Billy Bragg, born Stephen William Bragg on December 20, 1957, in Barking, Essex, is a distinctive figure in the landscape of British music, widely recognised for his blend of folk, punk rock, and protest music. Starting his career in the late 1970s with the punk group Riff Raff, Bragg honed his craft as a solo artist after the group disbanded. His work is marked by socially conscious lyrics and a commitment to political activism, with songs often addressing themes of justice, equality, and romance.

Bragg came into prominence with his debut album "Life's a Riot with Spy Vs Spy" (1983) and firmly established his unique voice in the music industry with subsequent releases like "Talking with the Taxman about Poetry" (1986) and "Workers Playtime" (1988). Throughout his career, Bragg has persisted in pushing the boundaries of music and politics, drawing on folk traditions while maintaining a punk ethos. Some of his recent work, such as "The Million Things That Never Happened" and "I Will Be Your Shield," showcases his enduring ability to produce music with heartfelt melodies, sharp lyrics, and an unyielding commitment to speaking truth to power. His collaborations, like "My Youngest Son Came Home Today" with Michael Stipe, and his support for initiatives like the Pride soundtrack, illustrate his collaborative spirit and how his voice resonates across various platforms and issues. With a career spanning four decades, Billy Bragg remains a vital and influential artist who continues to inspire and provoke with his artistry.

Genres

Anti-folk

Folk Punk

Permanent Wave

Singer-songwriter

Uk Americana

Related Artists

The Clash

The Pogues

The Waterboys

The Smiths

Bruce Springsteen

Elvis Costello

Paul Weller

Bob Dylan

Frank Turner

The Beatles

Ramones

Wilco

Latest Release

The Roaring Forty (1983-2023) [Deluxe Edition]

Billy Bragg

Album - 40 Tracks - Released October 27, 2023