Benny Andersson facts: ABBA star's age, career, wife and family explained

25 June 2024, 16:12 | Updated: 26 June 2024, 11:57

Benny Andersson is a true legend of pop music.

Benny rose to fame as a member of the iconic pop group ABBA, co-founding the band with Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

ABBA's unparalleled success in the 1970s and early 1980s, with hits like 'Dancing Queen' and 'Mamma Mia,' cemented their place in music history.

Beyond ABBA, Andersson has enjoyed a prolific career, composing for musicals such as Chess and Kristina från Duvemåla, as well as producing critically acclaimed solo albums.

1. How old is Benny Andersson?

   

   As of 2024, Benny Andersson is 77 years old. He was born on December 16, 1946, in Stockholm, Sweden.

   His parents were Gösta Andersson, a civil engineer, and Laila Andersson. Benny has one sibling, a sister named Eva-Lis Andersson.

2. How did he get his start in music and when did he join ABBA?

   

   Benny Andersson's journey into music began at an early age, influenced by his father and grandfather who were both enthusiastic accordion players.

   By the age of six, Benny had started playing the accordion, and his passion for music grew rapidly. In his teenage years, he joined various bands, honing his skills as a keyboardist and songwriter.

   • How Eurovision made ABBA: From introducing Benny and Ani-Frid to their breakthrough with ‘Waterloo’
   • ABBA's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked

   Benny's first significant break came in 1964 when he joined the Hep Stars, one of Sweden's most popular rock bands at the time. As the band's keyboardist, he gained considerable fame and success, contributing to several hit songs.

   It was during this period that he met Björn Ulvaeus, who was performing with the folk group Hootenanny Singers. The two quickly formed a strong musical partnership, writing songs together and eventually forming the core of what would become ABBA.

   ABBA officially formed in 1972, with Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The band's breakthrough came in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Waterloo.'

   This victory catapulted ABBA to international fame, leading to a decade of unprecedented success with chart-topping hits, albums, and global tours. Benny's innovative compositions and keyboard arrangements were instrumental in shaping ABBA's distinctive sound.

3. What did he do after ABBA parted ways?

   

   After ABBA parted ways in 1982, Benny Andersson continued to have a vibrant and successful career in music.

   He and Björn Ulvaeus collaborated on several musical theatre projects, most notably the musical Chess, which premiered in 1984. Chess, with lyrics by Tim Rice, achieved considerable success and featured hit songs like 'One Night in Bangkok' and 'I Know Him So Well.'

   • ABBA reunite for the first time in 40 years and bid farewell with magical virtual concert

   In the 1990s, Andersson and Ulvaeus created another musical, Kristina från Duvemåla, based on Vilhelm Moberg's series of novels The Emigrants. The musical was highly acclaimed in Sweden and showcased Andersson's ability to blend traditional Swedish folk music with contemporary musical theatre.

   Benny also embarked on a solo career, forming the Benny Anderssons Orkester (BAO) in 2001. The band, known for its blend of folk, pop, and classical music, has released several albums and achieved success in Sweden. Their music often reflects Andersson's roots in Swedish folk music and his love for traditional melodies.

   In addition to his musical projects, Benny was involved in the creation of the hit musical Mamma Mia!, which features ABBA's music and has enjoyed immense popularity worldwide. The musical's success led to a film adaptation in 2008 and a sequel in 2018, further cementing ABBA's legacy.

4. Who is Benny Andersson's wife and does he have kids?

   

   Benny Andersson is married to Mona Nörklit. The couple tied the knot in 1981. Together, they have a son named Ludvig Andersson, who was born in 1982. Ludvig is also one of the producers of the concert residency ABBA Voyage.

   In addition to Ludvig, Benny has two children from his previous relationship with Christina Grönvall: a son, Peter Grönvall, and a daughter, Heléne Grönvall.

   He was also previously married to ABBA's Anni-Frid from 1978 to 1981.