Born on this day in 1952, John Graham Mellor, aka Joe Strummer, would have turned 72. The English musician, singer/songwriter, actor and most notably the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of The Clash is regarded as one of the most influential figures of the punk era. Sadly we lost Joe on December 22nd, 2002, the victim of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect, at the age of 50. Joe was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with The Clash in 2003.
In his memory, check out the Planet Rock documentary profile on Joe (above) as well as a few of my favorite videos from The Clash. (below)