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Billy Bragg: Still a True Voice for the Working Class

Edward Reed

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A Review of "Billy Bragg: Still Suitable for Miners"

Billy Bragg: Still Suitable For Miners Book Cover Billy Bragg: Still Suitable For Miners

Billy Bragg is a singer-songwriter who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and workers' rights throughout his career. His music is often described as "political folk" or "protest music," and he has been compared to Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Bragg's songs are often full of humor and wit, but they also tackle serious issues such as poverty, inequality, and war.

Billy Bragg: Still Suitable for Miners

by Andrew Collins

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1269 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages

In his book "Still Suitable for Miners," Bragg tells the story of his life and career, from his working-class roots in Essex, England, to his rise to fame as a singer-songwriter. Bragg writes about his experiences as a political activist, his struggles with mental health, and his relationships with other musicians. The book is full of insights into Bragg's life and work, and it is a must-read for fans of his music and anyone interested in the history of protest music.

Bragg was born in 1957 in Barking, Essex, England. His father was a sheet-metal worker and his mother was a housewife. Bragg grew up in a working-class family, and he was exposed to political activism from a young age. His father was a member of the Communist Party, and his mother was a trade unionist. Bragg's parents taught him the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and they instilled in him a strong sense of social justice.

Bragg began playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. He was influenced by folk singers such as Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, and he soon began to write songs about his own experiences as a working-class youth. Bragg's songs were often critical of the government and the establishment, and he quickly developed a reputation as a political songwriter.

In 1983, Bragg released his debut album, "Life's a Riot with Spy vs. Spy." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Bragg as one of the leading voices of the British folk revival. Bragg's music was often played on college radio stations and pirate radio stations, and he soon began to build a following among young people.

Bragg's second album, "Brewing Up with Billy Bragg," was released in 1984. The album was even more successful than his debut, and it helped to cement Bragg's reputation as a major songwriter. Bragg's songs were praised for their wit, intelligence, and passion, and he was soon being hailed as the new Woody Guthrie.

Bragg continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He became known for his political activism, and he often used his music to support causes such as workers' rights, peace, and environmental protection. Bragg also became involved in the anti-apartheid movement, and he helped to organize a boycott of South African goods.

In 2002, Bragg was awarded the Free Download of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of Sussex and the University of East Anglia.

Bragg continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice and workers' rights. He is a patron of the Workers' Educational Association, and he is a member of the Socialist Workers Party. Bragg's music continues to inspire people around the world, and he remains one of the most important voices in protest music today.

In "Still Suitable for Miners," Bragg tells the story of his life and career with honesty and humor. He writes about his struggles with mental health, his relationships with other musicians, and his experiences as a political activist. The book is full of insights into Bragg's life and work, and it is a must-read for fans of his music and anyone interested in the history of protest music.

Billy Bragg: Still Suitable for Miners

by Andrew Collins

4.7 out of 5