Stephen William Bragg (born December 20, 1957 in Essex, England), better known as Billy Bragg, is an English musician who blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs. His lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes. His music career has lasted more than 20 years, and he has collaborated with Johnny Marr, Leon Rosselson, members of R.E.M., Michelle Shocked, Less Than Jake, Kirsty MacColl, and Wilco. Bragg often plays and speaks at the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival. Bragg Close, in Dagenham, is named in his honour.http://streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=546670&y=184691&z=1&sv=bragg&st=6&tl=Bragg+Close,+Dagenham,+Essex,+RM8&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srfhttp://www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk/2-citizen/citizen-menu.cfm?ID=1076 Career In 1977, Bragg formed a punk rock/pub rock band called Riff Raff and toured London's pubs and clubs. The band released a series of singles, which did not receiv