The Clash

The Clash was the first punk-rock band to leap from underground acclaim to massive mainstream success. Forming in 1976 in England, amid an economic recession and a period of social unrest, The Clash set out to capture the explosive energy of a riot through punk rock. They questioned authority, but along with their anger was a playful sense of the beauty of diverse cultures and styles of music. They added elements of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, reggae, hip-hop, and jazz to their songs, stretching the boundaries of what could be considered punk. Though The Clash disbanded in 1985, the group's message of justice for all continues to influence politically conscious artists of today who view music as a vehicle for social change. Book jacket.

Brian J. Bowe is a writer who has worked in journalism and public relations; he has also taught journalism at the college level. He has had a lifelong obsession with a broad range of music.