445. Billy Bragg

Armed with a guitar and brilliant lyrics Billy Bragg was not like any other Folk singer. Dubbed by some as a proponent of Anti-Folk or Alternative Folk, Bragg sung about issues that touched his native England in a Punk like tone. A brilliant lyricist, Bragg’s songs could evoke multiple emotions all while delivering them in a sardonic wit that was uniquely his own. The high regard he had in England did not translate into the United States as he spoke primarily of British context. Likely, this fact will keep him out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

2008

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (Essex, England)

Why He Will Get In:

He did develop a unique hybrid of music.

Why He Won’t Get In:

He is virtually unknown in the United States.

Nominated In:

Never

Essential Albums:

Life’s A Riot with Spy VS Spy (1983)

Brewing Up with Billy Bragg (1984)

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry (1986)

Mermaid Avenue (1998)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

A New England (From Life’s A Riot With Spy VS Spy, 1983)

The Guitar Says Sorry (From Brewing Up with Billy Bragg, 1984)

Levi Stubb’s Tears (From Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, 1986)

Sexuality (From Don’t Try This at Home, 1991)

California Stars (From Mermaid Avenue, 1998)

www.billybragg.com.uk