Money Matters, Simplified.
ABBA enters US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
by Ishita Sood - December 16, 2009 - comments
The name “ABBA” is an acronym from the first letters of each of the group members' names--Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid
New York, December 16 -- Legendary music group ABBA is all set to enter the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as 2010 inductees, along with The Stooges, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies, and Genesis.
The performers were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists become eligible for inclusion in the museum 25 years after their first recordings are released.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gave a big “Thank You For The Music” to ABBA on Tuesday. A ceremony is scheduled to take place in New York on March 15 to honor the groups.
ABBA’s successful history
ABBA, originally from Sweden, consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida), Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Anderson (the “B-boys”) and Agnetha Faltskog (Anna).
Anni-Frid and Benny were a married couple, as were Bjorn and Agnetha, who later got divorced.
ABBA is the first group from Europe to have achieved outstanding success worldwide. The group topped charts worldwide from 1972 to 1982 with their songs like, “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Money, Money, Money” and “The Winner Takes it All”.
But they did not stay together for long. In 1982, the group broke up completely. After their break up, ABBA has done only two performances on stage together. It is reported that the group is unlikely to come together for a stage reunion in March.
The other inductees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, based in Cleveland, is dedicated to the top artists and producers in the music industry.
It has incorporated many other artists in its hall of fame for 2010. Veteran music mogul David Geffen, songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil are gaining membership along with Jimmy Cliff. Cliff introduced reggae to the world in 1972.
The Hollies and The Stooges of 1970s fame and 1960s rock band Genesis are also included in the museum’s listings.
The new members “represent a great cross-section of artists that define the broad spectrum and history of rock and roll,” said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame CEO Joel Peresman.
However, there have been a number of performers who made this year's final nomination ballot, but still have to wait another year for inclusion in the hall. They include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro and the Chantels.