b. John Graham Mellor, 21 August 1952, Ankara, Turkey, d. 22 December 2002, Broomfield, Somerset, England. Strummer, one of the key figures on the UK punk scene in the mid-70s, was born the son of a British diplomat stationed in Turkey. After a period spent busking in London, Strummer joined pub rock outfit the 101ers in 1974. He stayed with this band for two years before, inspired by a Sex Pistols show, he left to form the Clash with Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. One of the original UK punk bands, the Clash soon progressed beyond the genre's limited range, embracing rock and reggae and enjoying a series of transatlantic hit singles in the late 70s and early 80s.
The original Clash line-up splintered in 1983 with the departure of drummer Topper Headon and Jones, and after the dismal Cut The Crap (1985) Strummer and Simonon elected to also call it a day. Strummer went on to tour with Latino Rockabilly War and play rhythm guitar with the Pogues, but mainly concentrated on acting and soundtrack work. He wrote two songs for Alex Cox's Sid Vicious biopic, Sid And Nancy, and acted in the director's Straight To Hell and Walker (he also composed the memorable soundtrack for the latter). Notable acting roles in Candy Mountain and Jim Jarmusch's Mystery Train followed, and there was also soundtrack work for Permanent Record.
Strummer's first solo album, 1989's Earthquake Weather, dabbled in world music but lacked the passion of his work with the Clash. A quiet period ensued before Strummer appeared on Black Grape's 1996 single, "England's Irie". The following year he delved into his new wave roots for the soundtrack to Grosse Point Blank, but in tandem with his new backing band the Mescaleros he was now exploring world music styles in the studio. His first solo album in 10 years, Rock Art And The X-Ray Style, was released to widespread acclaim in 1999. The follow-up Global A Go-Go pursued a similar direction, confirming a passion for musical exploration first exhibited over 20 years previously on the Clash's Sandinista!. The album also rekindled his lyrical edge with a series of well-timed attacks on globalisation.
Strummer died a very un-rock 'n' roll death. On 22 December 2002, following a walk with his dog in the Somerset countryside, he had a fatal heart attack at his house. Strummer's credibility never faltered and he retained all the values he so brilliantly communicated during the heyday of the Clash.
