Here are 11 famous musicians from Sweden died at 66:
Bo Widerberg (June 8, 1930 Malmö Municipality-May 1, 1997 Båstad) also known as Bo Gunnar Widerberg or Bo Wideberg was a Swedish screenwriter, film director, film editor and actor. His children are called Johan Widerberg, Nina Widerberg, Martin Widerberg and Matilda Widerberg.
Bo Widerberg began his career in the film industry as a film critic and was a part of a group of young Swedish filmmakers who were instrumental in bringing about the Swedish New Wave. He was known for his socially conscious and politically engaged films, with some of his notable works including "Elvira Madigan" (1967), "Adalen 31" (1969), and "Joe Hill" (1971).
Widerberg was also a professor at the Swedish National Film School and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. He won many awards for his work throughout his career, including the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for his film "Elvira Madigan".
Aside from his work in film, Widerberg was also a published author, and his novels include "Rännstensungar" and "Mannen på taket". He was married to Ingalill Andersson, a fellow filmmaker, from 1956 until his death in 1997.
Widerberg's interest in film began at a young age, and he made his directorial debut with the film "Barnvagnen" in 1963. He frequently collaborated with the Swedish cinematographer Jörgen Persson, and their work together is often noted for its realism and attention to detail. Widerberg was committed to exploring social issues in his films, and his work often focused on the experiences of working-class people in Sweden.
In addition to his impact on the Swedish film industry, Widerberg also left a lasting impression on the international film community. His films were celebrated at festivals around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of later directors like Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. Despite his success, Widerberg remained committed to telling stories that reflected the struggles and triumphs of everyday people. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
In addition to his contributions to the film industry, Bo Widerberg was also heavily involved in politics. He was a member of the Swedish Social Democratic Party and ran as a candidate in the 1979 European Parliament election. He also used his films as a platform to address political and social issues, such as labor rights, anti-fascism, and the Vietnam War. Widerberg's commitment to social justice extended beyond his films, and he was active in various social and political movements throughout his life.
Widerberg's impact on Swedish cinema was so significant that a retrospective of his films was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 2015. His films are known for their unique blend of realism and poetry, and his characters are often complex and multidimensional. Widerberg's ability to capture the nuances of everyday life and his dedication to depicting the struggles of the working class have made him one of the most important filmmakers in Swedish history.
He died caused by stomach cancer.
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Elin Wägner (May 16, 1882 Lund-January 7, 1949 Kronoberg County) also known as Elin Matilda Elisabeth Wägner was a Swedish writer and actor.
She was a prominent feminist and pacifist, who wrote numerous books and articles about women's rights and peace activism. Wägner was a part of the Swedish literary scene, and her works were largely focused on social injustices and issues, such as the oppression of women and the working class. In addition to her writing career, she was also an actress and theater director, and eventually became the first female member of the Swedish Academy. Wägner passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of activism and literary contribution.
Throughout her career, Elin Wägner was also an active participant in Swedish politics. She was a member of the Swedish Women's Rights Association and served as the chair of the Svenska Fredsförbundet (Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society) for many years. Wägner used her position as a prominent writer and public figure to advocate for social change, and her works often tackled controversial and taboo subjects such as sexuality and mental illness. In 1944, she was awarded the prestigious Nordic Council Literature Prize for her novel "The Sons of Ingmar." Today, Wägner is remembered as one of the most important voices of the Swedish feminist and peace movements in the 20th century.
Adding onto the notable achievements of Elin Wägner, she was also a prolific traveler and often drew inspiration for her writing from her journeys. Wägner's travels took her throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Her experiences abroad informed her perspectives on social injustices and inspired her to write about the plight of marginalized communities in many of her works. In addition to her literary and activist contributions, Wägner was also a skilled painter and photographer, with many of her works on display in various galleries throughout Sweden. The Elin Wägner Society was founded in her honor in 1978 to preserve her legacy and promote her activism and literary works. Today, Wägner's ideas and beliefs continue to inspire feminist and pacifist movements throughout Sweden and beyond.
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Erik Axel Karlfeldt (July 20, 1864 Karlbo-April 8, 1931 Stockholm) also known as Karlfeldt, Erik Axel was a Swedish poet.
He was born in the province of Dalarna, Sweden and was the son of a farmer. Erik attended Uppsala University where he studied linguistics, history and philosophy. After completing his studies, he worked as a teacher and later as a journalist. Karlfeldt was a prolific poet who wrote in Swedish and gained recognition for his work in the early 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1931, just a few months before his death. In addition to his poetry, Karlfeldt was also a translator and a folklorist who collected and documented traditional Swedish folklore.
Karlfeldt's poetry is characterized by his ability to intertwine nature, everyday life and folk traditions, taking inspiration from the rural Swedish landscape he grew up in. He published several collections of poetry during his lifetime, including "Fridolins visor och andra dikter" (Fridolin's Songs and Other Poems) in 1898, which is considered a masterpiece of Swedish romanticism. In addition to his writing, Karlfeldt served as a member of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was also a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities. Despite his success, Karlfeldt's personal life was marked by tragedy, as he suffered from depression and lost several close family members to suicide.
Despite his struggles, Karlfeldt continued to write and create, and left a lasting impact on Swedish literature and culture. His poetry has been translated into several languages and has inspired generations of writers and artists. In addition to his Nobel Prize, he received numerous other honors and awards for his contributions to Swedish culture, including the Bellman Prize and the Swedish Academy's Gold Medal. Today, Karlfeldt's childhood home in Karlbo has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Sweden and beyond.
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Viktor Rydberg (December 18, 1828 Jönköping-September 21, 1895 Djursholm) also known as Abraham Victor Rydberg was a Swedish writer.
He is considered one of Sweden's greatest writers and is known for his poetry, mythology, and historical novels. Rydberg's works are heavily influenced by Norse mythology and he is credited with popularizing this genre in Sweden.
Aside from his literary career, Rydberg also held various academic positions. He was a professor of Nordic languages at the University of Lund, where he conducted research on Swedish folklore and mythology. Additionally, he was a member of the Swedish Academy, the institution that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Rydberg's most famous works include his epic poem "The Story of Frithiof" and his historical novel "The Last Athenian". His works have been translated into many languages, including English, and continue to be widely read today.
In addition to his literary and academic achievements, Viktor Rydberg was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Swedish parliament and actively campaigned for political and social reforms, advocating for the rights of workers and promoting education for all. Rydberg was also a prominent figure in the Swedish temperance movement, which aimed to decrease the consumption of alcohol in the country. He wrote several articles and essays advocating for temperance, and his work helped to bring about changes to Sweden's alcohol laws. Beyond his public persona, Rydberg was known for his love of nature and the outdoors. He often spent time hiking and exploring the Swedish countryside, and this appreciation for nature is reflected in much of his writing. Today, Rydberg's contributions to Swedish literature and culture are widely celebrated, and his work continues to inspire readers and scholars around the world.
Throughout his life, Viktor Rydberg also maintained a strong interest in religion and spirituality. He was raised in a Lutheran household but later became interested in spiritualism and the teachings of the Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. Rydberg's writings often reflect these interests, and his work has been described as a blend of pagan and Christian themes. In addition to his literary and academic pursuits, Rydberg was also an accomplished songwriter and musician. He composed several songs, many of which were inspired by Swedish folklore and nature. Rydberg's legacy lives on today in the many museums, parks, and institutions named in his honor, as well as in the continued popularity of his writings.
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Ludwig Ramberg (February 21, 1874 Helsingborg-December 25, 1940 Uppsala) was a Swedish chemist.
Ramberg was a prominent figure in the field of organic chemistry and is known for his pioneering work on the reactions of diazo compounds. He received his PhD from the University of Heidelberg in 1899 and went on to become a professor of chemistry at Uppsala University, where he made significant contributions to the development of the department of organic chemistry.
Ramberg was also a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry from 1922 to 1940 and served as its chairman during the period of 1930-1940. In addition to his scientific contributions, he was also an active member of the Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of Sciences in Uppsala.
Ramberg's work has had a lasting impact on the field of organic chemistry and his studies on diazo compounds continue to be relevant today. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his lifetime, including the prestigious Liebig Medal in 1936.
Ramberg was born to a wealthy family in Helsingborg, Sweden, and showed an early interest in science. He graduated from Lund University with a degree in chemistry in 1895 before moving to Germany to pursue his doctoral studies. Ramberg's research focused on the structure and synthesis of organic compounds, and he made several important discoveries during his career. His work on the chemistry of diazonium compounds was particularly groundbreaking, as it laid the foundation for the development of many important synthetic compounds.
Throughout his career, Ramberg was known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring his students. He encouraged his students to pursue ambitious research projects and fostered a spirit of collaboration and inquiry in his laboratory. Many of his former students went on to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry in their own right.
When Ramberg died in 1940, he was widely mourned by the scientific community. His legacy continues to inspire chemists around the world, and his contributions to the field of organic chemistry remain an important part of scientific history.
Ramberg's research on diazonium compounds resulted in the development of a new method for producing hydrazine, an important compound used in rocket fuel. He also studied the structure of natural compounds, such as the alkaloid atropine, and conducted research on the properties of carbon-carbon double bonds.
Ramberg's work as a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry was highly respected, and he was known for his impartiality and dedication to promoting scientific progress. During his time on the committee, several prominent scientists, including Marie Curie, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
In addition to his scientific pursuits, Ramberg was a talented musician and played the violin in several orchestras. He was also an avid art collector, and his collection included works by prominent Swedish artists such as Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn.
Ramberg's contributions to science have been recognized in several ways. In addition to the Liebig Medal, he was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, one of Sweden's highest honors, in 1935. The Ramberg Medal, which is awarded by the Swedish Chemical Society, is named in his honor and is awarded to scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry.
Overall, Ludwig Ramberg's work as a chemist, teacher, and committee member has had a lasting impact on the field of organic chemistry and on the scientific community as a whole.
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Eric Lindholm (August 22, 1890-August 9, 1957) was a Swedish personality.
Eric Lindholm was a Swedish artist famous for his paintings and sculptures. He studied art in Stockholm and later in Paris, where he developed his unique style. Lindholm's artworks were known for their expressive and abstract nature, and he was considered a pioneer of Swedish modernism. In addition to his art, he was also a prominent art critic and writer, and his articles were widely read in Sweden and Europe. Lindholm's works are part of several public and private collections, and his legacy continues to inspire artists to this day.
During World War II, Eric Lindholm was involved in the Swedish resistance movement against Nazi Germany. He used his art to create mock-ups of German documents, which were then used to create forgeries that helped the resistance. After the war, Lindholm continued to create art and was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Prince Eugen Medal in 1945 and the Lunning Prize in 1951. Lindholm was also known for his passionate advocacy for the arts, and he was a member of various committees dedicated to promoting artistic education and initiatives. Despite his success and influence, Eric Lindholm remained humble and committed to his craft until his death in 1957.
Eric Lindholm's artwork was heavily influenced by his travels to different parts of the world. He spent time in North Africa and Mexico, where he was inspired by the vibrant colors and textures of the local cultures. Lindholm was also interested in exploring the relationship between art and nature, and he often incorporated organic elements in his work.
In addition to his art, Eric Lindholm was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at several art schools in Sweden and was known for his ability to inspire his students. Many prominent Swedish artists credit Lindholm with having a profound impact on their development as artists.
Lindholm's legacy has continued to inspire generations of artists, and his works have been exhibited in numerous retrospectives and exhibitions around the world. In 2013, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, cementing his status as one of Sweden's most important modern artists.
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Birger Dahlerus (February 6, 1891 Stockholm-March 8, 1957 Stockholm) was a Swedish diplomat.
He is best known for his efforts to prevent World War II through negotiations between Adolf Hitler and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1939. Dahlerus, who had connections with high-ranking officials in both Germany and Britain, acted as a mediator between the two sides and tried to broker a peace deal. Although his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, his role in the peace process earned him international recognition and praise.
After the outbreak of World War II, Dahlerus continued to work for peace as a mediator and negotiator. He worked with the Swedish Red Cross to help prisoners of war and refugees, and he traveled extensively throughout Europe to meet with political leaders and promote dialogue. Despite his efforts, however, the war continued and Dahlerus was eventually forced to flee Sweden due to his opposition to the Nazi regime.
After the war, Dahlerus returned to Sweden and became involved in politics, serving as a member of parliament and as an advisor to the Swedish government. He continued to work for international peace and understanding until his death in 1957. Today, he is remembered as a skilled diplomat and tireless advocate for peace.
Dahlerus came from a wealthy and influential Swedish family. His father was a diplomat, and as a child, Dahlerus lived in various countries, including England and Germany. He was educated in Sweden and later went on to study engineering in Switzerland. However, his passion for politics and diplomacy soon led him to pursue a career in foreign affairs.
Dahlerus began his diplomatic career as a young man, working for the Swedish embassy in Berlin. He quickly established himself as a skilled negotiator and mediator and earned a reputation as a trusted and respected diplomat. Over the years, he built up a network of contacts in Germany and Britain, which would prove invaluable in his later efforts to prevent the outbreak of war.
In addition to his work as a diplomat, Dahlerus was also a keen aviator. He held several aviation records and was a member of the Swedish Royal Aero Club. During World War II, he used his flying skills to help transport refugees and prisoners of war to safety.
Despite his efforts to prevent the war, Dahlerus was later criticized for his role in the negotiations between Hitler and Chamberlain. Some accused him of being naive and overly trusting of the Nazi leader. However, many others continue to praise his efforts to promote peace and his tireless work to help those affected by the war.
Dahlerus' mediation efforts between Hitler and Chamberlain in 1939 have been the subject of several books and documentaries, including the 1996 film "The Reluctant Ambassador." His personal diaries, which were published in 1954, provide a detailed account of his experiences during the war years and shed light on the complex political landscape of the time. In addition to his diplomatic and aviation achievements, Dahlerus was also a talented musician and composer. He wrote several operas and ballets, and his works were performed in Sweden and other European countries. He was also an avid collector of art and antiques and amassed a valuable collection over the course of his life. Today, his legacy lives on through the Dahlerus Foundation, which supports research and education in the fields of peace and conflict resolution.
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Jacob Letterstedt (April 5, 1796-April 5, 1862) was a Swedish personality.
Jacob Letterstedt was a Swedish merchant and banker born in Stockholm. He was the founder of J. Letterstedt & Co., which became one of the largest trading and banking companies in 19th century Sweden.
Letterstedt was also a philanthropist and donated generously to various institutions in Stockholm, such as the Royal Swedish Opera and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. He was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences.
In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Letterstedt was known for his extensive collection of art and artifacts. Upon his death, he bequeathed his collections to the city of Stockholm, where they are now housed in the Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities.
Today, Letterstedt is remembered as a significant figure in the history of Swedish commerce and culture.
Letterstedt spent his early years studying in Hamburg, Germany and worked for a trading house in London before returning to Sweden to establish his own business. He was helpful in developing the shipping and insurance industries of Sweden, and advised on the construction of the first iron steamers and railways.Letterstedt also strongly advocated for educational opportunities for women and supported initiatives of the National Association for Women's Suffrage.In honor of Letterstedt's contributions as both a businessman and philanthropist, the city of Stockholm renamed one of its streets after him, now known as "Letterstedts väg".
Together with his business partner, Anders Abraham Grafström, Jacob established J. Letterstedt & Co. in 1829 which became one of the biggest export companies in Sweden specializing in iron and timber. The company had branches in various countries, from Russia to Great Britain. Under his leadership, the company branched out to banking, which led to the establishment of several banks around Sweden. He also built a steamship company and a rolling mill, contributing greatly to the industrialization of Sweden in the mid-19th century.
In addition to his interest in business and women's education, Letterstedt was also an avid art collector. Over the years, he amassed a significant collection of over 1,500 pieces of art and antiquities, which included ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts, Islamic ceramics, and other objects from the Mediterranean and Near East. To accommodate his growing collection, he built a private museum near his home in Stockholm. The collection was opened to the public in 1866, four years after Letterstedt's death and was eventually incorporated into the Swedish National Museums of World Culture.
Jacob Letterstedt's legacy lives on in both the business and cultural landscapes of Sweden. His contributions to the Swedish economy, arts, and culture were significant and continue to be remembered and celebrated today.
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Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin (September 22, 1717 Sunne, Sweden-December 13, 1783 Stockholm) was a Swedish astronomer and demographer.
Wargentin is best known for his work on the moon's libration, or the slight wobbling of its axis. He was the secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for over 30 years and was a member of many other scientific societies throughout Europe. In addition to his astronomical work, Wargentin was also interested in demography and studied the population of Sweden. He was instrumental in organizing the first modern population census in Sweden in 1749, which he used to create population registers for several Swedish provinces. Wargentin was highly respected for his contributions to the sciences and was awarded the Swedish Order of the Polar Star in recognition of his work.
Wargentin began his career as a lawyer, but his passion for astronomy led him to pursue a different path. He taught mathematics and astronomy at Uppsala University before joining the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where he worked until his death. Wargentin was a skilled observer and made several important contributions to the field of astronomy. In addition to his work on the moon's libration, he also observed and documented the transit of Venus in 1761, which was used to calculate the distance from the Earth to the Sun. Wargentin was also involved in the publication of several scientific journals and was a prolific author, publishing works on astronomy, demography, and other topics throughout his career. Despite his accomplishments, Wargentin remained modest and focused on the importance of scientific inquiry and discovery. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers today.
Wargentin's interest in astronomy was sparked when he witnessed a solar eclipse at the age of 17. He later traveled to Paris and London to study with prominent astronomers of the time, including Edmond Halley and James Bradley. Wargentin's studies in demography were influenced by his concern for the dwindling population of Sweden, which he saw as a threat to the country's economic and military power. His work on population registers helped to provide policymakers with the information they needed to make decisions about healthcare, education, and other social issues.
In addition to his scientific work, Wargentin was a devoted family man and raised several children with his wife, Hedvig. He was also known for his sense of humor and his love of music. Wargentin's collection of musical instruments, which included a rare Corrette organ, was donated to the Swedish National Museum after his death.
Today, Wargentin's contributions to astronomy and demography are recognized as important milestones in the history of science. His meticulous observations and tireless efforts to promote scientific research make him an inspiration to future generations of scientists and researchers.
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Robert Nobel (August 14, 1829 Stockholm-August 7, 1896) also known as Robert Hjalmar Nobel was a Swedish personality.
He was the eldest son of Immanuel Nobel and the older brother of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Robert Nobel inherited his father's oil and gas business and played a crucial role in developing it. Under his guidance, the company expanded its production and distribution across Russia and other European countries.
Apart from business, Robert Nobel was also a dedicated philanthropist. He established several charitable institutions and organizations to support healthcare, education, and cultural development in the region. He also contributed to scientific research and helped establish the Nobel Institute for Physical Research.
Robert Nobel was appointed to the Swedish Parliament in 1887 and served as a member until his death in 1896. He was also a member of the Order of Vasa and the Order of the Polar Star.
Furthermore, Robert Nobel's interest in art led to the creation of the Robert and Ludmila Nobel Foundation, which helped to promote and support Swedish artists. He was also a collector of art and owned a significant collection of paintings and sculptures. Robert Nobel's legacy has continued through the Nobel family's philanthropic efforts, including the Nobel Prizes established by his younger brother Alfred, which have recognized significant contributions in various fields since their inception in 1901. In recognition of Robert's contributions to society, several locations and institutions have been named after him, including a street in Baku, Azerbaijan, and a research institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Additionally, Robert Nobel was a proficient linguist, fluent in several languages, including Russian, German, and French. He used his language skills to conduct business negotiations and build relationships with international partners. Robert Nobel's business acumen and philanthropy laid the foundation for the Nobel family's reputation as one of the most influential and prosperous families in Sweden. Even after his death, his contributions to society continued, and his descendants continued to follow his footsteps by supporting various causes and projects for the betterment of society. Today, the Nobel family's legacy lives on through their various philanthropic efforts and the prestigious Nobel Prizes, which have recognized outstanding contributions to society across different fields, including science, literature, and peacekeeping.
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Lennart von Post (June 16, 1884 Västerås Municipality-January 11, 1951) was a Swedish geologist.
He is best known for his work in developing the concept of pollen analysis as a tool in paleontology and archaeology. Von Post received his doctorate in geology from Uppsala University in 1910 and spent most of his career working for the Swedish Geological Survey. In addition to his work on pollen analysis, he also contributed to research on the stratigraphy and structure of the Scandinavian mountains. Von Post was a member of several scientific societies, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and received numerous awards for his contributions to geology.
During his career, Von Post published over 230 scientific papers and was regarded as one of the leading experts in his field. His work in pollen analysis revolutionized the study of past environments and played a significant role in the development of the science of paleoecology. He was particularly interested in the study of climate change and was one of the first scientists to use pollen analysis to investigate how climate had varied over the past few thousand years. Von Post's research also had practical applications, as his pollen analysis methods were used for a variety of purposes, including the reconstruction of past landscapes and the identification of archaeological sites. Von Post retired from the Swedish Geological Survey in 1949 and passed away two years later at the age of 66.
Von Post's contributions to geology and paleontology were not limited to his research and scientific publications. He also played an important role in establishing and promoting the use of pollen analysis as a research tool. Von Post organized and taught courses on the subject, and his efforts helped to spread the use of pollen analysis in Europe and North America.
In addition, Von Post was committed to fostering scientific collaboration between Sweden and other countries. He participated in numerous international conferences and was a member of several international organizations, including the International Association for Quaternary Research and the Geological Society of London. Von Post's work was recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society of London and the Penrose Medal of the Geological Society of America.
Overall, Lennart von Post's contributions to geology and paleontology helped to transform these fields and lay the groundwork for many important scientific discoveries. His work continues to inspire and inform research in these areas today.
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