Bragg, Billy (1957- )

English rock and pop musician who is also known for his political views. His music, featuring stark guitar and passionate lyrics, is about British political and social themes, and albums include Brewing up with Billy (1984) and The Internationale (1990). In 1984 Bragg helped to form the ‘Red Wedge’, a collective of left-wing British musicians which also included Paul Weller.

Bragg was born in Barking, Essex. After his first band Riff Raff disbanded in 1981, he joined the army before paying to leave and become a solo artist. He recorded a cover of the Beatle's ‘She's Leaving Home’ in 1988 for the British charity Children in Need. Other albums include his debut EP Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy (1983), Don't Try this at Home (1991), and William Bloke (1996).