ABBA, a Swedish pop/rock group formed in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, achieved unprecedented global success from 1972 to 1982, becoming one of the best-selling music artists with over 370 million records sold. They won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and were trailblazers as the first non-English-speaking pop group to consistently top charts in English-speaking countries. Internal relationship strains led to divorces within the band and influenced their later music. After their 1982 breakup, members pursued solo careers or stage writing. ABBA's music experienced a resurgence through films and the Mamma Mia! musical, culminating in their 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group's foundation was built upon the individual pre-ABBA successes of Andersson and Ulvaeus, their early songwriting collaboration, and the strategic vision of manager Stig Anderson, who fostered their international ambitions from early on.
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