A Happy Birthday to Joe Strummer!

On this day, 56 years ago, history would forever be unwritten.

John Graham Mellor, better known by most as Joe Strummer, was born August 21, 1952 in Ankara, Turkey. Most know the story by now -- the son of a diplomat and school teacher, the young Mellor made his way throughout England's most prestigious public school as an outcast in the way of a true punk rocker, rebelling against education in favor of music, listening to the Who and Rolling Stones rather than studying for math, and ultimately choosing to go to a more free-thinking art school, against the will of his father. Eventually, Mellor found a guitar and a name, then the 101ers, and finally, Bernie Rhodes, and well, the rest is the history.

On a day in which we remember one of rock's great pioneers, its hard not to think of what could have been. What if the Clash had never broken up, instead defying the wishes of Rhodes, and continuing to experiment and dabble in music styles that would forever transcend the genre? What if Strummer's solo work had been accepted sooner? What if that impromptu reunion on November 22, 2002 foreshadowed the future, marking Mick Jones' willingness to corporate with Strummer's dreams of a full-fledged return of the Clash?

But then, like so many other greats, part of Joe Strummer's legacy is the aura of uncertainty, the unanswered questions surrounding a musician whose potential and talents far exceeded even his persona. Instead, as I sit back and listen to his passionate words that brilliantly echo throughout so many of my favorite songs, I like to think of what Strummer did do -- the sounds, the styles, the wisdom that he delivered for nearly 30 years. He defined what it is to be a modern day frontman, the need for not only a larger than life attitude, but the ability to deliver a message in such a way that the sincerity and passion can't help but leave you speechless. During his time with both the Clash and as a solo artist, he crossed genre lines, willing to experiment in every form of music, from reggae and hip-hop to traditional afrobeat and tropical folk - ultimately inspiring many others, not only punk bands, to diversify their style. Even at the end of his life, Strummer was as persistent and stubborn as he was in the days before joining the Clash, never willing to give up on a lyric, a song, a belief, regardless of the doubters or lack of success.

These are just a few of the so many characteristics that make Joe Strummer a role model for not only myself, but countless others. You don't have to be a musician or even a fan to appreciate Strummer and realize his importance and influence even today. In fact, his legacy is still being written, just as Strummer probably would have wanted it. 

Comments

[Joey Gaynor]

Joe was really a genuinely cool guy. I had the pleasure and honor to open for him at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, Ca. in the early '90's and his crowd was amazing to perform for. They not only dug great music but to my surprise were really into a comedian opening for Joe. I had no idea he was watching my show from the light booth and when he took the stage to an SRO crowd, who were wildly cheering chanting his name, he stepped up to the mic and said Quote, " Great to be here tonight, and before we start, let's have another round of applause for our opener Joey gaynor, he was one funny guy!" and proceeded to lead the applause. This was unprecedented as for as my experience opening for rock acts and showed not only class but how much he appreciated his fellow performers. Unfortunatley like many great rockers with a heart and soul, he left the planet far too early, but my memories of working with him and hanging out will always be cheerished. God Bless you Joe, we all miss you, and may you always ROCK THE CASBAH, BABY!!!!!!!