The Spotnicks originated from a duo, "The Rebels" (1956), formed by Bo Starander (later known as Bob Lander) and Björn Thelin.

They signed a recording contract in 1961, and changed their name to "The Spotnicks", a play on the Russian satellite Sputnik as suggested by their manager, Roland Ferneborg.

One of their early records, "Orange Blossom Special", became their first big international hit, making the Top 30 in the UK Singles Chart in 1962 on the Oriole label,[3] and reaching No.

The group, having undergone many personnel changes, split up in 1970 after releasing their fifteenth album, The Spotnicks Back in the Race.

[5] Winberg continued to lead versions of The Spotnicks, occasionally including Lander and/or Thelin, on tour and in recordings.