Paul Weller
Paul Weller | |
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 Weller performing at the Cactus Festival, Bruges, Belgium, 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John William Weller |
| Born | 25 May 1958 Woking, England |
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| Years active | 1972–present |
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Biography
Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter, and musician, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British music. Born on May 25, 1958, in Woking, Surrey, Weller rose to fame in the late 1970s as the frontman of The Jam, a punk-influenced band known for its sharp lyrics, working-class sensibility, and energetic sound. With hits like Going Underground, Town Called Malice, and That's Entertainment, The Jam captured the voice of a generation and became one of the UK’s most successful bands of the era.
After disbanding The Jam in 1982 at the height of its popularity, Weller surprised fans by forming The Style Council, a more soulful and jazz-influenced project. Through the 1980s, The Style Council explored political themes and musical experimentation, with songs like Shout to the Top and Walls Come Tumbling Down! continuing Weller’s role as a socially conscious artist.
By the 1990s, Weller had launched a successful solo career, blending rock, soul, and folk influences. Albums like Wild Wood (1993) and Stanley Road (1995) earned him a new generation of fans and cemented his reputation as "The Modfather"—a nod to his enduring influence on British style and sound. His solo work has remained consistently strong, with a prolific output well into the 2020s.
Known for his refusal to chase trends, Weller has always followed his artistic instincts, earning both critical respect and loyal audiences. He has received multiple Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award for lifetime achievement.
Paul Weller’s impact on British music spans more than four decades. From punk to soul to mature solo artistry, his evolution reflects both personal growth and a deep commitment to musical integrity. He remains a vital and respected figure in modern music.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2007)
- Tin Soldier - Small Faces
- September in the Rain - Dinah Washington
- Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul - Charles Mingus
- Don't Be A Dropout - James Brown
- Arabesque No. 1 - Claude Debussy
- Galileo (Someone Like You) - Declan O’Rourke
- River Man - Nick Drake
- That's Enough - Roscoe Robinson [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Absolute Beginners - Colin MacInnes [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Paul Weller". Desert Island Discs. 16 December 2007. BBC.