Streaplers

Spanning more than five decades, the enduring Swedish dansband the Streaplers has remained active thanks to twin brothers Göran and Håkan Liljeblad, the sole holdovers from its earliest days. The group formed in Kungälv in 1959 with Gert Lengstrand, Bjarne Lundquist, and Lars Larsson rounding out the original roster. A breakthrough arrived in 1963 via the hit “Säkkinjärven Polka,” followed by further mid-’60s successes that included “Diggety Doggety,” “Mule Skinner Blues,” and “Rockin’ Robin.” That run of singles halted when vocalist Gert Lengstrand departed in 1966. Robert Löfvendahl joined as his replacement in 1969 and delivered an immediate chart-topper with “Tusen öars Land.” Ove Pilebo assumed vocal responsibilities the next year, and the band sustained its momentum across later releases such as Det Finns en Sång (1971), Lady Banana (1974), Valentino (1976), Speed (1978), and Om Jag Säger Att Älskar... (1979). Their commercial reach extended well into the new century with additional strong-selling albums that encompassed Gör Det Igen (2004), Vad Som Än Händer (2005), Bästa! (2007), and Rakt Av (2008), the last of which reached the Top Five on the Swedish albums chart.