Sven-Erik Magnusson was a legendary frontman in the Sven-Ingvars for so long that many people thought it was him who was called Sven-Ingvar. After an unparalleled career, over six decades, in which he made singing in the sound of Värmland commonplace, he finally threw in the towel in 2017. But the band and everything Sven-Erik has built lives on through his son Oscar, who now tours the country with his father’s unforgettable treasure trove of songs.
Quick facts about Sven-Erik Magnusson:
| What was Sven-Erik known for? | As singer, guitarist, clarinettist and saxophonist in the dance band Sven-Ingvars |
| Did Sven-Erik have a family? | Yes, Sven-Erik’s wife Eva Magnusson, son Oscar and daughter Johanna |
| When did Sven-Erik die? | He died in 2017 |
| Where to find Sven-Erik Magnusson’s grave? | Sven-Erik’s gravestone is in the Old Cemetery in Karlstad |
Sven-Erik Magnusson – private person
Sven-Erik came from a working-class background in Slottsbron in the Värmland region. Sven-Ingvars was formed in 1956 in Slottsbron, when Sven-Erik was only 13 years old. The older schoolmates Sven and Ingvar (hence the name) were also part of the constellation. Sven-Erik chose to sing in his dialect, which certainly contributed to his popularity.
He had simple habits, but when the money from his music career started rolling in, he bought himself a villa in Kroppkärr in Karlstad at the age of 25. Medium washing machine! With this as a lure, Sven-Erik finally got hold of his wife Eva and they were married in May 1980. Oscar was born in 1981, daughter Johanna three years earlier. After his death in 2017, SVT broadcast a documentary about his life and all the successes and setbacks.
Sven-Ingvars through the ages
In the 60s Sven-Ingvar became a girl idol and the records, which were many, sold gold. Then their film project flopped badly; “Under Your Parasol”, a Värmland Wild West, was a real fiasco that left the band members millions in debt. They had to wait until the album “I Frödingeland” in 1971 before they were financially back on track again.
Sven-Ingvars had a period in the 80’s when there was a bit of a lull and no direct attraction during the galoshes. But then some members were replaced and new songs were written – and in the early 90s the band got a boost again with new young audiences and a gig at the Hultsfred Festival.
Sven-Ingvars has had 55 songs on Svensktoppen. In 2016, they were inducted into the “Swedish music hall of fame”. Their popularity does not seem to their. On YouTube, for example, the song “So many miles so many years” has over 4.3 million views.
Famous songs with Sven-Ingvars:
- Te’ dans mä Karlstatösera (1961)
- Miss Miss (1964)
- My guitar (1964)
- A Little Red Package (1966)
- Don’t say no, say maybe (1966)
- Kristina from Vilhelmina (1966)
- I’ll call you on Friday (1967)
- Torparrock (1985)
- Summer and sun (1990)
- Two dark eyes (1991)
- The only blonde in the village (1994)
Some albums with Sven-Ingvars:
- Sven-Ingvars (1964)
- Here we are… again! (1968)
- In Frödingland (1971)
- As young as then (1996)
- Nine lives (1998)
Sven-Erik Magnusson’s struggle and last days
In the 2000s, the pressure on the band and Sven-Erik escalated, leading to an overconsumption of alcohol. As a result, he was admitted to a treatment centre in 2006. Sven-Erik was then caught for driving under the influence and after breaking the ankle bracelet rules he had to spend time in prison. Oscar has said in interviews that this difficult time nevertheless welded the family together and brought them closer.
In 2010, Sven-Erik Magnusson got cancer. The band continued to perform, but during the periods of poor readings it was quiet. In 2017 Sven-Erik finally fell asleep, the cause of death was prostate cancer. He was honoured with a statue at Sandgrundsudden in Karlstad, where Sven-Ingvars used to play every summer, and continues to do so.
Sven-Erik Magnusson’s son takes over the helm
Oscar Magnusson joined Sven-Ingvars in 2006 and after Sven-Erik’s death and at his request became the band’s frontman. They performed, and Oscar sang, at Sven-Erik’s funeral. He has said in interviews that his father is with him in everything he sings.
“So Much Better” on TV4 devoted one of its programmes in 2017 to paying tribute to Sven-Erik Magnusson. Oscar Magnusson also came and performed a song where he sang a “duet” with Sven-Erik, that is, his recorded voice. Very emotional for all involved and what a fantastic tribute to this host who was too humble to appear on TV and talk about himself.
