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Coffee Break: Joe Strummer

Joe Strummer with Mick Jones and drummer Topper Headon of The Clash on stage at the Rainbow Theatre in London during their 'White Riot' tour, on May 14, 1977.
Joe Strummer with Mick Jones and drummer Topper Headon of The Clash on stage at the Rainbow Theatre in London during their 'White Riot' tour, on May 14, 1977.Chris Moorhouse/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

by Jill Riley and Anna Weggel

August 21, 2020

We want to put this spotlight on the late Joe Strummer of The Clash, who was born on this day in 1952 and passed away in 2002. Today would have been his 68th birthday.

We're excited to be joined by Craig Finn this morning to talk about a virtual show he's taking place in today called "A Song For Joe: Celebrating the Life of Joe Strummer" which will honor Strummer's legacy with special performances from Albert Hammond Jr., Bruce Springsteen, Cherry Glazerr, DJ Scratchy, Frank Turner, The Interrupters, Josh Homme, Lucinda Williams, Tom Morello and more, plus feature never-before-seen live footage of Joe Strummer.

The two-hour event is free to watch at JoeStrummer.com and the Official Joe Strummer YouTube page. Event organizers are requesting donations which will benefit Save Our Stages, a grassroots effort organized by the National Independent Venue Association.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from the world of Joe Strummer?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs played

The Clash - Washington Bullets
Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros - Coma Girl
The Clash - London Calling
The 101ers - Letsagetabitarockin'
Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer - Redemption Song (With Joe Strummer)
The 101ers - Motor Boys Motor
The Clash - White Riot
The Clash - Rock the Casbah