight commercial dip outside amid shifting music trends. Fredriksson capped the decade with the holiday-themed compilation Äntligen: Marie Fredrikssons Bästa 1984–2000 in March 2000, featuring re-recorded classics and new festive tracks like the title song, evoking nostalgia and seasonal reflection while celebrating her solo legacy. The release became her best-selling solo project, topping Swedish charts and certified triple platinum in Sweden for sales exceeding 200,000 copies. Roxette's Room Service in 2001 brought a lighter, travel-inspired vibe with hits like "Real Sugar," maintaining their pop accessibility and touring momentum into the early 2000s. By 2002, Roxette's cumulative worldwide sales had surpassed 75 million records, underscoring their enduring commercial peak during this prolific era.

Brain tumour diagnosis and hiatus (2002–2003)

In September 2002, Marie Fredriksson experienced a sudden health crisis while at her home in , . After feeling unwell following a jog with her husband, she collapsed in the bathroom, suffering a that resulted in a fractured skull. Subsequent medical tests, including an MRI scan, revealed a small malignant located at the back of her head, which was determined to be the cause of the collapse. The diagnosis came just as , fresh from their successful touring in support of the 1999 album , were preparing for a series of high-profile performances. Fredriksson underwent immediate emergency to remove the entire tumor, followed by intensive several times a week and subsequent to prevent any spread of the cancer. The aggressive treatment regimen, which lasted several months, caused significant side effects including , , and physical . A lasting impact was partial vision loss in her right eye due to the tumor's location and the effects of . The diagnosis prompted an immediate hiatus in Fredriksson's career, leading to the cancellation of Roxette's scheduled appearances at the 2002 concert series in . Despite the turmoil, Roxette's live Stars: A Live Collection was released on October 28, 2002, in , capturing performances from their recent tours and providing a poignant snapshot of the duo's stage energy amid the unfolding crisis. All further tour dates and commitments were indefinitely postponed as Fredriksson focused on her health. During her initial recovery in late 2002 and early 2003, Fredriksson issued public statements through her manager expressing optimism and resilience, noting that she was resting at home with family support and in good spirits despite the challenges. She temporarily withdrew from music activities to prioritize treatment and rehabilitation, marking a profound interruption to her prolific output with and as a solo artist.

Recovery and creative return (2004–2008)

Following her 2002 diagnosis and subsequent , , and treatments, Marie Fredriksson entered a period of intensive rehabilitation focused on regaining and cognitive function. The treatments had left her weakened and unable to read or drive, but over the next two years, she progressively recovered through , allowing her to resume creative activities at home. In October 2004, Fredriksson released her sixth solo album, The Change, her first full-length project in English and the first since her illness. Produced in collaboration with her husband, Mikael Bolyos, the album drew from songs she had written in the mid-1990s but revisited during recovery; its themes centered on resilience, , and renewed , reflecting her personal journey. It debuted at number one on the Swedish albums chart and featured the single "2nd Chance," which became a radio hit in . By October 2005, Fredriksson publicly announced she was cancer-free after three years of treatment, a declaration that highlighted her successful rehabilitation. That year, she made her first public performances since the diagnosis, including appearances at charity events and a solo set at Café Opera in in December, where she performed soul covers like "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)." Her involvement with remained limited during this time, consisting of occasional joint appearances such as at the 2005 BMI Awards, with no full tours or new recordings as the duo prioritized her health. Fredriksson's creative momentum continued with the release of her seventh solo album, Min bäste vän (My Best Friend), in June 2006. This collection of covers reinterpreted songs from the 1960s and 1970s that had influenced her youth, including tracks by artists like and , offering an intimate, improvisational take shaped by her post-recovery perspective. The album peaked at number four in and underscored her return to music-making on her own terms. In 2008, Fredriksson released the single "Där du andas," a pop serving as the theme for the Swedish film Arn – The Kingdom at the End of the Road, which topped the Swedish singles chart. During this period, Fredriksson received acclaim in for her resilience and continued solo output.

Touring resurgence and final projects (2008–2019)

After a period of recovery and solo releases, Fredriksson rejoined for 's eighth studio album, Charm School, which marked the duo's first full-length project in a decade. Released on February 11, 2011, by Roxette Recordings and , the album featured 12 new songs co-written by Fredriksson and Gessle, blending pop-rock elements with personal reflections on resilience. Critics noted its triumphant tone amid Fredriksson's health challenges, though commercial performance was modest, with only a few thousand UK sales despite strong fan support. Roxette followed Charm School with their ninth studio album, Travelling: Songs from Studios, Stages, Hotel Rooms & Other Strange Places, recorded spontaneously during tour sessions and released on March 23, 2012, by . The 15-track collection captured the duo's nomadic energy, including covers and originals like "Me & You & Terry & Julie," emphasizing Fredriksson's emotive vocals against Gessle's guitar-driven arrangements. In December 2013, they issued the live album Roxette Live: Travelling the World, featuring performances from their South American leg, which highlighted Fredriksson's commanding stage presence on hits such as "." The duo's renewed momentum fueled the Neverending World Tour, an extensive series of legs from 2011 to 2015 that spanned , , and beyond, drawing over a million attendees across more than 100 shows. Kicking off in post-Charm School, the tour evolved into the XXX – The 30th Anniversary Celebration by 2014, celebrating Roxette's legacy with setlists heavy on classics like "" and new material, while showcasing Fredriksson's recovered vocal power and charismatic interplay with Gessle. Australian dates in 2015, including performances, underscored the tour's global reach and emotional highs for fans. Fredriksson released her eighth and final solo studio album, Nu!, in November 2013, a Swedish-language collection blending pop and rock. It peaked at number six on the Swedish Albums Chart. She embarked on the Nu! live tour in in 2014, a 10-date run with intimate venues like Stockholm's hosting full-band renditions of tracks such as "Håll min hand" and career-spanning medleys. The tour, her first major solo outing since recovery, emphasized acoustic arrangements and personal storytelling, receiving praise for her raw, heartfelt delivery. In April 2016, Fredriksson announced her retirement from touring on medical advice due to ongoing concerns, halting Roxette's remaining dates after a storied three-decade run. The duo's final performance together occurred on July 3, 2016, at Barcelona's Sant Jordi Club in , a sold-out show closing the with emotional encores of "Joyride" and "Listen to Your Heart." Despite stepping away from the road, Fredriksson contributed to Roxette's album, released in May 2016 by , co-writing tracks like "It Just Happens" that reflected themes of fate and perseverance. Post-retirement, Fredriksson remained creatively active through songwriting and occasional releases until 2019, focusing on intimate, genre-exploring projects. She issued non-album solo singles including the jazz-inflected "Alone Again" (with Magnus Lindgren and Max Schultz) in May 2017 and the blues-tinged "I Want to Go" in November 2017, both showcasing her versatile phrasing and emotional depth. In 2018, she released "Sing Me a ," a tender affirming her enduring passion for amid personal reflection. These works, produced independently via Amigo Records, highlighted her shift toward smaller-scale collaborations while maintaining Roxette's spirit of accessibility and heart.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Marie Fredriksson met Mikael Bolyos, a Swedish musician, songwriter, and record producer, in Sydney during the Australian leg of Roxette's Joyride world tour in December 1991. The couple became engaged shortly after and later collaborated professionally, with Bolyos co-producing several of her solo projects and co-founding the independent label Mary Jane/Amelia Music with Fredriksson in 2004, including his own album A Family Affair in 2007, which featured her vocals. They married in a private ceremony in May 1994, attended only by immediate family members, reflecting their preference for keeping personal matters out of the public eye. Fredriksson and Bolyos welcomed their first child, daughter Inez Josefin Bolyos, on April 29, 1993, followed by son Oscar Mikael Bolyos on November 26, 1996. The family relocated to , an affluent suburb north of , where they resided in a home equipped with a private studio that facilitated both family life and musical endeavors. Fredriksson often balanced her demanding career with parenting, emphasizing the joys and challenges of raising young children amid her professional commitments. Throughout their marriage, Fredriksson and Bolyos maintained a strong emphasis on family , rarely discussing their children in interviews or media appearances and shielding them from public scrutiny. Bolyos provided steadfast support during Fredriksson's 2002 diagnosis and subsequent recovery, co-writing songs for her 2004 solo album The Change to process the emotional toll of her illness and aiding her rehabilitation process. This mutual reliance underscored their partnership, with the couple prioritizing a low-profile domestic life even as Fredriksson resumed her career.

Faith and activism

Marie Fredriksson developed a strong Christian faith that played a significant role in her personal life, particularly following the tragic death of her older sister Anna-Lisa in a car accident when Fredriksson was seven years old. This loss initially strained her relationship with God, as she later reflected, stating, "It took a long time before God and I were friends again." Over time, her belief deepened into a profound trust in divine guidance, which she described as a source of comfort amid life's challenges. As a child, she participated in church activities, including singing in services, which foreshadowed her lifelong spiritual inclinations. This occasionally influenced her songwriting, where themes of , redemption, and spiritual seeking emerged. For instance, her solo track "Tro" (meaning "") expresses a yearning for and belief in brighter tomorrows amid a "winter world," encapsulating her personal quest for reassurance through . Fredriksson's convictions were not overtly proselytizing but provided a private anchor, especially during her 2002 brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent recovery, where she credited for sustaining her resilience. In her activism, Fredriksson advocated for environmental causes during the 1990s, aligning with broader Scandinavian concerns for sustainability. In 1992, she collaborated with ABBA's on the song "Änglamark" for the environmental tribute album Det handlar om dig – 14 sånger om miljön (It's About You – 14 Songs About the Environment), which raised awareness about ecological preservation through music. Post-2002, following her cancer diagnosis, Fredriksson extended her philanthropic efforts to children's welfare. She performed at a 2009 gala concert at the Göteborg Opera to benefit the World Childhood Foundation, an organization founded by to support vulnerable children globally; all proceeds from the event were donated to the foundation's projects in over 100 initiatives across 14 countries. Additionally, in 2012, recorded a public service announcement for the same foundation, highlighting her commitment to aiding at-risk youth through advocacy and performance.

Death and legacy

Final illness and death

Following her 2002 diagnosis of a malignant , Fredriksson endured a 17-year battle with cancer that progressively impacted her health. By 2016, her condition had weakened to the point where announced their retirement from live performances, allowing her to focus on recovery while occasionally contributing to studio work. Fredriksson died on 9 December 2019 at her home in Djursholm, Sweden, at the age of 61. Her family confirmed the cause as the consequences of her long-term illness, stating: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our greatest and most beloved artists is gone." A private funeral service was held in silence, attended solely by her closest family and friends, honoring her request for privacy during their mourning. Tributes poured in from around the world, including from her longtime Roxette collaborator Per Gessle, who described her as "the most wonderful friend for over 40 years" and reflected on their shared journey. Global fans expressed grief through social media and memorials, while Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia conveyed their condolences, recognizing her as one of the nation's most cherished artists.

Posthumous releases and tributes

Following Marie Fredriksson's death on December 9, 2019, her family initiated the release of "Sea of Love," a poignant jazz-infused she recorded as one of her final tracks, which was issued on December 9, 2020, marking the first anniversary of her passing. The song, produced by longtime collaborator Mikael Bolyos and inspired by public demonstrations of solidarity after the 2017 terrorist attack, symbolized unity and love, with lyrics evoking a "sea of love" amid adversity. This single served as a heartfelt from her estate, highlighting her enduring commitment to music that addressed social themes. In late 2020, the compilation Bag of Trix (Music from the Roxette Vaults) was released in multiple volumes starting October 30, dedicated explicitly to Fredriksson and featuring unreleased tracks spanning three decades of the duo's career, including demos and outtakes with her vocals. The project, curated by , unearthed rarities like early versions of hits and previously unheard collaborations, providing fans with archival material that celebrated her contributions to 's sound. Subsequent volumes, issued through December 2020, continued this archival effort, with physical editions like the four-LP box set emphasizing her vocal legacy. Later posthumous singles included "Stay," an emotive ballad unveiled on May 28, 2021, coinciding with what would have been Fredriksson's 63rd birthday, and drawn from her personal archives as another "hidden gem" shared by her family. In 2023, "Crazy 'Bout You Baby," a bluesy track recorded in 2003 at Polar Studios shortly after her solo album The Change, was released on May 26 to honor her 65th birthday, showcasing her raw vocal power in a style reminiscent of her early influences. These releases, often timed to personal milestones, were managed by Bolyos and her estate to preserve her artistic voice. A significant addition to her solo catalog arrived in December 2024 with the double live album Nu! – Live in Sweden, capturing performances from her 2014 "Nu!" tour, her final solo outing, and released on vinyl and digital formats starting December 6. The album highlights Fredriksson's dynamic stage presence and interpretive depth on tracks from her Swedish-language repertoire, offering a vivid snapshot of her resilience during recovery from illness. Tributes to Fredriksson extended to live performances and multimedia projects, including Per Gessle's revival of as "Roxette in Concert" in 2025, a global tour commencing February 26 in , , and featuring the band's core musicians performing the duo's catalog in her honor. The tour, which sold out initial dates in and expanded across and through November 2025, emphasized Gessle's commitment to keeping 's music alive without replacing her, blending hits like "" with dedications to her memory. Posthumous publications included the English-language edition of her memoir Listen to My Heart: Life, Love & , co-authored with Helena von Zweigbergk and released July 25, 2023, which candidly details her career, struggles, and partnership with Gessle through her own words and family reflections. Fan-led commemorations, such as annual events on her birthday (May 30) and death anniversary (December 9), have included virtual listening parties and gatherings worldwide, fostering ongoing community engagement. Fredriksson's legacy has been amplified by the sustained popularity of 's catalog on streaming platforms, with "It Must Have Been Love" surpassing 800 million streams by May 2025 and "Listen to Your Heart" exceeding 500 million, driving renewed discovery among younger audiences via and algorithmic playlists. This digital resurgence, including entering 's Global Top 500 for the first time in 2025 with nearly 17 million monthly listeners, underscores her timeless vocal impact and the duo's role in pop history.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Marie Fredriksson released her debut solo studio album, Het Vind, on 20 September 1984 through EMI Sweden. The record features and new wave influences, showcasing her early songwriting with introspective lyrics and energetic arrangements produced by Lasse Lindbom. It marked her emergence as a solo artist prior to Roxette's formation, though it did not achieve significant commercial charting in Sweden. Her second album, Den Sjunde Vågen, followed on 17 February 1986, also via . This hit-driven release blended elements with more polished production, including singles like "Den bästa dagen" and "Silver i din hand." It peaked at number 6 on the Swedish Albums Chart and spent 10 weeks in the top 40, establishing her domestic popularity. ...Efter Stormen, issued on 12 October 1987 by , became Fredriksson's first number-one album in Sweden, topping the chart for multiple weeks and earning the Best Swedish Album award at the 1987 Rockbjörnen. The and pop-oriented tracks, led by the title single that reached number 7 on the Swedish Singles Chart, reflected mature emotional themes and solidified her status as a leading Swedish female artist. In 1992, Den Ständiga Resan was released on 9 October through , achieving number 1 on the Swedish Albums Chart for two weeks. Known for its and vocal-driven style with sensibilities, the album explored introspective and atmospheric soundscapes, becoming her highest-selling and most critically acclaimed solo work in . I En Tid Som Vår, her fifth studio album, arrived on 4 November 1996 via and debuted at number 2 on the Swedish Albums Chart. The collection included personal ballads and the title track single, which peaked at number 8 on the Swedish Singles Chart after 29 weeks, emphasizing themes of reflection and resilience. Fredriksson's sole English-language solo album, The Change, was released on 10 October by as her comeback following recovery from a 2002 brain tumor diagnosis. Featuring vocal and ballads with recovery-inspired themes, it debuted at number 1 on the Swedish Albums Chart and was certified gold for sales exceeding 30,000 units. Min Bäste Vän, an album of Swedish cover songs, came out on 14 June 2006 through Capitol and entered the Swedish Albums Chart at number 3. The ballads and intimate arrangements highlighted her interpretive vocal style, continuing her post-recovery creative output. Her final studio album, Nu!, was released on 20 November 2013 by , peaking at number 6 on the Swedish Albums Chart and ranking among the year's top-selling releases in . The tracks conveyed a sense of immediacy and personal closure, marking a triumphant return to original material.

Live albums

Live från Cirkus, a posthumous live album recorded during her 2014 Nu! tour in Sweden, was released on 6 December 2024 by Mary Jane/.

Roxette contributions

Fredriksson was the lead vocalist for , the Swedish pop-rock duo she co-founded with in 1986, providing the emotive and versatile singing that propelled the band's global success. Her contributions began prominently on their second studio album, Look Sharp! (1988), where she delivered lead vocals on all tracks, including the international hit "," helping the album achieve sales of over 10 million copies worldwide. She also incorporated piano elements and harmonies, shaping the album's polished pop sound. The duo's breakthrough came with the 1990 single "," re-recorded for the Pretty Woman soundtrack, on which Fredriksson's poignant lead vocals drove its massive appeal, resulting in over 10 million units sold globally. This was followed by Joyride (1991), Roxette's most commercially successful album at 11 million copies sold, featuring Fredriksson's lead performances on key singles like the title track and "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)." Later efforts included Crash! Boom! Bang! (1994), where her dynamic vocals anchored songs like the title track and "," blending rock energy with melodic depth. Fredriksson's vocal input extended to Roxette's final studio album, (2016), on which she sang lead or shared lead vocals on most of the 11 tracks, including "Some Things Will Never Change" and "Why of the World," demonstrating resilience amid health issues. Compilations further underscored her role, with Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus! Roxette's Greatest Hits (1995) selling 6 million copies and compiling her standout performances on early hits like "." Similarly, The Ballad Hits (2002) emphasized her interpretive strengths on slower material, such as "Listen to Your Heart," curating a collection of ballads that highlighted her emotional range.

Awards and honors

Swedish accolades

Marie Fredriksson received numerous accolades from Swedish music institutions throughout her career, recognizing her contributions as a solo artist and as part of . She won the award for Best Pop/Rock Female Artist in 1989, highlighting her prominence in the domestic pop-rock scene following the release of her album ... Efter stormen. In the Rockbjörnen awards, organized by , Fredriksson dominated the Best Swedish Female Artist category, securing victories in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989, which underscored her consistent appeal and commercial success during her early solo years. Her 1987 album ... Efter stormen also earned the Best Swedish Album award that year. With , she shared wins for Best Swedish Group in 1988, 1989, and 1991, alongside Best Swedish Album honors for Look Sharp! in 1988 and Joyride in 1991, reflecting the duo's rapid rise and impact on Swedish pop music. Fredriksson and were inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame as in 2014, honoring their enduring influence on Swedish and international pop since the duo's formation in 1986. Additionally, in 2003, King Carl XVI Gustaf awarded the Litteris et Artibus medal for their cultural contributions to Swedish music, marking a significant lifetime achievement during Fredriksson's career.

International recognition

Roxette's international breakthrough led to significant recognition beyond , highlighted by their commercial success on global charts and sales certifications. The duo's album Look Sharp! was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on January 18, 1990, for sales exceeding one million units in the United States. Similarly, Joyride achieved RIAA platinum status in July 1991, reflecting over one million copies sold domestically. In , earned multiple certifications from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) across various territories, underscoring their widespread appeal. For instance, Joyride was certified triple platinum in by IFPI for shipments over 150,000 units, while the album also received multi-platinum status in several other European countries, contributing to its status as one of the era's top-selling releases. Crash! Boom! Bang! later garnered an IFPI Platinum Europe Award in 1996 for one million units sold across the continent. The further acknowledged Roxette's global impact, honoring them as the Best Scandinavian Artist in for their 1999 sales achievements and again in 2003. These accolades celebrated the duo's role in driving substantial internationally, with estimates placing Roxette's worldwide album shipments between 75 and 80 million units overall.

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