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ABBA
ABBA is a Swedish pop group that rose to international fame in the 1970s and early 1980s, becoming one of the best-selling music acts in history. The group was formed in Stockholm in 1972, and its name is an acronym derived from the first letters of the first names of its members: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Before ABBA, each member had their own career in the Swedish music scene. Agnetha Fältskog was a successful solo artist, while Anni-Frid Lyngstad also had a solo career. Björn Ulvaeus was a member of the folk group Hootenanny Singers, and Benny Andersson played in the rock band Hep Stars. The members began collaborating and soon formed a group called Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid, which they later renamed ABBA. The group gained international attention after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their iconic hit "Waterloo." This victory marked the beginning of a string of successful releases, including hits like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," and "The Winner Takes It All." ABBA's music is characterized by catchy melodies, harmonious vocals, and sophisticated production, often incorporating elements of pop, disco, and folk music. During their active years, ABBA released eight studio albums, selling hundreds of millions of records worldwide. They became known not only for their music but also for their flamboyant costumes and energetic live performances. Despite their immense success, tensions within the group, including the divorces of the two couples (Agnetha and Björn, and Benny and Frida), led to their disbandment in 1982. Interest in ABBA's music was rekindled in the 1990s with the release of the compilation album "ABBA Gold" and the worldwide success of the musical "Mamma Mia!" This resurgence led to renewed public interest and appreciation for their work. In 2018, ABBA announced they had reunited to record new music, leading to their first new album in nearly 40 years, "Voyage," released in November 2021. The album was accompanied by a virtual concert featuring digital avatars of the band members, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. ABBA's enduring influence and popularity are evident in the countless artists who cite them as an inspiration, and their music continues to reach new generations, securing their legacy as pop music legends.