Bobbysocks
Norwegian duo that won Eurovision 1985 with "La det swinge".
Bobbysocks were a Norwegian pop duo made up of Hanne Krogh from Norway and Elisabeth Andreassen, who held both Norwegian and Swedish nationality. They are best known for winning the 1985 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "La det swinge" (also released as "Let it swing"). The pair first came together in 1983 and split up in 1988, following a run of four successful years.
Both Krogh and Andreassen were no strangers to Eurovision. Krogh competed for Norway three times: as a soloist in 1971, with Bobbysocks in 1985, and as part of Just 4 Fun in 1991. Andreassen sang for Sweden as half of the duo Chips in 1982, and after her Bobbysocks win, she later performed with Jan Werner Danielsen in 1994 and as a solo act in 1996. According to John Kennedy O'Connor's official Eurovision history, Andreassen is one of only five lead artists to have performed in the contest four times, and one of just four artists to have both won and placed second (in 1985 and 1996).
Their debut single, "I Don't Wanna Break My Heart," came out in 1984 on pink vinyl. The idea behind Bobbysocks was to give 1950s swing songs a modern 1980s update, and this approach was fully realised on their first album, *Bobbysocks!*, which mixed covers with original tracks. After their Eurovision win, plans to release "Radio" as the next single were scrapped. "Let It Swing" went to number one in Norway and Belgium, reached the top ten in Sweden and Ireland, and charted in the top twenty in the Netherlands and Austria. It entered the UK Singles Chart on 25 May 1985, peaking at number 44 and staying on the chart for four weeks. The single was also pressed in Germany, Japan, and Australia.
Thanks to their Eurovision victory, Bobbysocks received the Peer Gynt Prize in 1985, an award given by Norway's parliament, the Stortinget. The win also led to a re-release of their debut LP with "Let It Swing" included, which went gold. Their second album, *Waiting for the Morning*, came out in April 1986, and both the title track and the album hit number one in Norway. Their third and final LP, *Walkin' on Air*, was recorded in Los Angeles in 1987 and produced by Bill Maxwell. It went gold in just four days. Before releasing the lead single "If I Fall," the duo decided to do something "decently crazy" and put out a cover of "Swing it, magister'n," a 1940 song originally sung by Swedish artist Alice Babs, as a summer 1
- field
- Pop music
- nationality
- Norwegian / Swedish-Norwegian
- known_for
- Winning the Eurovision Song Contest 1985
- years_active
- 1983–1988; occasional reunions
Lore & Background
Bobbysocks was formed in 1983. Both Krogh and Andreassen were frequent Eurovision contestants. Krogh appeared three times for Norway: in 1971 as a soloist, with Bobbysocks in 1985, and as part of Just 4 Fun in 1991. Andreassen sang for Sweden as one half of Chips in 1982 and after winning with Bobbysocks, teamed up with Jan Werner Danielsen in 1994 and sang solo in 1996. According to John Kennedy O'Connor's The Eurovision Song Contest - The Official History, Andreassen is one of only five lead artists to sing in the contest on four occasions and is also one of only four artists to finish both first and second in Eurovision (1985 & 1996).
The duo's debut single was "I Don't Wanna Break My Heart" (1984), released on pink colored vinyl. The concept behind Bobbysocks! was to bring up-to-date songs from the 1950s with a swing mood, adding a "modern" 1980s sound. That idea was fully applied on their first LP Bobbysocks!, a mixture of covers and brand new songs. After winning Eurovision, "Let It Swing" topped the Norwegian singles chart and charted in Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, and the UK. In 1985, due to their ESC victory, Bobbysocks! were awarded the Peer Gynt Prize by the Stortinget, Norway's parliament.
Their next album, Waiting for the Morning, was released in April 1986, with the title track peaking at number 1 on the Norwegian singles and album charts. Walkin' on Air, recorded in Los Angeles in 1987 and produced by Bill Maxwell, went gold in four days, becoming their third and final LP. In 1988, Bobbysocks disbanded. In the 21st century, they appeared at the Congratulations concert in 2005 and the Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits in London. In May 2010, they did a short comeback for their 25th anniversary, launching a compilation album. On 16 January 2025 they were announced as finalists in Melodi Grand Prix 2025 with the song "Joyful", finishing in third place.
Reader's Guide
Bobbysocks are significant as the winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 1985, bringing Norway its first victory in the contest. Their win with "La det swinge" popularized a retro swing sound updated for the 1980s, and the song became a chart success across Europe. The duo's career, though spanning only four active years, left a lasting mark on Norwegian pop music and Eurovision history. Elisabeth Andreassen's multiple Eurovision appearances and her distinction as one of only four artists to finish both first and second in the contest highlight the duo's broader impact. Their 2025 return to Melodi Grand Prix demonstrated enduring public interest. The Peer Gynt Prize awarded by the Norwegian parliament underscores their cultural significance. Their legacy includes influencing later Eurovision acts and maintaining a nostalgic appeal through occasional reunions and anniversary releases.
Did You Know?
- Elisabeth Andreassen is one of only five lead artists to sing in the Eurovision Song Contest on four occasions.
- Andreassen is one of only four artists to finish both first and second in Eurovision (1985 and 1996).
- Bobbysocks' debut single "I Don't Wanna Break My Heart" was released on pink colored vinyl.
- In 2025, Bobbysocks finished in third place in Melodi Grand Prix with the song "Joyful".
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bobbysocks?
Bobbysocks was a Norwegian pop duo made up of Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen. They are best remembered for claiming victory at the 1985 Eurovision Song Contest.
What song did Bobbysocks perform to win Eurovision 1985?
They sang "La det swinge," which was also issued under the English title "Let it swing." That track carried them to the top of the 1985 contest scoreboard.
How long was Bobbysocks active as a duo?
The pair came together in 1983 and called it quits in 1988, giving them roughly four years of joint output. They have since reunited on occasion for special live performances.
What nationalities did the two Bobbysocks members hold?
Hanne Krogh was Norwegian, while Elisabeth Andreassen carried both Norwegian and Swedish nationality. That dual background allowed Andreassen to represent Sweden in other Eurovision entries as well.
Did Hanne Krogh compete at Eurovision outside of Bobbysocks?
Yes—Krogh first entered the contest as a solo artist in 1971 and later returned with the group Just 4 Fun in 1991. That makes her a three-time Eurovision participant across her career.
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