Today's Tune: "I Fought The Law" By The Clash

Joe Strummer performing with The Mescaleros in San Diego, CA July 7, 2002.
Photo taken by Shoghi Fret.

Although considered English, Joe Strummer (Real Name: John Graham Mellor) was born in Turkey on August 21, 1952 to a family of mixed heritage. He spent most of his growing years in England, but lived in several other widely varied countries as well. Strummer (Died December 22, 2002) is mostly known as songwriter, guitarist and singer for The Clash. He also spent time with The 101ers (before The Clash), Big Audio Dynamite, The Pouges and The Mescaleros (3 albums). Today we offer "I Fought The Law" by The Clash.

Other August 21 births: 1938 - American singer, songwriter and actor Kenny Rogers ("The Gambler", "She Believes In Me", "Through The Years"), 1952 - English bass player and singer Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) and in 1989 - American actress Hayden Panettiere ('A Bug's Life', Malcolm In The Middle, Heroes).

The Clash - "I Fought The Law"

R.I.P. Joe, The Future Is Still Unwritten

Photo by Barry Brecheisen from RollingStone.com.

Rest in peace Joe, the future is still unwritten. There are still many of us enjoying your music, and wishing you were still around making it. For what you gave us when you were here and since you've left us, Thank You.

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From Wikipedia:


John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), better known as Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer of the English punk rock band The Clash. He was also a member of the The 101'ers, The Mescaleros and (temporarily) The Pogues. ...

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Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros - "London Calling" at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, NY in 1999.

Glenn Hughes And Joe Strummer Together?

Glenn Hughes on 'Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp Tour'
Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN Aug. 11, 2008
Photo by Stan Jackson of Double Exposure Media

As far as I know, Glenn Hughes and Joe Strummer never played music together. Besides both of them being singers and musicians, they probably haven't had much in common. But they were both born on August 21st, and that gives me an excuse to post something about the two of them.

Glenn Hughes has been a bassist / vocalist for Trapeze and Deep Purple. He also was briefly lead singer for Black Sabbath, but that and other jobs afterwards didn't last as drug addiction and health problems began to derail his career by the late 1980's. By the early 1990's, he was headed back to the clean, sober life his health badly needed. Thankfully, he's been involved in some fine collaborative and solo efforts since then. Glenn is on tour in the States right now.

Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros
Last show - Liverpool, England Nov. 22, 2002
Photo by Graham Jones

Unfortunately, Joe Strummer passed away December 22, 2002 because of a congenital heart defect. He was a co-founder and a lead singer of Punk Rock's most remembered band, The Clash. He also wrote songs and played rhythm guitar for the band and was involved in other projects too. Joe was heavily involved in environmental efforts, some of the efforts he was a part of are still going strong.

Glenn Hughes w/ Dave Navarro, Chad Smith - "Soul Mover"

Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros - "Redemption Song"
Joe's cover of song by Bob Marley