On This Day: The Legendary Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr

The legendary Johnny Marr, born John Martin Maher, is a renowned musician, songwriter, and singer from Manchester, England. His contribution to the world of music is immense and his innovative style has influenced countless musicians around the globe. Marr’s unique blend of punk, rock and pop has given him a distinctive sound that has helped shape the music landscape over the past four decades.

Born on October 31, 1963 in Manchester, Johnny Marr began his journey in music at an early age. He co-founded The Smiths, considered one of the most important bands in the history of British music, along with Morrissey in 1982. Their outstanding collaboration resulted in four critically acclaimed albums before they disbanded in 1987. Marr’s innovative guitar work combined with Morrissey’s lyrics made The Smiths one of the defining bands of their era.

The Smiths

After the dissolution of The Smiths, Marr’s musical journey continued to thrive. He collaborated with a diverse range of musicians and bands including The Pretenders, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse, and The Cribs. His versatility as a musician and songwriter is evident in these collaborations.

In 2013, Marr ventured into solo music and released his debut album The Messenger. His solo work showcases his talents as a singer in addition to his widely recognized skills as a guitarist and songwriter. His work has not only garnered commercial success but also won him accolades like the “Godlike Genius” award from NME in 2013.

Johnny Marr’s continuous evolution as a musician keeps him relevant even today. His impact on music extends beyond his work as a musician, songwriter and singer. He stands as an inspiration for aspiring artists who aim to leave their mark on the world of music.

Curated by Jennifer