Morten Harket | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 01, 2025

Who is Morten Harket?

Morten Harket, born on September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway, is the charismatic lead singer of the renowned pop band A-ha, which also includes keyboardist Magne Furuholmen and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. Harket's signature soaring vocals and compelling presence propelled A-ha to international stardom, particularly during the 1980s. Their groundbreaking hit "Take on Me," released in 1984, became a cultural phenomenon, bolstered by its innovative music video that dominated the airwaves on MTV. This success marked A-ha as the first Norwegian band to achieve significant acclaim in the American music scene, setting the stage for the band's lasting legacy.

Before finding fame, Harket faced challenges during his childhood, particularly with bullying and focus issues in school. However, his passion for music flourished early on, inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix. In 1982, he transitioned from his first band, Souldier Blue, to join A-ha, where his talents truly shined. The band quickly gained traction, releasing a string of successful albums and hits, while Harket also pursued a solo career, showcasing his unique vocal abilities. Notably, he set a world record in 2000 for holding the longest single note in a recording, demonstrating his vocal prowess beyond the typical pop genre.

Early Life and Education

Morten Harket was born on September 14, 1959, in Kongsberg, Norway, where he was the second of five children in his family. His father, Reidar, served as the chief physician at a local hospital, while his mother, Henny, was a home economics teacher. Growing up in this environment, Harket found himself struggling with the challenge of school life, often lost in daydreams rather than focusing on his studies. Despite his struggles with bullies and social interactions, he discovered a sense of belonging through his passion for music, which would shape his future endeavors.

Harket's affinity for music developed early on, influenced by his family’s musical background. While he initially took piano lessons, he didn't have the discipline to adhere strictly to practice schedules. Instead, he gravitated towards composing and improvising his own pieces. His keen interest in music steered him towards studying at a theological seminary, as he felt a strong calling for ministry; however, the allure of a music career ultimately took precedence. Inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Uriah Heep, Harket pursued his musical aspirations, marking the beginning of a journey that would lead to his remarkable career with A-ha.

Music Career: Rise of A-ha in the 1980s

In 1982, Morten Harket transitioned from his first band, Souldier Blue, to become the charismatic lead vocalist of A-ha, a Norwegian pop group consisting of Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. The band’s journey took a significant turn when they secured a recording contract with Warner Brothers after just a year. In 1984, A-ha released their debut album, *Hunting High and Low*, which set the stage for their monumental success. The single "Take on Me" debuted on the U.S. Billboard chart at No. 91 in 1985, marking a historic milestone as the first Norwegian act to achieve such recognition in the U.S. music scene.

The breakthrough came with the iconic music video for "Take on Me," which showcased an innovative blend of live action and pencil-sketch animation. Directed by Steve Barron, this groundbreaking visual helped propel the song to the top of the charts and capture the attention of global audiences. A-ha's music video garnered eight MTV awards in 1986, including Best New Artist and Best Direction, solidifying their status as pop icons of the 1980s. Following this success, the band continued to produce a remarkable catalog of hits, including "The Living Daylights," the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, further enhancing their international standing in the music industry.

Achievements: Awards and Historical Impact

Morten Harket, as the lead singer of A-ha, achieved monumental success during the 1980s, defined by their iconic single "Take on Me," which became a cultural phenomenon. This seminal track not only topped charts worldwide but also made A-ha the first Norwegian band to gain significant traction in the U.S. music scene. With its groundbreaking music video, blending live-action and animation, "Take on Me" won numerous accolades, including eight MTV Video Music Awards in 1986. Harket's distinct voice and dynamic stage presence played a pivotal role in shaping A-ha's image and their signature sound, characterized by catchy melodies and emotional depth.

Beyond the initial commercial triumph, Morten Harket's career is marked by versatility and continued relevance. Alongside A-ha's critically acclaimed albums, he pursued a successful solo career, releasing four albums that showcased his artistic range. Harket set a world record in 2000 for sustaining a single note for an impressive 20.2 seconds, surpassing the record previously held by Bill Withers. The impact of A-ha's music resonated through subsequent decades, with "Take on Me" being sampled in modern songs and featured in popular television shows, solidifying Harket's legacy as a significant figure in pop music history.

Personal Life: Children and Relationships

Morten Harket, the renowned lead vocalist of A-ha, has had a fulfilling personal life alongside his successful music career. He was married to Swedish actress Camilla Malmquist from 1989 to 1998, with whom he shares three children. Their marriage saw the blending of their artistic backgrounds, as both individuals were deeply entrenched in the arts. However, the couple ultimately parted ways but maintained a respectful relationship as they co-parented their children.

In addition to his marriage with Malmquist, Harket has two more children from subsequent relationships, showcasing his dedication to family life. Throughout his journey, he has embraced fatherhood while managing the demands of an international music career. Morten's experiences as a father reflect his values of love and support, adding depth to his public persona as an iconic artist.

Net Worth and Earning: Music Industry Success

Morten Harket, the charismatic frontman of the iconic Norwegian band A-ha, has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success throughout his career, particularly during the 1980s. The band's signature hit "Take on Me" not only reached the top of the charts worldwide but also became a cultural phenomenon through its innovative music video. This success significantly contributed to Harket's net worth, which is estimated to be in the range of millions, positioning him as one of Norway's wealthiest musicians. His earnings primarily stem from album sales, royalties, and extensive touring, showcasing the enduring popularity of A-ha's music.

In addition to his work with A-ha, Harket has pursued a solo career that has further bolstered his financial portfolio. Over the years, he released multiple solo albums, attracting a dedicated fanbase and generating additional revenue streams. Notably, in 2000, he broke the record for the longest-held single note in a recording, exemplifying his vocal prowess and dedication to his craft. Despite the challenges of replicating the massive success of “Take on Me” in the U.S., Harket remains a beloved figure in the music industry, with continued relevance and opportunities that preserve his economic success long after the band's initial rise to fame.