Marie Fredriksson Swedish Singer, Songwriter, and Roxette Vocalist

Gun-Marie Fredriksson (born May 30, 1958 – died December 9, 2019) was a Swedish singer, songwriter, and pianist, best known as the lead vocalist of the pop duo Roxette.

Born in Össjö, Sweden, Fredriksson developed a love for music early in life. She released several solo albums in Sweden before achieving international fame as one half of Roxette, alongside Per Gessle.

With Roxette, she captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice on hits such as “It Must Have Been Love,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and “The Look.” The duo became one of Sweden’s most successful musical exports, selling millions of records globally.

Beyond Roxette, Fredriksson maintained a respected solo career, known for her emotional ballads and artistry. She was celebrated for her resilience, continuing to perform despite battling health challenges later in life.

Photo: Colinvdbel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (edited)

Date of Birth: May 30, 1958

Place of Birth: Össjö, Skåne County, Sweden

Nationality: Swedish

Known for: Roxette, Pop Vocals, Solo Career, International Hits

Career Highlights

Fredriksson’s career with Roxette spanned decades, with chart-topping albums and singles in the 1980s and 1990s. Her distinctive voice helped shape the group’s identity and secure their place in pop history.

Full Discography

Year	Album / Project	Category	Notes
Solo Studio Albums (Swedish-language)
1984	Het vind	Studio Album	Debut solo album; produced by Lasse Lindbom; included hit “Ännu doftar kärlek.”
1986	Den sjunde vågen	Studio Album	Concept album; achieved platinum status in Sweden.
1987	Ett hus fullt av drömmar	Compilation	Collected early hits from her first two albums.
1992	Den ständiga resan	Studio Album	Critically acclaimed; introspective songwriting; certified platinum.
1996	I en tid som vår	Studio Album	Featured singles “Tro” and “Det regnar igen.”
2004	The Change	Studio Album (English)	Written after her brain tumor recovery; deeply personal lyrical themes.
2006	Min bäste vän	Studio Album (Covers)	Tribute to Swedish 1970s pop and folk artists.
2013	När tiden går på tok	Studio Album	Final solo project released in Sweden; praised for emotional tone.
With Roxette (Studio Albums)
1986	Pearls of Passion	Roxette Album	Debut duo album with Per Gessle; spawned single “Neverending Love.”
1988	Look Sharp!	Roxette Album	Breakthrough record; international hits “The Look” and “Listen to Your Heart.”
1991	Joyride	Roxette Album	Global success; title track topped U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
1992	Tourism	Roxette Album	Hybrid of studio and live recordings made during world tour.
1994	Crash! Boom! Bang!	Roxette Album	Included hits “Sleeping in My Car” and “Run to You.”
1999	Have a Nice Day	Roxette Album	Featured singles “Wish I Could Fly” and “Stars.”
2001	Room Service	Roxette Album	Last album before Fredriksson’s health hiatus.
2011	Charm School	Roxette Album	Comeback album; charted top 5 in several European countries.
2012	Travelling	Roxette Album	Sequel to Tourism; recorded during 2011 World Tour.
2016	Good Karma	Roxette Album	Final Roxette studio album before Fredriksson retired from touring.

Awards & Legacy

Recipient of multiple Grammis (Swedish Grammy) awards for both solo and Roxette works.
Roxette sold over 75 million records worldwide, making Fredriksson one of Sweden’s most successful vocalists.
Honored with posthumous tributes by the Swedish Royal Family and global artists after her passing in 2019.
Known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and emotional performance style.

Personal Life

She married Mikael Bolyos in 1994, with whom she had two children. Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, Fredriksson’s determination saw her return to music and continue to inspire fans worldwide.

Death and Legacy

Marie Fredriksson passed away on December 9, 2019, in Djursholm, Sweden. She is remembered as one of Sweden’s most beloved artists, leaving behind a timeless legacy of music and inspiration.