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Stephen William Bragg (born December 20, 1957), known as Billy Bragg, is a British musician known for his blend of folk, punk-rock, and protest music, and his poetic lyrics dealing with political as well as romantic themes. He has been active for over 20 years, and has collaborated with many other leading musicians, including Johnny Marr of The Smiths, protest folk singer Leon Rosselson, members of R.E.M., Less Than Jake, Kirsty MacColl, and Wilco.
Brief biography
Early years
Billy Bragg was born in a district of Essex that is now part of Greater London. He grew up in the district of Barking, which he has always considered his home. However, his successful career was to take him across the globe, singing songs of freedom and advocating social change. Although now living in a small village in Dorset, he is still associated with his London roots and is sometimes known, jocularly, as "the bard of Barking".Attending a comprehensive school, Bragg had an undistinguished educational career. One source states that he excelled only in English. He left school with few qualifications, but determined to do something with his life. He joined his next-door neighbour, Wiggy, to practise guitar. They would teach each other new riffs from their widening record collection. Their main influences in the early 1970s were The Faces, The Small Faces, The Rolling Stones and eventually, punk (and The Clash in particular). In 1977 they formed a punk/pub rock band called Riff Raff and toured London's pubs and clubs. The band also practised in a farm house in the county of Northamptonshire, and released a series of singles. However these records didn't receive wide exposure and the band failed.
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Adrian's Album Reviews: Billy Bragg - Short reviews with ratings for several of his albums.
Atlantic Records: Billy Bragg - Label site with discography, lyrics, audio clips, and messageboard.
Billy Bragg - Official site offers news, discography, articles, tour information, photos, lyrics, forum, e-mail list and merchandise.
Meta Description: [ Comprehensive web site about singer songwriter Billy Bragg - news, tour dates, shop, articles, gallery, lyrics, songs, new releases, mp3 downloads, forums ]
Billy Bragg at Detroit LaborFest '98 - Live concert in RealAudio format. Also contains links and an interview with the Detroit Metro Times.
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Meta Description: [ Billy Bragg Guitar Tabs ]
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Billy Bragg Lyrical Wonder - Lyrics sorted by song and mis-quotes.
Bragg Merchandising - News and ordering information.
Braggtopia! - Includes a comprehensive discography and links.
Meta Description: [ Braggtopia! - The Ultimate Billy Bragg Website ]
Launch: Exile on Mermaid Avenue - Interview regarding his new album Mermaid Avenue, and of the influence Woody Guthrie has had on his own life and song writing.
Meta Description: [ Yahoo! Music is the best source of information about Billy Bragg, including ringtones, bio, downloads, radio, photos, discography, similar artists, news, reviews, interviews, groups, fans, websites, and more ]
Man in The Sand - A Talk with Nora Guthrie - An interview with Woody Guthrie's daughter on his life and music, and the Mermaid Avenue/Man in the Sand project.
Meta Description: [ DVD Talk no-nonsense movie news and information about DVDs including - DVD reviews, news, bargains, release schedules, coupons, and discussion areas. ]
Salon: Songs of Innocence and Experience - Article by Gavin McNett with a brief history and explanation of Billy Bragg's appeal.
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The Billy Bragg Email List's Digest Archives - A collection of everything posted on the Billy Bragg e-mail list.
The Billy Bragg Page - A collection of stuff not usually found elsewhere, including photos, reviews, and song clips.
The Zobbel Braggsite - Discography, interviews, details on the John Peel sessions, bibliography, chartography and links.
Meta Description: [ A site to provide information about British musician Billy Bragg and related material, including links to other BB websites ]
Yahoo Group: Billy Bragg - Chat and message board not just about Billy Bragg but things political as well. Yahoo membership required.
Meta Description: [ billybragg: The Billy Bragg Mailing List ]
| Billy Bragg with Ian McLagan performing "Waiting For the Great Leap Forwards" on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson ... | |
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