Per Gessle

Per Gessle: A Real Songwriter Behind The Microphone

The Man Behind the Music

Per Gessle is a Swedish singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is best known as a member of the pop rock duo Roxette, along with Marie Fredriksson. Gessle has also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles since the 1980s.

Early Life and Career

Gessle was born in Halmstad, Sweden, in 1959. His passion for music manifested early, and in his teens, he began playing with local bands like Grape Rock and Gyllene Tider. He started writing songs in mid-high school and became involved in a wide range of musical projects.

In 1978, Gessle co-founded the band Roxette with singer Marie Fredriksson. The band released their debut single, "Neverending Love," in 1986, which was a huge success in Sweden. Their international breakthrough came in 1989 with the single "The Look," which topped the charts in several countries. Roxette has since released over a dozen studio albums and has sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Aside from Roxette, Gessle has also had a successful solo career. He has released six solo albums, most of which were written in English, such as 1983's "Per Gessle," 1985's "Scener," and 1997's "The World According to Gessle." The albums he released after 2000 consist mostly of Swedish lyrics, namely 2003's "Mazarin," 2005's "Son of a Plumber," and 2008's "Party Crasher."

Gessle's songwriting skills are evident in the numerous hits he has written for Roxette and his solo career. Some of his most famous songs include "The Look," "Joyride," "It Must Have Been Love," and "How Do You Do!" His ability to craft catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics has made him one of the most successful songwriters in Swedish pop history.

Gessle has also produced albums for other artists, such as Swedish singer Anders Glenmark and Swedish pop group Gyllene Tider. He also wrote the music for the Swedish musical "Kristina från Duvemåla," which premiered in 1995.

Legacy and Influence

Per Gessle is one of the most successful and influential Swedish songwriters of all time. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and he has been praised by critics for his songwriting skills. Gessle has also been awarded several prestigious awards, including the Swedish Grammis Award for Best Songwriter in 1991 and 2006.

Gessle's music has had a significant impact on Swedish pop music. His songwriting has influenced several Swedish artists, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the Swedish pop sound. Gessle's music has also been successful internationally, and he has been praised for his ability to write catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics.

Personal Life

Per Gessle has been married twice. He has two children with his first wife, Åsa Nordin, and one son with his second wife, Anna Wahlgren. Gessle is a private person and rarely speaks about his personal life in public.

In 2002, Gessle was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and he has since made a full recovery. Gessle has spoken out about his experience with cancer, and he has urged people to get regular checkups.

Conclusion

Per Gessle is a true icon of Swedish pop music. His songs have touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Gessle is a talented songwriter, musician, and producer, and he is an inspiration to many aspiring artists.