Marie Fredriksson: The Voice That Defined Roxette and Touched the World

Marie Fredriksson, the powerhouse vocalist and one-half of the legendary Swedish pop duo Roxette, left an indelible mark on the world of music with her soaring voice, magnetic stage presence, and heartfelt performances.

Her journey was one of immense talent, resilience, and triumph over adversity.

From her humble beginnings in Sweden to becoming an international music icon, Marie’s story is as inspiring as it is poignant.

This is the life and legacy of Marie Fredriksson—a voice that will echo through the ages.

Born Gun-Marie Fredriksson on May 30, 1958, in Össjö, Scania, Sweden, Marie was the youngest of five children.

Her childhood was shaped by both joy and tragedy.

At the age of four, her family sold their farm and moved to Östra Ljungby, where her father worked as a postman and her mother took a factory job.

Tragedy struck three years later when her eldest sister, Anna-Lisa, died in a car accident while on her way to purchase a dress for her engagement party.

This devastating loss left a deep impact on Marie and her family.

With both parents working long hours, Marie and her siblings were often left to care for themselves.

It was during this time that she discovered her love for music.

Encouraged by her siblings and friends, she learned to sing, read music, and play various instruments.

Her pastor also played a significant role in fostering her passion for music.

As a teenager, Marie found inspiration in artists like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, and Deep Purple, which further fueled her desire to pursue a career in music.

At 17, Marie enrolled in a music school in Svalöv Municipality, where she composed music for the theater department and showcased her vocal talent in musicals.

After graduating in 1977, she moved to Halmstad and became involved in the local indie music scene.

In 1978, she formed the punk band Strul with her then-boyfriend Stefan Dernbrant.

Despite frequent lineup changes, the band gained popularity and even started their own music festival, Strulfestivalen, which ran successfully for three years.

Following her breakup with Dernbrant in 1980, Marie continued performing under the Strul name with guitarist Martin Sternhufvud.

The band’s growing popularity led to television appearances and a record deal with the independent label Bastun.

However, after a disastrous performance at a festival, the band disbanded in 1981.

Marie and Sternhufvud then formed a new band, MaMas Barn, which released an album in 1982 but failed to achieve commercial success.

Marie’s career took a significant turn when she met Per Gessle, the frontman of the popular Swedish band Gyllene Tider.

Gessle recognized Marie’s immense talent and encouraged her to pursue a solo career.

Initially hesitant, Marie eventually agreed and released her debut solo album, Het Vind (Hot Wind), in 1984.

The album was a success in Sweden, and Marie quickly established herself as a prominent solo artist.

Her second album, Den Sjunde Vågen (The Seventh Wave), released in 1986, further solidified her status, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

While Marie thrived as a solo artist, Gessle’s solo efforts struggled to match the success of Gyllene Tider.

In 1986, EMI Sweden’s managing director suggested that Gessle and Marie collaborate on an English-language project.

The result was Roxette, a duo that would go on to achieve unprecedented international fame.

Their debut single, “Neverending Love,” became a hit in Sweden, and their first album, Pearls of Passion, was a major success in their home country.

Roxette’s big break came in 1989 with the release of their second album, Look Sharp!.

The album’s third single, “The Look,” unexpectedly became a global hit after a Minneapolis radio station began playing it.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached number one in 25 countries.

This marked the beginning of Roxette’s meteoric rise to international stardom.

The duo followed up with a string of hits, including “Listen to Your Heart,” “Dangerous,” and “It Must Have Been Love,” the latter of which was featured in the blockbuster film Pretty Woman.

Their third album, Joyride (1991), became their most successful release, selling over 11 million copies worldwide.

The title track and “Fading Like a Flower” were massive hits, cementing Roxette’s status as one of the biggest pop acts of the 1990s.

Despite their success, Marie faced personal challenges.

The pressures of fame and constant touring took a toll on her mental and physical health.

In 1991, she met her future husband, keyboardist Mikael Bolyos, during Roxette’s Australian tour.

Marie credited Mikael with helping her navigate the challenges of life on the road.

The couple married in 1994 and had two children, Josefin and Oscar.

In 2002, Marie’s life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor after collapsing in her bathroom.

The tumor was successfully removed, but the treatment left her with lasting effects, including blindness in one eye, limited mobility, and difficulty reading and writing.

Despite these challenges, Marie remained determined to continue making music.

In 2004, she released her solo album The Change, which debuted at number one in Sweden.

Marie’s health issues eventually led to the cancellation of Roxette’s planned tours and projects.

However, in 2009, the duo reunited for a performance at the Night of the Proms and embarked on a world tour in 2011.

They released two more studio albums, Charm School (2011) and Travelling (2012), and celebrated their 30th anniversary with the release of Good Karma (2016).

Unfortunately, Marie’s health deteriorated, and she announced her retirement from touring in 2016.

On December 9, 2019, Marie Fredriksson passed away at the age of 61 after a 17-year battle with cancer.

Her death marked the end of an era, leaving fans around the world to mourn the loss of a truly extraordinary artist.

Marie was laid to rest in a private funeral attended by her immediate family.

A memorial concert was held in Gothenburg in January 2020, honoring her remarkable contributions to music.

Marie Fredriksson’s legacy is one of resilience, talent, and an unwavering passion for music.

Her powerful voice and unforgettable performances touched the hearts of millions, and her songs continue to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.

From her early days in Sweden to her rise as an international superstar, Marie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring magic of music.

Though she may be gone, Marie Fredriksson’s voice will live on forever in the timeless hits of Roxette and her solo work.

She was more than just a singer—she was a symbol of strength, creativity, and the universal language of music.

As we remember Marie Fredriksson, we celebrate the life of an artist who truly made the world a brighter place.

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