Alice Babs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice Babs
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Nilsson in 1940
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hildur Alice Nilsson |
| Born | 26 January 1924 Västervik, Sweden |
| Died | 11 February 2014 (aged 90) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1939–2004 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated acts | |
Hildur Alice Nilsson (born January 26, 1924 – died February 11, 2014), known as Alice Babs, was a famous Swedish singer and actress. She sang many types of music, including Swedish folk songs, old English songs, and opera.
Alice Babs was best known around the world as a jazz singer. She was also the first person to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958. In 1972, she was given the special title of Sweden's Royal Court Singer. This was a big deal because she was the first non-opera singer to get this honor.
Her Career
Alice Babs became very famous after starring in the movie Swing it, magistern! (which means 'Swing It, Teacher!') in 1940. She went on to appear in more than ten Swedish movies. Even though she often played sweet, happy characters, her popularity created a new youth culture. Some older people were not happy about this new trend. One church leader even called her popularity a "disease" for culture.
In 1963, Alice Babs started working with the famous American jazz musician Duke Ellington. This was a very successful partnership that lasted many years. She sang in his second and third Sacred Concerts, which he wrote especially for her voice. Duke Ellington said that Alice Babs had an amazing voice that could sing over three octaves. He even said that if she wasn't available, he needed three different singers to perform the parts he wrote for her!
In 1963, her song "After You've Gone" became very popular in Britain. It reached number 29 on the British music charts.
Her Family Life
In 1943, Alice Babs married Nils Ivar Sjöblom. They had three children: Lilleba, Lars-Ivar, and Titti Sjöblom. Titti also became a singer.
From 1973 to 2004, Alice Babs and her husband lived in Costa del Sol, Spain. However, they still traveled to Sweden and other countries for her work. Later in their lives, they moved back to Sweden.
Awards and Honors
In 2003, the Swedish government gave Alice Babs the Illis quorum award. This is a special medal given to people who have done great things for Sweden.
Her Passing
Alice Babs passed away on February 11, 2014, in Stockholm, Sweden. She was 90 years old and died from problems related to Alzheimer's disease.
Film and Music
Alice Babs appeared in many films throughout her career. Some of her well-known movies include Swing it, magistern! (1940), Vårat gäng (1942), and Musik ombord (1958).
She recorded over 800 songs during her career, starting with "Joddlarflickan" in 1939. Her music covered many styles, from jazz to pop.
See Also
In Spanish: Alice Babs para niños
