Picture this: a crisp day in September, 1970, in the lush environs of Djurgården, Stockholm. Four young, eager musicians – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – gather for their first professional photo session. Little do they know, this meeting is the beginning of a journey that would lead them to become ABBA, one of the most successful and beloved pop groups in music history.
Before the glitz, glamor, and catchy tunes that would define ABBA, there was this moment in time, captured on film, where it all began. This early encounter in front of the camera set the stage for the group’s meteoric rise. The chemistry between the four was palpable even then, reflected in the warmth and camaraderie evident in the photographs.
Their personalities shone through in these initial images, with each member bringing their unique charm and charisma to the fore. Agnetha, with her radiant smile; Björn, the cool and collected presence; Benny, with his mischievous glint in the eye; and Anni-Frid, exuding a quiet confidence. Put together, they were the perfect recipe for a pop phenomenon.
One of these photos would go on to grace the cover of ABBA’s first single, “People Need Love,” in 1972. The image reflected the ethos of their music – joyful, harmonious, and filled with a sense of togetherness that would become a cornerstone of their success.
The photos from that first session serve as a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of ABBA. They were young and fresh-faced, on the cusp of a career that would see them ascend to the pantheon of pop music greats. The innocence and earnestness captured in these photos is a stark contrast to the global superstars they would later become.
