Billy Bragg gets some long overdue respect

Long time punk/folk/social issue artist Billy Bragg was awarded the 2007 Classic Songwriter award this month at Britain’s biggest and most respected music event, the Q Awards.

As reported on the superb music blog, Parasites and Sycophants,
Bragg attended a gala performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The Queen was there to preside over the re-opening of the newly refurbished arts center, and the evening culminated in what is essentially collaboration between Bragg and Beethoven: a performance of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, replete with lyrics penned by Bragg, written to commemorate the re-opening. The Queen loved the performance so much so that she requested a signed copy of the score from Bragg, who was happy to oblige.

With the respect of many fellow musicians (see Johnny Marr, R.E.M., Michelle Shocked, Wilco, etc.) its nice to see him get some recognition from the general public AND royalty.

On a side note, check out Parasites and Sycophants. The BGLC will be keeping an eye on them as a trusted source for excellent music reviews. Cheers!

Johnny Marr now "officially schools" the next generation

As reported by Pitchfork, Johnny Marr has been named Visiting Professor at the University of Salford in Manchester. According to the University website, Professor Marr "will be delivering a series of workshops and masterclasses to students on the BA (Hons) Popular Music and Recording degree at Salford."

This won't be the first time Johnny Marr has "taught" pop music hopefuls how its done. Without a doubt, he is one of the most influential musicians of our time.

It's safe to say that we predict a surge in incoming student applications will be starting right about . . . now.