Roxette
Roxette, Sweden's first pop export of the '90s with the striking image and catchy blend of pop and rock, consist of Marie Fredriksson (b. Sweden) and Per Gessle (b. 12 January 1965, Halmstad, Sweden). Gessle became a solo star in the early '80s having previously played in the new wave band Gyllene Fider. He was ‘discovered’ by former Abba manager Thomas Johannson who was looking for songs for a Frida album. Meanwhile Fredriksson was playing on the singer/songwriter circuit. Johansson teamed them up in 1985 and they became Roxette. Recording at Gessle's studio in Halmstad they soon conquered Sweden and broke through in the USA thanks to the inclusion of the ballad, It Must Have Been Love, which was used on the soundtrack of the film Pretty Woman. The Look was also a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Other singles like Dressed For Success and Joyride have continued to keep the band high in the charts.