50 Facts About Bjork

Early Life and Family

Björk Guðmundsdóttir's journey began in Reykjavík, Iceland, where she was born on November 21, 1965. Her early years were shaped by her unique family dynamics and environment.

1. Björk was born to Guðmundur Gunnarsson, an electrician, and Hildur Rúna Hauksdóttir, an activist who protested against the development of Iceland's Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant.
2. After her parents divorced, Björk and her mother moved to a commune. Her stepfather is Sævar Árnason, a former guitarist in the band Pops.
3. Björk began studying classical piano and flute at the age of six at Reykjavík school Barnamúsíkskóli. She was discovered by Fálkinn record label after a school recital.
4. At 11 years old, Björk released her debut album, also titled Björk, in Iceland in December 1977.

Musical Beginnings

Björk's early forays into music saw her experimenting with various genres and forming several bands.

5. During her teens, Björk formed the all-girl punk band Spit and Snot and later joined jazz fusion group Exodus and JAM80.
6. In 1982, she and bassist Jakob Magnússon formed Tappi Tíkarrass, releasing an EP.
7. In 1986, Björk formed the alternative rock band Sugarcubes with guitarist Þór Eldon. They had a son, Sindri Eldon Þórsson, born on the same day the band was formed.
8. Björk and Þór Eldon divorced before the end of 1986 but continued to work together in the band.
9. The Sugarcubes gained international recognition with their unique sound and Björk's distinctive vocals.

Solo Career and Move to London

After the breakup of the Sugarcubes in 1992, Björk embarked on a successful solo career and moved to London.

10. Following the breakup, Björk moved to London where she was immediately offered a record deal.
11. She became engaged to London-based DJ Goldie but broke up with him in 1996. She also had a brief relationship with musician Tricky in the 1990s.
12. During this period, she became involved with the trip hop scene associated with Goldie and Tricky.
13. Björk began working with fashion designer Alexander McQueen, which influenced her later work.
14. Her time in London led to her developing a cockney accent, evident in her interviews given in English at the time.

Stalker Incident and Album Releases

Björk's life took a dramatic turn with a stalker incident, but she continued to release groundbreaking albums.

15. In 1996, an obsessed fan, Ricardo López, attempted to kill Björk by mailing her a letter bomb. The police intercepted it before she received it.
16. Debut (1977) – Her first album released when she was 11 years old.
17. Björk (1977) – Another early album.
18. Gling-Glo (1983) – Her first solo album.
19. Debut (1993) – Her first major-label album.
20. Post (1995) – Featuring the hit single "Army of Me."
21. Homogenic (1997) – Produced in Spain with Trevor Morais.
22. Vespertine (2001) – Featuring chamber orchestras and hushed vocals.
23. Medúlla (2004) – A vocal-based album with throat singers and beatboxers.
24. Vulnicura (2015) – A critically acclaimed album following her divorce from Matthew Barney.

Awards and Unique Style

Björk's unique style and vocal range have earned her numerous awards and nominations.

25. 1994 Brit Award for International Female.
26. 2005 Q Inspiration Award.
27. Nominated for 16 Grammy Awards but never won.
28. Known for her eclectic and innovative style, blending elements of electronic, pop, rock, and classical music.
29. Björk has a soprano vocal range and can sing at 3.0 octaves.
30. She has influenced numerous artists across various genres, including Wu-Tang Clan rapper and producer RZA, with whom she recorded a track.

Controversial Videos and Fashion Icon

Björk is known for pushing boundaries with her music videos and bold fashion choices.

31. The video for "Pagan Poetry" was banned on MTV due to graphic content but later aired unedited on MTV2.
32. Her music videos often push boundaries, featuring nudity and body piercings.
33. Björk is known for her bold fashion choices, including the infamous "swan dress" she wore to the 73rd Annual Academy Awards.

Personal Life and Autism Spectrum

Björk's personal life and her likely place on the autism spectrum add depth to her public persona.

34. Gave birth to her first child, Sindri Eldon Thorsson, at age 20 in 1986.
35. Gave birth to her second child, Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney, at age 36 in 2002.
36. Björk has told Rolling Stone that she likely falls on the autism spectrum.

Philanthropy and Inspirations

Björk's philanthropic efforts and inspirations reveal her multifaceted personality.

37. In February 2006, Björk visited Banda Aceh in Indonesia as a goodwill ambassador to the victims of the 2004 tsunami.
38. She has cited surrealist writer Georges Bataille as a major inspiration for her work, particularly in the context of her music video "Venus as a Boy".

Collaborations and Tattoos

Björk's collaborations with other artists and her tattoos are part of her unique identity.

39. Wrote the song "Bedtime Story" for Madonna's album Bedtime Stories but declined to sing it with Madonna.
40. Collaborated with artists like Tanya Tagaq, Rahzel, Dokaka, Mike Patton, Robert Wyatt, and several choirs on her album Medúlla.
41. Björk has several tattoos, including Vegvísir on her left arm, which is a symbol from Icelandic folklore.

Doppelganger and Pop Culture

Björk's influence extends into pop culture, with comparisons and characters based on her.

42. She is often compared to Tina Chow due to their similar appearance.
43. The character Miss Swan from Mad TV was partially based on Björk.

Urban Legend and Favorite Movies

Urban legends and her favorite movies add to the mystique surrounding Björk.

44. There is an urban legend that the Icelandic government gave her the island of Elliðaey in recognition of her contribution to promoting Iceland abroad. However, this is false; the island is actually private property belonging to a hunting association.
45. Some of her favorite movies include Tampopo (1985), An Angel at My Table (1990), Sweetie (1989), and The Tin Drum (1979).

Odd Jobs and Controversial Videos

Before fame, Björk worked various odd jobs, and her music videos often sparked controversy.

46. Before fame, she worked odd jobs at an antiques shop, a bookstore, a Coca-Cola bottling plant, and a fish factory during Easter break in 1984.
47. In September 2002, MTV2 ranked her music video "Björk: Pagan Poetry" as one of the 20 Most Controversial Videos.

Eccentric Star and Grammy Nominations

Björk's eccentricity and Grammy nominations highlight her unique place in the music world.

48. Named the world's most eccentric star in a poll by the BBC in January 2006.
49. Despite being nominated 16 times, Björk has never won a Grammy Award.

Live Performances and Tours

Björk is known for her dynamic live performances and extensive tour history.

50. Known for her dynamic live performances, which often feature elaborate costumes and choreography.

Björk: A True Icon

Björk's journey from a child prodigy in Iceland to a global music icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Her unique blend of electronic, pop, rock, and classical music has captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning decades, she's consistently pushed boundaries, both musically and visually. From her early days with the Sugarcubes to her solo ventures, Björk has remained a trailblazer. Her innovative spirit is evident in her groundbreaking albums, unforgettable live performances, and bold fashion choices. Despite facing personal challenges, including a stalker incident and public scrutiny, she has remained resilient and true to her artistic vision. Björk's influence on the music industry is undeniable, inspiring countless artists across various genres. Her legacy continues to grow, cementing her place as one of the most influential and innovative artists of our time. Björk truly embodies the essence of artistic evolution and creativity.