Bjorn Ulvaeus facts: ABBA star's age, family, songs, wife and career explained

24 June 2024, 16:16 | Updated: 26 June 2024, 11:57

Bjorn Ulvaeus, a Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer, has etched a remarkable path in the music industry.

Ulvaeus initially gained prominence as a member of the Hootenanny Singers, a popular folk group in the 1960s. However, his most significant achievement came as one of the co-founders of the legendary pop group ABBA.

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Alongside Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Ulvaeus helped propel ABBA to international stardom with timeless hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’.

Beyond ABBA, his career has flourished through successful collaborations and ventures, including musical theatre and innovative projects in the music industry.

1. How old is Bjorn Ulvaeus?

   

   Bjorn Ulvaeus is 79 years old as of 2024. He was born on April 25, 1945, in Gothenburg, Sweden.

   His parents were Aina (née Bengtsson) and Erik Gunnar Ulvaeus. Bjorn grew up in the small town of Västervik on Sweden's east coast. He has a younger sister named Eva Margareta Ulvaeus.

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

   

   Bjorn Ulvaeus got his start in music in the early 1960s as a member of the Hootenanny Singers, a popular Swedish folk group. The band enjoyed considerable success in Sweden, with their music often featuring on the national charts. During this period, Bjorn developed his skills as a songwriter and performer.

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   In 1966, Bjorn met Benny Andersson, a member of the popular Swedish rock band the Hep Stars. The two quickly formed a strong musical partnership, writing songs together and sharing a vision for creating innovative pop music. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for what would eventually become ABBA.

   ABBA was officially formed in 1972 when Bjorn and Benny joined forces with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names.

   ABBA's breakthrough came in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with their song 'Waterloo.' This victory propelled them to international fame, and they went on to become one of the most successful pop groups in history, with numerous hits and millions of records sold worldwide.

3. What did he do after ABBA broke up?

   

   After ABBA broke up in 1982, Bjorn Ulvaeus continued to work closely with Benny Andersson. The duo found success in musical theater, collaborating with lyricist Tim Rice to create the musical Chess, which premiered in 1984. Chess was well-received and produced hit songs such as 'One Night in Bangkok' and 'I Know Him So Well.'

   Bjorn and Benny also co-created the musicals Kristina från Duvemåla and Mamma Mia!. Kristina från Duvemåla, based on the novels by Vilhelm Moberg, premiered in Sweden in 1995 and received critical acclaim.

   Mamma Mia!, featuring ABBA's classic hits, premiered in 1999 and became a global sensation, later adapted into a successful film in 2008 and a sequel in 2018.

   In addition to his work in musical theater, Bjorn has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures and projects within the music industry. He played a significant role in establishing ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, which opened in 2013, celebrating the group's legacy and contributions to music.

   Bjorn has also been an advocate for digital music rights and has supported initiatives aimed at protecting artists' intellectual property.

4. Is Bjorn Ulvaeus married and does he have kids?

   

   Bjorn Ulvaeus has been married twice. His first marriage was to Agnetha Fältskog, his fellow ABBA member.

   They married in 1971 and had two children together, Linda Elin Ulvaeus, born in 1973, and Peter Christian Ulvaeus, born in 1977. Bjorn and Agnetha divorced in 1980, shortly before ABBA disbanded.

   

   In 1981, Bjorn married Lena Källersjö, a music journalist. They have two daughters, Emma Ulvaeus, born in 1982, and Anna Ulvaeus, born in 1986.

   In February 2022, Ulvaeus and Källersjö announced their separation. He is now in a relationship with Christina Sas.