Joe Strummer

John Graham Mellor 21 August 1952 22 December 2002 known professionally as Joe Strummer was a British musician He was the cofounder lyricist rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of punk rock band the Clash formed in 1976 The Clashs second studio album Give Em Enough Rope 1978 reached No 2 on the UK charts Soon after they achieved success in the US starting with London Calling 1979 and peaking with Combat Rock 1982 which reached No 7 on the US charts and was certified 2 platinum there The Clashs explosive political lyrics musical experimentation and rebellious attitude greatly influenced rock music in general especially alternative rock Their music incorporated punk with reggae ska dub funk rap and rockabilly Strummers other career highlights included stints with the 101ers the Latino Rockabilly War the Mescaleros and the Pogues as well as solo music His work as a musician allowed him to explore other interests such as acting scoring television shows and films and hosting the BBC Radio show London Calling Strummer and the Clash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2003 In his remembrance Strummers friends and family established the Joe Strummer Foundation initially known as Strummerville a nonprofit organisation that gives opportunities to musicians and supports projects around the world that create empowerment through music