Redemption Song: The Ballad of Joe Strummer Book

The Clash were--and still are--one of the most important groups of the late 70s and early 80s. Indebted to rockabilly, reggae, Memphis soul, cowboy justice, and 60's protest, the overtly political band railed against war, racism, and a dead-end economy and in the process imparted a conscience to punk. Their eponymous first record and London Calling still rank in Rolling Stone’s Top Ten best albums of all time and they were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Joe Strummer was The Clash’s front man and his surprising and untimely death in December 2002 has served to only further solidify his iconic status. Chris Salewicz was a friend to Strummer for close to three decades and as a music journalist has covered The Clash’s career and the entire punk movement from its beginnings. He has used his vantage point to write the definitive biography of Strummer--one that examines by turns both Strummer’s and punk’s ongoing cultural influence.Read More