Today: Paul Weller is 55 – Happy Birthday to The Modfather

Paul Weller was born 25 May 1958.  Starting with the Punk/New Wave band The Jam (1972–1982), later Weller went on to branch out musically to a more soulful “cool” style with The Style Council (1983–1989). In 1991 he established himself as a successful solo artist, and continues to remain a respected singer, lyricist and guitarist.

Despite widespread critical recognition, Weller has remained a national rather than an international star, and much of his songwriting is rooted in English culture. That said, he has a devout following in the rest of Europe and abroad. He is also the principal figure of the 1970s and 80s mod revival and is sometimes and respectfully referred to as the Modfather.

 

Here is a great documentary telling the story of Paul Weller’s musical career, Into tomorrow (BBC):

My favorite Paul Weller album is Stanley Road and it is today’s chosen album:

Other May-25:

Salute Mr. Storyteller!

Thomas “Tom T.” Hall (born May 25, 1936, in Olive Hill, Kentucky) is an American country music singer-songwriter. He has written 11 #1 hit songs, with 26 more that reached the Top 10, including the pop crossover hit “I Love”, which reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. He became known to fans as “The Storyteller,” thanks to his storytelling skills in his songwriting.

Here is a fantastic version of The Year Clayton Delaine Died from  2011 :

Willie “Sonny Boy” Williamson (possibly December 5, 1912 – May 25, 1965) was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, from Mississippi. He is acknowledged as one of the most charismatic and influential blues musicians, with considerable prowess on the harmonica and highly creative songwriting skills. He recorded successfully in the 1950s and 1960s, and had a direct influence on later blues and rock performers. He should not be confused with another leading blues performer, John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson, who died in 1948.

– Hallgeir

Sources: Wikipedia, Allmusic, BBC

 

Hallgeir

Recent Posts

“All Dylan” Blog will merge with “Born To Listen” Blog

alldylan.com will merge with borntolisten.com. Please check out borntolisten.com & subscribe.

4 years ago

Bob Dylan – Mutineer (Warren Zevon) @ Hartford, Connecticut 2002

Bob Dylan performing Warren Zevon's wonderful "Mutineer".

4 years ago

January 21: Bob Dylan Recorded One Of His Best Songs “She’s Your Lover Now” in 1966

On January 21, 1966 Bob Dylan recorded one of his best songs "She's Your Lover…

4 years ago

November 30: Bob Dylan recorded “Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?” in 1965

Bob Dylan recorded "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?" on November 30, 1965. Here…

4 years ago

Bob Dylan Sings Gordon Lightfoot – Happy Birthday Gordon Lightfoot

Happy 81st Birthday Gordon Lightfoot (November 17, 1938). This post includes audio of Bob Dylan…

4 years ago

Bob Dylan Sings Neil Young’s Old Man (3 versions)

Bob Dylan covers Neil Young's "Old Man" - 3 versions from 2002.

4 years ago