Beginning his recording career in the '80s Billy Bragg struck a singular chord with his "folk punk" sound, and accompanied only by an electric guitar he became regarded as one of the great troubadours. True to both folk and punk tradition, he often penned passionately political songs, and his involvement in grassroots politics extended to activism, speaking out against racism and fascism in society. In 1998, Bragg earned a new generation of listeners when he and Wilco paid tribute to Woody Guthrie on the first disc of their Mermaid Avenue series.