Role

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Composer Performer

Country

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Sweden

Birth

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January 26, 1924 in Kalmar, Sweden

Death

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February 11, 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Alice Babs was a Swedish singer and actress who was born on January 26, 1924, in Kalmar, Sweden. She was the daughter of a Swedish mother and a Nigerian father, which made her one of the few black people in Sweden at the time. Her mother was a nurse, and her father was a sailor who left the family when Alice was just a baby. Alice grew up in a musical family, and she started singing at a young age. She was inspired by jazz and swing music, and she began performing in local clubs and theaters. In 1939, when she was just 15 years old, she won a talent competition in Stockholm, which led to her first recording contract. Alice's career took off in the 1940s, and she became one of Sweden's most popular singers. She was known for her clear, pure voice and her ability to sing in a variety of styles, including jazz, swing, and classical music. She also became a popular actress, appearing in several films and television shows. One of Alice's most famous performances was at the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest, where she represented Sweden with the song "Lilla stjärna" (Little Star). The song became a hit in Sweden and other European countries, and it helped to launch Alice's international career. Alice also performed with some of the biggest names in jazz and classical music, including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Quincy Jones. She was known for her collaborations with the Swedish jazz pianist and composer, Bengt Hallberg, with whom she recorded several albums. In addition to her music career, Alice was also a philanthropist and a humanitarian. She was involved in several charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the Swedish Cancer Society. She was also a vocal advocate for racial equality and civil rights. Alice received many awards and honors throughout her career, including the Swedish Royal Medal of the 8th size, the Litteris et Artibus medal, and the Swedish Academy's Gold Medal. She was also inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Alice continued to perform and record music well into her 80s, and she remained a beloved figure in Sweden and around the world. She passed away on February 11, 2014, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of Sweden's greatest singers and cultural icons.

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