Who Is Billy Bragg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Billy Bragg, born on December 20, 1957, is a renowned British singer, songwriter, and musician. Over the decades, he has made an indelible mark on the music scene with his blend of punk rock, folk, and political commentary through his lyrics. As of 2025, Billy Bragg is 67 years old, continuing to inspire fans with his passionate and socially conscious music.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1957 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Barking, Essex, England |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Billy Bragg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Billy Bragg stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm). Although his exact weight is not disclosed, it's reported that he maintains a healthy lifestyle reflecting the importance of physical wellbeing in his life. His body measurements are typical for a person of his stature, emphasizing a fit and active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Billy Bragg has been private regarding his personal relationships. As of 2025, it has been reported that he is currently single. He was previously in a long-term relationship but prefers to keep details about his dating life and romantic interests under wraps to focus on his career and personal growth.
In 1986 Bragg released Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, which became his first Top 10 album. Its title is taken from a poem by Vladimir Mayakovsky and a translated version of the poem was printed on the record's inner sleeve.
Back to Basics is a 1987 collection of his first three releases: Life's a Riot with Spy vs Spy, Brewing Up with Billy Bragg, and Between the Wars. He enjoyed his only Number 1 hit single in May 1988, a cover of the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home", a shared A-side with Wet Wet Wet's "With a Little Help from My Friends".
Both were taken from a multi-artist re-recording of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band titled Sgt. Pepper Knew My Father coordinated by the NME in aid of the charity Childline.
Wet Wet Wet's cover dominated radio airplay and its video was shown over four consecutive weeks on Top of the Pops; on the single's first week at number one, Bragg also went on the programme to play his cover, with regular accompanist Cara Tivey on piano.
Net Worth and Salary
Billy Bragg’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025. His earnings mainly come from music sales, performances, and royalties from his lengthy and successful career. Additionally, his involvement in various political and social movements has contributed to his public persona, creating additional income opportunities.
In January 2010, Bragg stated his intention to withhold his income tax as a protest against the Royal Bank of Scotland's plan to pay bonuses of approximately £1,500,000,000 to staff in its investment banking business.
Bragg set up a Facebook group, made appearances on radio and television news programmes, and made a speech at Speakers' Corner in London's Hyde Park saying, "Millions are already facing stark choices: are they willing to work longer hours for less money, or would they rather be unemployed?
I don't see why the bankers at RBS shouldn't be asked the same".
Career, Business and Investments
Bragg's career spans several decades, with his notable debut album "Life's a Riot with Spy vs. Spy" released in 1983. In 2025, he continues to tour and release music that resonates with contemporary social issues. Apart from music, Bragg has authored several books and actively participates in activism, particularly in labor rights and social justice, which reflects his dedication to using his platform for change.
Moreover, his investments in music-related ventures and charitable foundations underline his commitment to supporting emerging artists and social causes.
In 1977, Bragg formed the punk rock/pub rock band Riff Raff with Wiggy. The band decamped to rural Oundle in Northamptonshire in 1978 to record a series of singles (the first on independent Chiswick Records), which did not receive wide exposure. After a period of gigging in Northamptonshire and London, they returned to Barking and split in 1980.
Taking a series of odd jobs including working at Guy Norris' record shop in Barking high street, Bragg became disillusioned with his stalled music career and in May 1981 joined the British Army as a recruit destined for the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars of the Royal Armoured Corps.
After completing three months' basic training, he bought himself out for £175 and returned home.
Social Network
Billy Bragg remains active on social media platforms. His Twitter account (@billybragg) has a significant following, where he shares insights on music, politics, and personal musings. He also has a presence on Instagram and Facebook, allowing him to connect closely with his fans and engage with contemporary issues.
His sixth studio album Don't Try This at Home was recorded in the shadow of the build-up to the Gulf War and subsequent ground war, inspiring the track "Rumours of War". Although there is social comment ("The Few", "North Sea Bubble"), it was intended as a more commercial pop album, released in September 1991.
(Bragg called it "a very long-range attempt to convert the ball between the posts".). The first single was the upbeat "Sexuality", which, despite an accessible video and a dance remix on the B-side, only reached Number 27 on the UK Singles Chart. Following overtures by rival label Chrysalis, Bragg and Jenner had been persuaded by Go!
Discs' Andy and Juliet Macdonald to sign a four-album deal for a million pound advance; in return he would promote the album with singles and videos.
A more commercial sound and aggressive marketing had no appreciable effect on album sales, and after a grueling, 13-month world tour with a full band (the Red Stars, led by Wiggy), and a period of forced convalescence after appendicitis, Bragg left Go!
Discs in summer 1992, paying back the remainder of his advance in return for all rights to his back catalogue.
Education
Billy Bragg's educational background is reflective of his upbringing; he attended school in Essex, England, before beginning his career in music. His experiences and self-education over the years have made him a well-informed artist and commentator, contributing to the depth and relevance of his music.
Bragg was educated at Northbury Junior School and Park Modern Secondary School (now part of Barking Abbey Secondary School) in Barking. He failed his eleven-plus exam. He developed an interest in poetry at age twelve, when his English teacher chose him to read a poem he had written for a homework assignment on a local radio station.
He focused on learning and practising the guitar with his next-door neighbour, Philip Wigg (Wiggy). Some of their influences were the Faces, Small Faces and the Rolling Stones. He was also exposed to folk and folk-rock music during his teenage years, citing Simon & Garfunkel and Bob Dylan as early influences on his songwriting.
