MATS RÅDBERG

Mats Rådberg (June 8, 1948 – June 27, 2020) was a pioneer of country music in Sweden. He began his career in the ’60s with the band Rank Strangers, later renamed Rankarna, which became the driving force behind bringing country music to Swedish audiences. While he pursued solo projects and collaborations, Rankarna remained his musical home.

 

During the ’70s and ’80s, Mats achieved massive success – chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, millions of records sold, and frequent radio airplay. He even performed in the U.S. on stages many could only dream of.

 

In 2019, a new songwriting team approached him with the idea of making his final album. Reflecting on the project, Mats said, “When I thought everything was over and done with, you brought me out of the shadows and gave me the best material I’ve ever been involved with.” After a long battle with cancer, he passed away in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Swedish country music.