# Morten Harket

> Norwegian singer

**Wikidata**: [Q319773](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319773)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morten_Harket)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morten-harket

## Summary
Morten Harket is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the pop band a-ha. He gained international fame in the 1980s and 1990s for hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV," shaping the synth-pop and new wave genres.

## Biography
- Born: September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Known for: Leading a-ha to global success with iconic pop hits
- Employer(s): a-ha (1982–present), Polydor Records (record label)
- Field(s): Music, pop, synth-pop, new wave

## Contributions
- **a-ha**: Founded the Norwegian pop band in 1982, which became one of the most successful acts of the 1980s and 1990s, known for hits like "Take On Me" (1985) and "The Sun Always Shines on TV" (1985).
- **Spellemann Award**: Won multiple awards, including the Spellemann Award of the Year for his contributions to Norwegian music.
- **Genre Influence**: Pioneered synth-pop and new wave, blending electronic and pop elements that influenced later artists.

## FAQs
**What is Morten Harket known for?**
Morten Harket is known as the lead vocalist of the Norwegian pop band a-ha, which achieved global success in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV."

**Where was Morten Harket born?**
Morten Harket was born on September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway.

**What genres did a-ha popularize?**
a-ha popularized synth-pop and new wave, blending electronic and pop elements that influenced later music genres.

**Which record label was a-ha signed to?**
a-ha was signed to Polydor Records, a German-British record label owned by Universal Music Group.

**Has Morten Harket won any awards?**
Yes, Morten Harket has won multiple Spellemann Awards, including the Spellemann Award of the Year for his contributions to Norwegian music.

## Why They Matter
Morten Harket and a-ha revolutionized pop music by merging synth-pop and new wave, creating a sound that remains influential today. Their global success in the 1980s and 1990s helped define the era’s musical landscape. Harket’s powerful vocals and a-ha’s innovative approach paved the way for future artists in electronic and pop genres, ensuring their lasting legacy in music history.

## Notable For
- **Global Pop Icons**: a-ha became one of the most successful bands of the 1980s and 1990s, known for hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV."
- **Genre Pioneers**: Blended synth-pop and new wave, influencing later electronic and pop music.
- **Award-Winning Artist**: Won multiple Spellemann Awards, including the Spellemann Award of the Year.
- **Polydor Records**: Signed to the influential German-British record label, which helped launch their international career.
- **Norwegian Music Legacy**: Contributed significantly to Norwegian music, earning recognition for his vocal prowess and songwriting.

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Morten Harket was born on September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway. He developed an early passion for music, forming his first band, **a-ha**, in 1982. The band initially struggled to gain traction but gained recognition in Norway with their debut album, *Hunting High and Low* (1985), which included the hit single "Take On Me."

### Rise to Fame
a-ha’s breakthrough came with the release of *Hunting High and Low*, which featured the global smash hit "Take On Me." The song’s innovative synth-pop sound and Harket’s distinctive vocals catapulted the band to international fame. Their follow-up single, "The Sun Always Shines on TV," further solidified their status as pioneers of the genre.

### Genre Influence and Legacy
a-ha’s music blended synth-pop and new wave, creating a unique sound that influenced later artists. Their work helped define the 1980s and 1990s pop landscape, earning them a place in music history. Harket’s powerful vocals and the band’s innovative approach to music production set new standards for the genre.

### Awards and Recognition
Morten Harket has received numerous accolades, including multiple **Spellemann Awards**, Norway’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. His contributions to Norwegian music have been widely recognized, cementing his status as a key figure in the country’s musical heritage.

### Record Label and Industry Impact
a-ha was signed to **Polydor Records**, a German-British record label owned by Universal Music Group. The label’s support helped launch the band internationally, contributing to their global success. Harket’s work with Polydor further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the music industry.

### Continued Influence
Despite a-ha’s hiatus in the 2000s, Harket has remained active in the music world, continuing to collaborate and produce new music. His enduring influence ensures that a-ha’s legacy remains relevant in contemporary pop culture.

## References

1. [Source](http://tibemag.no/kongsbergjazz/program-2018//files/assets/common/downloads/Kongsberg%20Jazzfestival%20program%202018.pdf)
2. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Norsk biografisk leksikon
6. datos.bne.es
7. Tildelinger av ordener og medaljer
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. [VIAF](https://viaf.org/en/viaf/61740573#preferred-forms-content)
11. Discogs
12. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
13. GeneaStar
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. BBC Things
17. ISWC Network
18. X
19. Genius API
20. [Morten Harket - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/2093207d-cb69-4789-866b-5ac772c9ebd3#sidebar)
21. The Movie Database
22. YouTube API