Lasse Wellander Short Biography
Lasse Wellander is a Swedish guitarist, composer, and record producer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and accomplished musicians in the history of Swedish music. Over the course of his career, Wellander has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including ABBA, Roxette, and Björn Skifs, and has earned critical acclaim for his technical proficiency and innovative approach to guitar playing.
Lars Gunnar Wellander was born on May 24, 1945, in Stockholm, Sweden. He began playing guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for music, inspired by the sounds of American rock ‘n’ roll and British beat music that were sweeping the world at the time. In the early 1960s, Wellander joined his first band, The Northern Lights, and began performing at local clubs and dance halls around Stockholm.
In the late 1960s, Wellander became one of the founding members of the Swedish jazz-rock fusion band Made in Sweden, which also included keyboardist Bo Hansson and drummer Ola Brunkert. Made in Sweden achieved significant success in Sweden and internationally, releasing a number of acclaimed albums and touring extensively throughout Europe.
Wellander’s big break came in 1974, when he was invited to join ABBA as a session musician for their upcoming album. His contributions to the album, including the iconic guitar solo on “Dancing Queen,” helped to solidify ABBA’s position as one of the most popular and influential bands of all time. Wellander continued to work with ABBA throughout the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to many of their biggest hits and helping to shape the band’s signature sound.
In addition to his work with ABBA, Wellander also collaborated with a number of other major Swedish and international artists, including Roxette, Björn Skifs, and Gyllene Tider. He also released several solo albums, showcasing his diverse range of musical influences and his virtuosic guitar playing.
Lasse Wellander’s impact on the Swedish music scene and the wider world of music cannot be overstated. His technical proficiency, innovative approach to guitar playing, and ability to adapt to a wide range of musical genres have made him one of the most sought-after session musicians and producers in the industry. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy Award in 1987 for his work on the Roxette album “Look Sharp!”
Wellander’s influence can still be felt today in the work of many contemporary Swedish musicians, who continue to draw inspiration from his innovative approach to music and his pioneering work in the fusion of rock, jazz, and pop. Although he officially retired from the music industry in 2013, Wellander’s legacy as one of the greatest guitarists and producers of all time will continue to live on for generations to come.
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