Anni-Frid Lyngstad facts: ABBA singer's age, family, husband and career explained

26 June 2024, 11:57

Anni-Frid Lyngstad, known to millions as Frida, is a celebrated Swedish singer who rose to international fame as a member of the iconic pop group ABBA.

Frida’s musical journey began at an early age. Her captivating voice and dynamic stage presence helped ABBA become one of the best-selling music acts in history, with hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’ becoming timeless classics.

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Beyond her success with ABBA, Frida has enjoyed a solo career marked by artistic versatility and emotional depth. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and an enduring legacy in the world of music.

1. How old is Frida?

   

   Anni-Frid Lyngstad is currently 78 years old as of 2023. She was born on November 15, 1945, in Bjørkåsen, a village in Ballangen near Narvik, Norway.

   Her mother was Synni Lyngstad, a Norwegian, and her father was Alfred Haase, a German sergeant who was stationed in Norway during World War II.

   Unfortunately, Frida's mother died of kidney failure shortly after they moved to Sweden when Frida was just a toddler. As a result, she was raised by her grandmother, Arntine Lyngstad, in Torshälla, Sweden.

2. How did she get her start in music and when did she join ABBA?

   

   Anni-Frid Lyngstad's musical career began in her early teens. She started singing at local dance bands and jazz clubs, showcasing her talent and gaining recognition in her local community.

   At the age of 13, she formed her first band, the Evald Ek’s Orchestra, where she performed popular jazz and swing songs.

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   Frida's big break came in 1967 when she won a national talent competition, New Faces, with her rendition of 'En Ledig Dag.' This victory led to her first recording contract and marked the beginning of her professional music career. Over the next few years, she released several singles and became a well-known figure in the Swedish music scene.

   In 1969, Frida met Benny Andersson, a member of the Swedish pop band Hep Stars. They began a romantic relationship and collaborated musically.

   It was through Benny that she met Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog. The four of them formed ABBA in 1972, initially working together on various projects before achieving international fame with their 1974 Eurovision Song Contest win with the song 'Waterloo.' This victory catapulted them into global stardom and solidified their place in music history.

3. What did she do after ABBA split up and has she released solo music?

   

   After ABBA split up in 1982, Anni-Frid Lyngstad embarked on a successful solo career. She released her first post-ABBA solo album, Something's Going On, in 1982. The album was produced by Phil Collins and featured the hit single 'I Know There's Something Going On,' which enjoyed international success.

   In 1984, Frida released her second solo album, Shine, which included a mix of pop and rock tracks. Although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as her previous album, it was well-received by her fans.

   Following her initial solo endeavours, Frida took a step back from the music industry for several years, focusing on personal interests and her family. She returned to the spotlight in 1996 with the Swedish-language album Djupa Andetag (Deep Breaths), which received positive reviews and showcased her versatility as an artist.

   In addition to her solo work, Frida has been involved in various charitable and environmental causes. She has also made occasional appearances and collaborations in the music world, maintaining her status as a beloved and respected figure in the industry.

4. Has Frida been married and does she have kids?

   

   Anni-Frid Lyngstad, known as Frida, has been married three times and has two children.

   Her first marriage was to Ragnar Fredriksson in 1964. They had two children together, Hans Ragnar and Ann Lise-Lotte. The couple divorced in 1970.

   Frida's second marriage was to Benny Andersson, her fellow ABBA member. They began their relationship in 1969 and married in 1978. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1981, shortly before ABBA officially disbanded.

   In 1992, Frida married Prince Heinrich Ruzzo Reuss of Plauen, a German prince. They lived a quiet life together in Switzerland until his untimely death in 1999.

   Frida's daughter, Ann Lise-Lotte, tragically died in a car accident in 1998. Her son, Hans Ragnar, keeps a low profile and leads a private life.