Billy Bragg

Cast · Writer

Born

December 20, 1957 · Barking, Essex, England, UK

Birth name

Stephen William Bragg

Billy Bragg - the so-called 'Bard of Barking' - came to widespread attention as a sort of one-man Clash, busking around Britain, with a guitar and portable amp. Having briefly joined the Army, Bragg formed a punk band, Riff Raff, but it was not until he released his first mini-LP, "Life's a Riot" on the small Utility label, that he first troubled the UK charts with the protest EP, "Between the Wars". Further minor chart success followed (including an unlikely number 1 with a charity cover version of the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home" and a collaboration with members of REM) and critical acclaim was never far away. Bragg was a founder member of Red Wedge, the music coalition which supported the Labour Party in the 1987 election, and a supporter of many humanitarian and left-wing causes, but has since withdrawn overt support for New Labour. Settled down and with a small son, Jack, Bragg has completed the "William Bloke" LP and toured.