The Jam bio

The Jam were an English New Wave band active in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were one of the most popular groups of the day, achieving 18 straight Top 40 singles in the UK from their debut in 1977 to their swansong in 1982, including four #1 hits. Two of these 18 singles were available on an import-only basis; they remain the best-selling import singles of all time in the UK. They released six studio albums, the last of which, The Gift, hit #1 on the UK album charts. They also released one live album. Massively popular in Britain, as well as much of the rest of Europe and beyond, they never gained much commercial success in North America, but they did retain a considerable cult following. They drew upon a variety of stylistic influences over the course of their career, including punk rock, British Invasion, American soul, mod music, and even English psychedelia. Despite the group's limited fame in the United States, they remain an influence on American groups such as Green Day. Launching the career of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Paul Weller, who remains a successful solo artist, the trio was known for its melodic pop songs, distinctly English flavour, and mod image. Weller wrote and sang most of the group’s original compositions and played lead Rickenbacker guitar. Bruce Foxton played unusually prominent bass. His basslines are the foundation of many of the group’s songs, including the hits "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight", "The Eton Rifles", and "Town Called Malice". Foxton also provided backing vocals. Rick Buckler played drums.

Source: Wikipedia