Listen to My Heart: Life, Love & Roxette

by Marie Fredriksson, Helena von Zweigbergk (With), Jonas Akerlund (Foreword by)

Overview

Listen to My Heart is a completely candid and passionate, heartbreaking yet often witty life story of one of rock music’s most resilient lead singers, Marie Fredriksson from Roxette ("It Must Have Been Love," "Listen to Your Heart," "The Look," "Joyride").

Given only a few months to live following a harrowing diagnosis in 2002, Marie boldly forged ahead into a life with newfound courage and inspiration. She continued as both a solo singer and with Roxette, where she performed over 550 concerts, sold 75 million records, and released over 50 singles including several global hits. In all, Roxette is Sweden’s biggest music group—second only to ABBA.

Filled with behind-the-scenes stories involving everyone from Tina Turner and Elton John to The Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra, Listen to My Heart also explores her humble family beginnings, an early tragedy in the sudden loss of Marie’s sister, her transition into the music industry as a solo artist, and the formation and challenges of being in one of the world’s most successful pop groups. All while trying to maintain a stable marriage and being a mother to two young children in the face of a life-altering illness. Marie passed away in the aftermath of her diagnosis in December, 2019.

Heart-wrenching yet winning, and told with exceptional energy and sincerity, Listen to My Heart sheds new and revelatory light on the life and work of one of our generation’s most talented and courageous artists.

Contains a foreword by Marie’s longtime friend, director Jonas Akerlund (Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, U2) and over 100 personal photographs, live and backstage shots, and memorabilia images.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781948221245
Publisher:	1984 Publishing
Publication date:	07/25/2023
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Marie Fredriksson was a Swedish singer, songwriter, pianist and painter, who was best known internationally as the lead vocalist of pop rock duo Roxette, which she formed in 1986 with Per Gessle. The duo achieved international success beginning in the late 1980s with the albums Look Sharp! and Joyride, and had multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including four number ones—the most for any Swedish act. Select hits include “Listen to Your Heart,” “It Must Have Been Love” (from the film Pretty Woman), “The Look,” and “Joyride.”

Helena von Zweigbergk is one of Sweden's most talented and respected authors. She's also a journalist and has been a regular presenter of The Scouts, a Swedish radio series on contemporary culture and trends, since 1988. Some of her selected previous novels include Out of the Mouth of the Volcano (2008), Things You Just Say (2009), and The Heart Beats On (2013).

Jonas Akerlund is a Swedish film director, screenwriter, and music video director who collaborated with Marie Fredriksson and Roxette nearly 20 times. His video for Madonna's single "Ray of Light" won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video and a record five awards at the 1998 Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year. Subsequently he won two more Grammy Awards—for concert films of Madonna and Paul McCartney—and has directed Lady Gaga, Beyonce, U2, and Metallica in multiple music videos.

Read an Excerpt

FOREWORD

For thirty years I have spent time in rooms with creative, inspiring people—people with voice and vision, beauty and heart. But I have never met someone quite like Marie.

Marie Fredriksson was one of the most full-fledged artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She radiated creativity in her thoughts, ideas, execution, and her very presence in the room. Her artistry flowed (and continues to flow) straight from her heart and into yours, as anyone fortunate enough to have seen her perform can attest.

I am one of those fortunate people. My friendship with Marie started in the earliest days of my career. She trusted me to help realize her 1992 solo LP The Constant Journey into a visual album. Then, and in every project since, I have admired Marie’s courage. The courage to allow the open, honest, vulnerable person within to shine through her art.

Marie was my first true break in the industry, and I’ll always be grateful for that—not only because of the projects that followed, but because of the integrity, focus, and creative generosity that she taught me. A generosity she carried throughout the entire time I knew her, in every project we ever embarked on together. She was always inspiring, always great fun to be with.

Creative work was a way of life for Marie. No matter what obstacle, adversity, or strange surprise life threw at her, Marie never stopped giving us the gift of her expression—her voice, her words, and her beautiful paintings. This book is but one testament to the boundless creativity she exuded throughout her life.

If I could say one thing to her, I would tell her: The world is a less interesting and creative place without you, my dear friend. Our lives are less fun, less full of possibility without you. You gave us an unending well of beauty and memories that I will always treasure. Your voice stays with us, forever.

Marie Fredriksson was liquid gold. She was the light in our lives. She gifted us with moments we will never forget. I am so proud to have known and worked with her. A true artist in every aspect, with a damn good singing voice.

Jonas Åkerlund
(Music Video Director / Roxette, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, U2, Metallica)