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1960s   1970s   1983-1984   1985   1986   1987   1988   1991-1995   1996   1999   2002   2003   2004   2005  2006

1960s

Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson met each other in 1966 on a party in Västervik in Sweden. In the autumn 1966 they decided to try to work together. Their first common composition was "Isn't It Easy to Say". Their second song written together was "A Flower in My Garden" recorded by Hep Stars.  

Occasionally Björn played with Hep Stars and Benny with Hootenanny Singers. They wrote "Ljuva sextital" for the singer Britta Borg which became hit in Sweden in 1969. The song was re-recorded by Agnetha Fältskog in 1980 for a radio special "The Stikkan Anderson Story" and officially released on CD "Polars roliga timme" in 1994.

Benny's group "Hep Stars" split up in August 1969 and in the autumn the same year Björn & Benny went on tour together with the former Hep Stars members Svenne and Lotta. Even a comedian Finn Alberth participated in the tour.

 At the end of 1960s Benny met Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Björn met Agnetha Fältskog and ABBA would be born some years later. But the way to the fame was long...

1970

Björn and Benny were more and more known composers in Sweden. They wrote for Svenne & Lotta, old collegues from Hep Stars, they wrote music for the movies "Language of love" and "Inga 2" and recorded the album "Lycka" (go.to/ABBA Ring Ring and before). In 1970 they decided to start recording as artists on their own rights.

She Is My Kind of Girl

In March 1970 Björn and Benny released their very first single "She Is My Kind of Girl"/"Inga Theme". According to the four ABBA members no female vocals were used in this recording.

In the studio

The both couples enjoyed each other's company and that's why they decided to spend holidays on Cyprus in April 1970. Back in Sweden Björn and Benny went on tour together with Svenne and Lotta.

In June 1970 Björn and Benny started recording their first album. Agnetha and Anni-Frid were in the studio and sang backing vocals on several songs. The engineer was Michael B. Tretow. The recordings sessions were completed at the end of September.

Hej gamle man!

The first single "Hej gamle man!"/"Lycka" from the forthcoming album was released in the autumn of 1970. Agnetha and Frida sang backing vocals. The single entered the Swedish chart (Svensktoppen) on November 29, 1970 and stayed there for 15 weeks reaching no 1. A little funny thing was that Polar Music released this single in three different colour versions: blue, red and yellow.

Lycka - the album

In the autumn of 1970 the first product of the cooperation between Björn and Benny was released. A whole LP contained songs written by the future ABBA composers and it was called "Lycka" (Happiness). The album contained 11 songs written by Benny and Björn with some help of Stig Anderson, Agnetha Fältskog (!), Peter Himmelstrand and Anders Fugelstad. The album did not become any big hit on the Swedish chart but it was definitely an important part of the pre-ABBA period.

1971

Language of Love

In February 1971 Björn and Benny had their first international success on the song festival in Malaga with "Livet går sin gång" (Language of love). The Polar singer Lena Andersson recorded the song for release on her debut album "Lena, 15". It was recorded later by French singer Francois Hardy. 

Bengt Bernhag, an old friend and partner to Stikkan Anderson died the same day as Björn married Agnetha. Bengt and Stikkan owned the record company Polar Music together. It was a tragedy but Stikkan had to think creatively. The day after the wedding he asked Björn if he wanted to be his partner after Bengt. Björn answered "yes, if Benny can be with". Stikkan said that he could not pay two salaries, but it was ok for Björn to deal the salary with Benny. 

Det kan ingen doktor hjälpa - the single

The new Björn & Benny single contained two B & B compositions: "Det kan ingen doktor hjälpa" (No physician can help with it) with lyrics by Stig Anderson and "På bröllop" (On wedding). The single was released in the summer 1971 and it the both songs entered the Swedish chart Svensktoppen where they stayed for 1 week each at the end of July respective beginning of August reaching #9.

Våra vackraste visor

In the autumn 1971 Björn and Benny started working at Polar Music. The first albums they produced for the company were "Våra vackraste visor" (Vol. 1 & 2) (Our best songs) by Hootenanny Singers. The same autumn a young guy came to Polar with some songs. The guy's name was Ted Gärdestad. "There was no doubt. We wanted to make an album with him", said Björn. 

Lena & Ted

They wrote a song for Lena Andersson "Säj det med en sång" (Say it with a song). Lena sang it on Swedish Melody Festival in 1972 but became only no 3. Family Four won. The song was re-written in English with a new title "Better to Have Loved" and presented by Lena on the Song Festival in Tokyo where it won the prize for the best music. 

In 1972 Lena Andersson released a LP "12 nya visor" (12 new songs)  produced by Björn, Benny and Stikkan. The album contained two Björn and Benny songs: "En visa om arton svanar" (A song about 18 swans) and "Barn" (Children). The album was recorded in London and arranged by Arthur Greenslade.

Lena was promoted in West Germany releasing several singles there. She recorded some ABBA songs in German. The singles with German versions of SOS, Fernando & Hasta Manana were released in 1975-76.

Tänk om jorden vore ung

The last Björn & Benny single released in 1971 featured two of their new compositions: "Tänk om jorden vore und" (Think, if the world had been young) and "Träskofolket" (The wooden shoe people). The single entered Svensktoppen on November 14th, 1971 where it stayed for 10 reaching #1.

1972

In Japan

The year 1972 was a real breakthrough year for Björn and Benny in Japan. In February Epic Japan released their single "She's My Kind of Girl" b/w "Inga theme". The single became a real hit on the Japanese chart reaching #7 and selling almost 200 000 ex.

En karusell - the single

The last Björn & Benny single was released in May 1972. It contained two B & B compositions "En karusell" (Merry-Go-Round) and "Att finnas till" (To be). The first song would be later released even in English and German on the singles credited to Björn, Benny, Agnetha & Frida. In June 1972 "En karusell" became a minor hit on Svensktoppen where it stayed for 3 weeks reaching #5.

Tokyo - November 1972

Björn and Benny participated in "World Popular Song Festival" in Tokyo on 17 November 1972 where they sang "Santa Rosa" together with Agnetha and Frida.

People Need Love

Stikkan released the single in USA on Playboy Records. The group was called temporarily "Björn & Benny (with Svenska Flicka)" ie Björn & Benny (with Swedish Girl).

go.to/Ring Ring and before

or

go.to/1973-1982

1983-84

CHESS

Björn and Benny started thinking about writing a musical already in 1977 when they did a little attempt writing the mini-musical "The Girl With The Golden Hair" which was included on the LP ABBA The Album. In the beginning of 1980 long before "Super Trouper" was recorded they talked with John Cleese about a possible collaboration. But these plans were abandoned quickly. In 1982 new discussions were going on. This time with "Mr. Musical" - Tim Rice.

In Mockba

In February 1983 Björn and Benny spent several days in Moscow. They wanted Alla Pugachova, the most popular pop singer in Russia to play Svetlana in Chess and they met the singer. Pugacheva wanted to participate in "Chess", but she was forced to say no because of the political reasons. As she said officially "It was her life's biggest tragedy not to be allowed to perform in Chess". Björn and Benny would meet her more times in the 1980s...

In the studio

The preparations for the recording sessions for the musical started in January 1983. Benny started create the music together with Björn in the studio. Tim Rice wrote the manuscript. The story line was about the chess championship in Merano (North Italy) and the conflict between East and West. The musical was based on the Chess Championship in Reykjavik in 1972.

In January 1984 Anders Eljas wrote down the last notes for the forthcoming musical. As Björn and Benny cannot write notes they needed help with them as well as arrangements. The first trial to hear the whole musical was done in April 1984 by playing it for the first time at Berwaldhallen in Stockholm without singers or audience. In June it was time for a short trip to London. Last studio recordings were to be completed and it was time for starting recording sessions with the singers: Elaine Paige, Tommy Körberg, Murray Head in the main roles.

Mixing Chess - Summer 1984

All vocals were recorded during the period between June and October 1984. These recording sessions were held at the Polar Music Studios in Stockholm.

One Night in Bangkok - the first single

"One Night in Bangkok" was selected for the first single promoting the double album with musical "Chess". The song was performed by two artists: Murray Head and Anders Glenmark whose characteristic voice left its mark on the song. The single entered the UK hit chart on 10 November 1984 and stayed there for 14 weeks reaching #12. The maxi single featured an extended version (5.38) of the song.

CHESS the album  

On October 26th, 1984 the album "Chess" was released worldwide.

The double LP "Chess" was released worldwide on 26 October 1984 and it included songs sung by Elaine Paige, Murray Head, Tommy Körberg, Björn Skifs, Barbara Dickson and Dennis Quilley.

 The album entered the British chart on November 10, 1984 and stayed on it for 16 weeks reaching no 10.  Several shows "Chess in Concert" were played in the big cities of Europe: London (Oct 27), Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Stockholm (Nov 1).

The CD release

The musical was released on CD by Polar and RCA. Some differences in these releases occured.

Chess in concert - Stockholm

The Stockholm performance of Chess in concert took place at the Berwaldhallen. Among the guests there was Agnetha Fältskog with Linda and Christian

I Know Him So Well - the single

The ladies of "Chess" Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson performed together "I Know Him So Well" which was released as a single at the end of 1984. The single entered the British chart on January 5, 1985 and stayed there for 16 weeks topping the chart on February 9 (for 4 weeks).

I Know Him So Well - the cover

The first cover of  "I Know Him So Well" was recorded by two Czech pop divas Hana Zagorova and Petra Janu in 1985 for a TV show. The song was even released as a single the same year.

Benny, Björn and Stikkan receiving Gold Records for "Chess".

1985

Chess Moves - the video

In 1985 a special video was released by RCA. The video contained 5 videos to the single hits: One Night in Bangkok, Nobody's Side, The Arbiter, I Know Him So Well and Pity the Child. The videos were directed by David G. Hiller. The authors of the musical put a note on the cover of the video:

"Authors' note. The five items on this cassette are songs from the Benny Andersson-Tim Rice-Björn Ulvaeus musical "Chess", as performed by the artists on the original "Chess" album, Elaine Paige, Murray Head, Barbara Dickson and Björn Skifs. The performances here were specially created for video and are not recordings of extracts of any stage or motion picture version of the work. Benny Andersson Tim Rice Björn Ulvaeus."

Anthem - the single

One more single from the musical featured "Anthem" performed by Tommy Körberg b/w "The Russian and Molokov"/"Where I Want to Be".

Nobody's Side - the single

"Nobody's Side" performed by Elaine Paige was released as a single in West Germany in a rare remixed version. On the side B there was "Embassy Lament"

Heaven Help My Heart - the single

One more single featuring Elaine Paige was released in 1985 in Great Britain as 7" and 12". The single contained "Heaven Help My Heart" b/w "Argument" and the maxi version had a bonus tracks "The Russian and Molokov" / "Where I Want To Be".

Gemini

During 1985 Björn and Benny recorded a new pop album with the brother-&-sister group "Gemini". The both singers participated in the "Chess"-project and both were close friends to the ABBA family.

The album called simply "Gemini" included 6 songs written by Björn and Benny. Two of them were well-known compositions: "Just Like That" (recorded by ABBA in 1982 and never released) and "Slowly" (recorded in 1984 by Frida and released on her album "Shine").

Promo stuff

The album was recorded at Polar Music Studios in Stockholm and released by Benny's new production company "Mono Music AB". With the release of the album and single "Just Like That" Gemini went on the promotional tour in Europe together with Björn.

The album and single were successful in Scandinavia but not in Europe. The sales were poor and Gemini did not achieve any big success.

Alla Pugacheva in Sweden

The second meeting with Alla Pugacheva - the biggest pop star in Russia took place in Stockholm. The singer was not allowed to participate in "Chess" but she was allowed to shine in the company of the two ABBA-members Björn and Benny. 

Alla Pugacheva recorded the album "Watch Out" in Stockholm and she was very strongly promoted on Swedish TV by one of the biggest Swedish TV journalists Jacob Dahlin. The album was partly written and co-produced by Anders Glenmark and all ABBA musicians were involved in the production. It contained totally 12 tracks.

The East European version of the album was entitled "Alla Pugacheva in Stockholm" and contained 10 songs.

The CD version of the album was released in Russia in 1997.

1986

The first part of the year was devoted to preparations to the "Chess" premiere in London on May 14th. Frida attended the premiere shining with her blonde hair. In the beginning the musical was directed by Michael Bennett but due to a disease he had to quit. A new director, Trevor Nunn was chosen instead. Elaine Paige, Tommy Körberg and Murray Head were playing the main roles

Frida on "Chess"-premiere on May 14 in London

The musical became quite big public success and it was played in London for 3 years. The last performance took place on April 8, 1989. 

1987

Gemini - the second album

At the beginning of 1987 Björn and Benny worked again with Karin and Anders Glenmark preparing a new album with Gemini. B & B contributed with 6 songs to the LP. The album was recorded at Polar Music Studios in Stockholm and released in april by Mono Music. It became quite big hit on the Swedish charts but not in Europe. Benny would participate in one more Gemini project at the beginning of 1990s. Benny Andersson followed the group on the promotional trip through Europe. They paid a visit in Moskva where they participate in a big show hosted by Alla Pugacheva. A Russian version of  Gemini's album was available in the stores.

In Mockba again

Jacob Dahlin - a TV personality, host for his own TV special on Swedish TV "Jacobs Stege" was absolutely fascinated by the Russian pop star Alla Pugacheva.

In 1987 Dahlin decided to record a special edition of "Jacobs Stege" in Moskva. Among the artists participating in the show was Benny Andersson, Gemini, Europe and of course Alla Pugacheva. Benny, Alla and Jacob were chatting partly in Russian partly in Swedish partly in English. Benny was playing ABBA songs on piano, Pugacheva sang "Happy New Year" with Benny accompanying.

Gemini performed some of their latest songs from the album "Geminism"  (Mio My Mio, TLC) and Europe performed their hit "Final countdown".

Mio Min Mio

One of the songs performed by Karin Glenmark on the Gemini-album "Geminism" was "Mio My Mio" originally recorded in Swedish (as "Mio Min Mio") for the soundtrack to the Swedish film for children with the same title based on the book of Astrid Lindgren. The Swedish version was released on the "Mio Min Mio" soundtrack LP the same year. All music for the film was written by Benny and Anders Eljas.

1988

Chess on Broadway

The first months of 1988 were filled with preparations for the "Chess" premiere on Broadway in New York. The premiere of the musical took place at the Imperial Theatre on the 45th Street on Broadway on April 28, 1988. New cast was chosen and several changes were made. Some new tracks were added (as for example beautiful Someone Else's Story) and some tracks from the first version of the musical disappeared (Merano and Embassy Lament). The main performers were: Judy Kuhn, Philip Casnoff & David Carroll. The Broadway version of "Chess" was a total flop and it was played only 8 weeks...

The premiere of the Chess on Broadway was attended by Björn and Benny with their wives, Stikkan & Gudrun Anderson, Tomas Ledin and Anni-Frid Lyngstad with her boyfriend Ruzzo Reuss.

Chess - the US album

The musical was recorded by the American cast in April and May and released on LP and CDThe Broadway version of the musical Chess was recorded on April 17 and May 15-17, 1988 at The Record Plant studio in New York. The recording was mixed later at Polar Studios in Stockholm by Bernard Löhr. Benny participated in the recording playing on synclavier.

The story line and lyrics

One of the new songs that appeared on the US version of "Chess" was "Someone Else's Story" performed by Judy Kuhn. This beautiful ballad became a classical track from the musical and it belongs to Benny and Björn's favorites.

Chess pieces

One more "Chess" related album was released in 1988. The compilation "Chess Pieces" featured 12 songs including the remixed versions of "The Arbiter" and "Nobody's Side". The album was a kind of greatest hits compilation and the last "Chess" release in the 20th century. The album was available as LP/MC and CD.

Special airplay sampler

The promotional version of "Chess Pieces" released by Polar was entitled "Special airplay sampler" and it had partly different track listing.

Björn & Benny in Good Morning America, May 20, 1988

On May 20, 1988 American TV team made a special interview with Björn & Benny in Stockholm for "Good Morning America". It was a couple of weeks after "Chess" premiere on Broadway. Björn and Benny were still absolutely convinced that it would be a big success. The American journalists interviewing Björn and Benny was not so sure. She asked about ABBA and a possible future for the group. Björn answered that ABBA did not split up officially. The journalist asked whether it is possible for the group ABBA to get together again and record a new album. Björn answered: "We haven't officially split up, that's true...", the journalist: "So the door is open?" Björn: "Absolutely, the door is open even if we haven't discussed it".

At the end of the programme Tommy Körberg performed "Anthem" from Chess. The interview was recorded on the island Skeppsholmen not far from Benny's studios.

1991-1995

Duvemåla

In 1991 Björn and Benny started thinking about a new musical. This time it would be a musical in Swedish and based on Swedish history. The trilogy "Emigrants"/"Immigrants"/"The Last Letter to Sweden" written by Wilhelm Moberg was chosen as a basis to the musical. The trilogy is about Swedish emigration to USA in the 19th century. 

Gemini

During this period Björn and Benny were mainly composing and writing the musical with some minor breaks for other projects. The first one was a kind of Gemini comeback in 1993 on the solo album of Anders Glenmark. Benny played keyboards on the album and Gemini performed one song "Äntligen" (Finally). 

Josefin Nilsson

The second pop project in 1993 was a whole album with one of the members of Ainbusk Singers - Josefin Nilsson. The album contained 10 brand new songs written by Björn and Benny. They were recorded in the Polar Music Studios in Stockholm and produced by B & B. The album was recorded in English and thought for the international promotion. But it did not become successful either in Sweden or somewhere else just like the Gemini-project. There were certain plans for one more album with Nilsson but they were abandoned because of Benny & Björn's involvment in other projects.

The song "Heaven and Hell" was chosen for the first single release. Two versions of the single were released - in Sweden "Heaven and Hell"/"Leave It To Love" and in Europe an "Heaven and Hell" in two versions (4.25 edit and full-length 5.29).