• 1973-1982

  Paul WellerVocals, guitar

  Bruce FoxtonBass, vocals

  Rick BucklerDrums
• The Jam formed in Surrey England. They were one of Punk and New Wave's best-loved groups. They hold the record for the most simultaneous UK Top 75 singles ever, with 13. They all entered the chart in January 1983, following the band's dissolution in December 1982.
• Their career got off to a good start. After being spotted playing at a street market in London's Soho, they were asked to open for the Sex Pistols. The Jam signed to Polydor records in 1977.
• Following the split of The Jam, Bruce Foxton spent a lot of time producing Stiff Little Fingers, eventually becoming their bassist. Rick Buckler, the drummer, opened an antiques shop. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Chris - London, England
• The band's debut chart hit "In The City" is pure Punk Rock, and spent 14 weeks in the listings, but never rose higher than #40.
• Bassist Bruce Foxton had three minor single chart entries on Arista Records after going solo. The top achiever of the trio was entitled "Freak" (1983). >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Derek - Hull, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

• Andrew from Ashford, EnglandThe Jam, and Paul Weller in particular is a musical legend. Other than Mcartney,Lennon and perhaps Dylan, he is the best. Songs ranging from In The City, to Thats Entertainment are testament to the quality of this band.
• Martin from Sydney, AustraliaGary Numan (see "Cars" and "Are 'Friends' Electric") says he had an audition to be in The Jam, but he failed it when they wouldn't let him use his distortion pedal. He later formed his own band and had multiple UK No.1 hits, so he obviously didn't let the rejection get to him too much.

More Songfacts:

AllentownBilly Joel

Billy Joel's song "Allentown" was written as "Levittown," which is the town in Long Island where he grew up. He got the idea to change it after taking a trip to Pennsylvania.

American PieDon McLean

The only cover of "American Pie" to chart is by Madonna, whose 2000 version was a minor hit in America but went to #1 in the UK.

Run To YouBryan Adams

"Run To You" by Bryan Adams was written for Blue Oyster Cult, and the guitar part is modeled after "Don't Fear The Reaper." BOC turned it down, so Adams recorded it for his album Reckless.

Hey NineteenSteely Dan

Steely Dan's engineer, Roger Nichols, built one of the first drum machines, which they used on "Hey Nineteen."

HeavenThe Psychedelic Furs

"Heaven" by The Psychedelic Furs sounds upbeat, but is about an impending nuclear bombardment.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is based on billboards John Lennon and Yoko Ono posted two years earlier declaring "War Is Over! If You Want It."

Editor's Picks

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.