Nick Lowe

Biography

Nick Lowe, born in 1949 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, is a highly influential British singer-songwriter, producer, and musician known for his wit, craftsmanship, and versatility. Lowe's musical journey began in the late 1960s when he joined the seminal pub rock band Brinsley Schwarz, where he honed his songwriting and performance skills. The band became a fixture of the UK pub rock scene, releasing six albums and cultivating a loyal following, with Lowe penning classics like '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,' later made famous by Elvis Costello.[3]

After Brinsley Schwarz disbanded, Lowe embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album 'Jesus of Cool' (1978), which showcased his knack for blending power pop, punk, and new wave with clever, subversive lyrics. He also became a sought-after producer, notably shaping the sound of Elvis Costello's early albums and working with artists such as Graham Parker, The Damned, and The Pretenders.[1][2][3][4] Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Lowe continued to release critically acclaimed solo records and played in bands like Rockpile and Little Village, while his later work, beginning with 'The Impossible Bird' (1994), revealed a more mature, reflective songwriting style that cemented his reputation as a 'musician's musician.'[1][2]

Lowe's legacy is defined by his genre-crossing influence, sharp songwriting, and enduring collaborations. His music has inspired generations of artists, and his songs remain staples in both pop and rock repertoires. In recent years, Lowe has enjoyed a 'second act' as a silver-haired, sharp-tongued singer-songwriter, touring and recording with Los Straitjackets and continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Nick Lowe wrote '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,' which became a hit for Elvis Costello and is considered a classic anthem of the new wave era.[3][4]
• He was a member of the influential pub rock band Brinsley Schwarz and later the power pop supergroup Rockpile, both of which helped shape the UK music scene in the 1970s.[3][4]
• Lowe was married to Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, and worked with both Carter and Cash musically.[3]
• In recent years, Lowe has toured and recorded with the masked surf-rock band Los Straitjackets, blending his songwriting with their instrumental prowess.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Brinsley Schwarz (bandmates) - Early musical collaborators and influences during formative years in the pub rock scene (Brinsley Schwarz albums (1970–1974)) [late 1960s–mid 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Elvis Costello - Produced and co-wrote songs; Costello covered Lowe's material (Produced 'My Aim Is True', 'This Year's Model', and more; Costello's cover of '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding') [late 1970s–1980s]
• Dave Edmunds - Bandmate in Rockpile and frequent collaborator (Rockpile albums, solo projects) [late 1970s–early 1980s]
• Graham Parker - Produced albums and collaborated musically (Produced Parker's albums) [late 1970s]
• Los Straitjackets - Touring and recording partner in recent years (Joint tours, EPs, and planned LP) [2010s–present]
• Carlene Carter - Produced albums and was married to Carter (Produced Carter's albums) [late 1970s–1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Elvis Costello - Covered Lowe's songs and adopted Lowe's production style ('My Aim Is True', '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding') [late 1970s–present]
• Wilco - Cited Lowe as a songwriting influence (Wilco's melodic, literate songwriting) [1990s–present]
• The Mavericks - Shared stages and drew inspiration from Lowe's genre-blending style (Collaborative tours) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cruel to Be Kind (Labour of Lust)
2. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Untouched Takeaway)
3. I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass (Jesus of Cool)
4. The Beast in Me (The Impossible Bird)
5. Cracking Up (Labour of Lust)
6. True Love Travels on a Gravel Road (The Impossible Bird)
7. I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)
8. So It Goes (Jesus of Cool)
9. She's Got Soul (The Convincer)
10. Homewrecker (The Convincer)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock, #new-wave, #pop-rock