Norwegian singer and songwriter Morten Harket was born on 64 years ago in Kongsberg, is divorced and has 5 children. He is best known as the lead singer of the group a-ha and his distinctive falsetto voice.
When he was just 4, Morten began to study the piano as well as write music. He was inspired by Queen, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and David Bowie, amongst others. Before becoming part of the group a-ha, Morten performed in several clubs as the lead singer of a band named Soldier Blue.
a-ha was formed in 1982, and 3 years later they released their first album which included several hits like ‘Take on Me’, ‘The Sun always shines on TV’ and ‘Hunting High and Low’. In actual fact, ‘Take on Me’ was originally released in 1984, however, it became an international number one hit a year later, after it was recorded again and accompanied by a very particular video. The album itself globally sold more than 10 million copies.
Until 1993, 4 more albums were issued which were all successful except the last one, which caused the band to take a career break. Five years later, Morten joined again the other 2 group members, namely Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, to perform in a concert and until the band dissolved in 2010, 4 more albums were released plus various compilations.
a-ha reunited once again in 2015 and performed in a festival in Brazil, followed by a new album, and 2 years later they performed in their home country Norway.
As a solo artist, Morten had 6 albums and 21 singles. He also starred in a few movies and appeared in some TV shows, as well as collaborated with several artists. In 1996, he was one of the hosts of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Morten has personally won 5 awards and 56 awards as part of a-ha. He and his fellow group members were also appointed Knights of the First Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav for their music contributions towards their country.
*Image: no infringement intended. Source: Zimbio