 John Graham Mellor (August 21, 1952 – December 22, 2002) better known as Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer of the English punk rock band The Clash, The Mescaleros and (temporarily) The Pogues, in addition to his own solo music career. -TheCrow- The former Clash frontman died today, 15 years ago, at his home in Somerset, victim of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. His estate was valued at just under £1 million, and he left all the money to his wife Lucinda. His body was cremated, and his ashes were given to his family. U2 singer Bono called the Clash "the greatest rock band" and said they "wrote the rule book" for later acts. Billy Bragg said Strummer was the driving force who helped give punk its "political edge". Writer Jon Savage said: "In 1977, the Clash did one of the best live shows I've ever seen. Joe Strummer in particular gave it his all - and thereby inspired a whole generation." Born in Ankara, Turkey and the son of a diplomat, Strummer, whose real name was Mellor, was middle class and public school educated but became a hugely admired figure as the musical voice of rebellion. The Clash scored 16 top 40 hits including Rock the Casbah, Bankrobber and I Fought the Law. Should I Stay or Should I Go? reached number one after the group split up when it was used in a Levi's ad. The group's third album London Calling was named the greatest album of the 80s by Rolling Stone magazine - even though it was released in 1979. Below a gallery of Joe's photos.
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 James Douglas "Jim" Morrison - Born on December 8, 1943, in Melbourne, Florida, was an American rock singer and songwriter. He studied film at UCLA, where he met the members of what would become the Doors. The band, combining Jim's darkly poetic lyrics and outlandish stage presence with their unique and eclectic brand of psychedelic rock music, released a flurry of hit albums and songs. "Light My Fire" remains The Doors' most popular song, and still is in the list of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. In December 1967, they released their sophomore album, Strange Days, which featured the smash hit "Love Me Two Times" as well as "People are Strange" and "When the Music's Over." Months later, in 1968, they released a third album, Waiting for the Sun, highlighted by "Hello, I Love You," "Love Street" and "Five to One." They went on to record three more popular and groundbreaking albums over the next three years: The Soft Parade (1969),Morrison Hotel (1970) and L.A. Woman (1971). Jim spent nearly the entirety of his adult life with Pamela Courson, and although he briefly married a music journalist named Patricia Kennealy in a Celtic Pagan ceremony in 1970, he left everything to Pam in his will. In 1971 Morrison left the Doors to write poetry and moved to Paris, where he died of heart failure. - TheCrow - Below a gallery with some pictures of Jim. |
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