Roxette

Music
January 20, 2025

Roxette, the Swedish pop rock duo of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, dominated the charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With numerous hit singles and albums, Roxette became one of the most successful Swedish acts of all time. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about Roxette that highlight their incredible journey and lasting impact on the music world. Enjoy these fun facts about Roxette as you dive into the story of this beloved duo.

Roxette was formed in 1986 by Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson, both of whom were already successful musicians in Sweden before teaming up.

The duo’s breakthrough came with the single 'The Look,' which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in 1989.

Roxette's second album, 'Look Sharp!,' was a massive success, featuring hit singles like 'Listen to Your Heart' and 'Dangerous,' both of which also reached the top 10 in the US.

The song 'It Must Have Been Love,' originally recorded as a Christmas song, became one of Roxette’s biggest hits after being featured in the soundtrack of the film 'Pretty Woman' (1990).

Roxette is one of the few non-English speaking acts to have four number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including 'The Look,' 'Listen to Your Heart,' 'It Must Have Been Love,' and 'Joyride.'

The duo's name, Roxette, was inspired by a song of the same name by the British band Dr. Feelgood.

Per Gessle was the primary songwriter for Roxette, and his ability to craft catchy pop tunes was a key factor in the duo's international success.

Marie Fredriksson was known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, which helped define the sound of Roxette’s ballads.

Roxette has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music acts from Sweden, second only to ABBA.

The duo’s third album, 'Joyride,' was another international success, with the title track becoming a number-one hit in the US and several other countries.

Roxette's music videos were often played on MTV, which helped boost their popularity in the US and around the world.

Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, which led to a hiatus for the band, but she made a remarkable recovery and returned to performing.

Roxette reunited in 2009 and continued to tour and release new music, including the album 'Charm School' in 2011, which reached the top of the charts in several countries.

In 2019, Marie Fredriksson sadly passed away after a long battle with illness, but her legacy lives on through her music with Roxette.

Roxette's music continues to be beloved by fans worldwide, and their hits remain staples of 80s and 90s pop rock playlists.

Drake

Music
January 30, 2025

Drake, the Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter, has become one of the most successful and influential artists in the world. With his versatile style, chart-topping hits, and impact on modern music, Drake has solidified his place as a global superstar. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about Drake that highlight his incredible journey and impact on the music industry. Let’s dive into these fun facts.

Drake was born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in a multicultural neighborhood and was raised by his mother after his parents' divorce.

Before becoming a music star, Drake gained fame as an actor on the Canadian teen drama series 'Degrassi: The Next Generation,' where he played the character Jimmy Brooks.

Drake's breakthrough in music came with his 2009 mixtape 'So Far Gone,' which included the hit single 'Best I Ever Had.' The mixtape received critical acclaim and led to his signing with Lil Wayne's label, Young Money Entertainment.

Drake's debut studio album, 'Thank Me Later,' was released in 2010 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included hits like 'Find Your Love' and 'Over.'

Drake is known for popularizing the 'Toronto sound,' a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall influences. His music often reflects his experiences growing up in Toronto.

The artist holds the record for the most top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing previous record holders like The Beatles and Madonna.

Drake's 2015 mixtape 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' and his collaborative album with Future, 'What a Time to Be Alive,' both debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, further solidifying his dominance in the music industry.

His album 'Views,' released in 2016, included the hit single 'One Dance,' which became Drake's first number-one single as a lead artist on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the most-streamed song of the year.

Drake's influence extends beyond music; he has a successful fashion line called OVO (October's Very Own) and has been involved in sports, including serving as the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors NBA team.

In 2018, Drake's album 'Scorpion' broke multiple streaming records and included hits like 'God's Plan' and 'In My Feelings.' 'God's Plan' spent 11 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Drake's 'Hotline Bling' music video became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes and parodies. The song won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song.

In 2010, during a concert in Detroit, Drake brought Eminem on stage as a surprise guest. Drake introduced him by calling him the "greatest rapper to ever get on a microphone."

The artist has won four Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most Billboard Music Awards with 34 wins, reflecting his massive impact on the music industry.

Drake's 'The Boy Meets World' tour in 2017 was one of the highest-grossing tours of the year, showcasing his global appeal and ability to connect with audiences around the world.

Despite his success, Drake remains deeply connected to his roots in Toronto, often referencing the city in his music and supporting local artists and businesses.

Aerosmith

Music
February 17, 2025

Aerosmith, often referred to as 'America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,' has been a dominant force in the music industry for over five decades. With their bluesy rock sound, charismatic frontman Steven Tyler, and a string of timeless hits, Aerosmith has left an indelible mark on rock music. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about Aerosmith that highlight their incredible journey and lasting impact on the music world. Enjoy these fun facts about Aerosmith as you dive into the history of this legendary band.

Aerosmith was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970, and the original lineup has remained mostly intact, with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Brad Whitford.

The band’s name, 'Aerosmith,' was suggested by drummer Joey Kramer, who had been writing the word in his notebooks since high school.

Aerosmith’s 1975 album 'Toys in the Attic' is one of their most successful, featuring hits like 'Walk This Way' and 'Sweet Emotion,' which helped propel the band to stardom.

'Dream On,' written by Steven Tyler when he was just 17, became the band’s first major hit and remains one of their most enduring songs.

Aerosmith’s collaboration with rap group Run-D.M.C. on the 1986 remake of 'Walk This Way' helped bridge the gap between rock and hip-hop, leading to a resurgence in the band’s popularity.

The band’s 1987 album 'Permanent Vacation' marked a major comeback, featuring hits like 'Dude (Looks Like a Lady),' 'Rag Doll,' and 'Angel.'

Aerosmith holds the record for the most gold and multi-platinum albums by an American group, with over 150 million records sold worldwide.

In 1993, Aerosmith won their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song 'Livin' on the Edge.'

The band has a close relationship with their fans, often referring to them as the 'Blue Army' due to their loyalty and passion.

Aerosmith’s 1998 hit 'I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,' from the soundtrack of the movie 'Armageddon,' became their first and only song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Steven Tyler is known for his flamboyant stage presence, including his signature scarves tied to his microphone stand.

Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

The band has survived multiple breakups, addictions, and controversies, earning them the nickname 'The Bad Boys from Boston.'

Aerosmith holds the record for the most appearances by a band on the 'Billboard Hot 100' with 21 entries.

Despite the ups and downs, Aerosmith continues to tour and record new music, proving their enduring appeal and influence in the rock world.