Benny Andersson
Music and Lyrics
Born 16 December 1946 in Stockholm.
1952 Received accordion lessons from his father and grandfather.
1964-68 Member of the Hep Stars, Sweden's most popular rock band in the 1960's. During this time, he began composing music. "Sunny Girl" and "Wedding" were huge hits for the Hep Stars.
1972 - 82 ABBA.
1982 - 84 Composed the music (together with Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice) for the musical, Chess.
1987 Began collaborating with Orsa Spelmän. Recorded three albums deeply rooted in Swedish folk music: Klinga Mina Klockor, November 1989 and Fiolen Min. In 2001, this collaboration led to the formation of Benny Andersson's Orchestra, a 16-man constellation with vocalists, Helen Sjöholm and Tommy Körberg. Thus far, this has resulted in seven CD albums and several summer tours.
1990 - 95 Composed the music to Kristina from Duvemåla. Premiered in October 1995.
1995 Received the title of professor from the Swedish government.
Inducted to in the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2007.
Appointed Honorary Doctor of the College of Humanities at Stockholm University in 2008.
Benny Andersson is married to former TV producer, Mona Nörklit. They have one child, Ludvig Andersson. Benny Andersson also has two children from a previous marriage, Peter Grönvall and Helene Odedal. He has five grandchildren: Charlie, Felix, Fabian, Malin and Viola.