Joe Strummer was the stage name of John Graham Mellor, a British singer, musician, and songwriter who lived from 21 August 1952 to 22 December 2002. He was a founding member, co-lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and lyricist of the punk rock group the Clash, which was formed in 1976. Give ‘Em Enough Rope, the Clash’s second album from 1978, peaked at No. 2 in the UK charts. They soon found success in the US, beginning with London Calling (1979) and reaching their zenith with Combat Rock (1982), which peaked at No. 7 and was given a 2 platinum certification there. Rock music in general, and alternative rock in particular, have been greatly influenced by the explosive political lyrics, musical experimentation, and defiant attitude of The Clash. Reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, and rockabilly were all elements of their music.
Joe Strummer parents: Meet Anna Mackenzie, John Graham Mellor
Strummer was born John Graham Mellor on August 21, 1952 in Ankara, Turkey. His parents were Scottish and English. Born and raised in Bonar Bridge, the daughter of a crofter, his mother Anna Mackenzie (1915–1986) eventually trained as a nurse. His father, Ronald Ralph Mellor MBE (1916–1984), was a clerical officer who subsequently rose to the rank of second secretary in the foreign service. Ronald Ralph Mellor was born in Lucknow, India, where his own father served as a railway official. Strummer descended from a German-Jewish great-grandmother and an Armenian great-grandfather via his father.
