Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg brings together the seemingly disparate threads of punk rock and folk music. Many of Bragg’s songs feature his voice, an electric guitar, and cutting lyrics that speak of social justice as well as romantic longing. Born in Britain in 1957, Bragg formed a punk band called the Riff Raff, in 1977, which toured the club and pub circuit. Bragg worked for a record shop for a time, and then joined the British Army in 1981, a move he quickly realized was a terrible mistake. After his initial training he left and returned to playing music in clubs as well as busking. He was finally able to record an album with Charisma’s independent label, Utility. The 1983 Life’s a Riot with Spy vs. Spy, was well received and widely played. Bragg became involved with political movements, supporting the 1984 miner’s strike in Britain and participating in a tour called Red Wedge that sought to encourage young people to vote Labour in the 1987 general election. Bragg also began recording some music with a full band for the first time with Workers Playtime (1988). Bragg took a hiatus from music in 1991 to help raise his son, returning to record the album William Bloke, five years later. It was after the Bloke album that Bragg was approached by Nora Guthrie, daughter of folk legend Woody Guthrie to set some of Woody’s lyrics to music. Woodie Guthrie had died with hundreds of lyrics written but no music. Bragg collaborated with the band Wilco as well as Natalie Merchant to record Mermaid Avenue (1998) and Mermaid Avenue Vol. 2 (2000). Bragg went on to form the band The Blokes for more recordings. He also collaborated with the Ska punk band Less Than Jake for a recording that was included on the first Rock Against Bush album.
