Johnny Marr is an English musician, songwriter, and guitarist best known for his work as a guitarist and co-songwriter of the legendary British rock band, The Smiths. Marr has also been involved in several other successful music projects and has been recognized as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
Marr was born on October 31, 1963, in Ardwick, Manchester, England. He grew up in a working-class family and started playing guitar at a young age. In the early 1980s, he formed The Smiths with Morrissey, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce. The band’s unique sound, which blended Marr’s jangly guitar riffs with Morrissey’s lyrics and vocals, quickly gained a following and helped to define the sound of British indie rock in the 1980s.
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Marr continued to make music and work with other artists. He played guitar on several albums by The Pretenders and The The, and also formed a new band, Electronic, with New Order’s Bernard Sumner. Electronic released several successful albums in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In addition to his work with The Smiths and Electronic, Marr has released several solo albums, including “The Messenger” (2013) and “Call the Comet” (2018). He has also worked as a session musician and collaborator with artists such as Modest Mouse, The Cribs, and Hans Zimmer.
Marr has been widely recognized for his innovative guitar playing and songwriting. He has been named one of the greatest guitarists of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and NME. In 2019, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Smiths.
In addition to his music career, Marr has also been involved in political activism and has been an outspoken critic of the Conservative Party in the UK. He is a supporter of various charitable causes and has worked with organizations such as Musicians Against Homelessness and War Child UK.
Overall, Johnny Marr’s contributions to music and culture have been significant and enduring. His work with The Smiths and other projects has had a lasting impact on the indie rock and alternative music scenes, and his innovative guitar playing continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
Johnny Marr has been married twice. He was first married to Angie Brown, an artist and musician, from 1986 to 2011. The couple had two children together, a son named Nile and a daughter named Sonny. Marr has spoken in interviews about his love and admiration for his ex-wife, describing her as his best friend.
After his divorce from Brown, Marr married his second wife, Doviak, a former journalist, in 2014. The couple reportedly met while Marr was working on his autobiography. They have since worked together on several music projects, including the soundtrack for the film “Inception.”
Marr has generally kept his personal life private and has not shared many details about his relationships or romantic history in interviews or in the media.
Here are some notable quotes by Johnny Marr:
“I’m not interested in being a famous guitarist. I’m interested in playing and creating great music.”
“I think the best music is made by people who are searching for something that’s elusive.”
“The most important thing in music is to be honest and authentic.”
“When I’m writing a song, I’m looking for something that’s going to make me feel good when I play it.”
“I don’t want to be known for just one thing. I want to be known for being versatile and able to do lots of different things.”
“I’ve never been interested in playing guitar solos. I’m more interested in creating a sound and a feeling.”
“Music is the most powerful thing there is. It has the power to heal, to uplift, to inspire.”
“The best songs are the ones that are universal, that speak to people from all walks of life.”
“I think it’s important to be curious and open-minded about music. There’s always something new to discover.”
“Playing music is a way of expressing myself and connecting with other people. It’s the thing that makes me feel most alive.”
Here are some notable quotes about Johnny Marr by others:
“Johnny Marr is one of the most unique and talented guitarists in the world.” – Noel Gallagher
“Johnny’s guitar playing is absolutely magical. He has a way of making every note count and creating these incredible soundscapes.” – Brandon Flowers
“Johnny Marr is a guitar god. He has a sound and style that is instantly recognizable and unforgettable.” – Bernard Sumner
“Johnny Marr is one of the most creative and innovative musicians of his generation. He has a real gift for melody and a great sense of rhythm.” – Billy Corgan
“Johnny Marr’s contribution to The Smiths was enormous. His guitar playing was a huge part of what made the band so great.” – Morrissey
“Johnny Marr is one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His playing is so fluid and effortless, and he has an incredible sense of melody.” – Graham Coxon
“Johnny Marr’s guitar playing has been a huge influence on my own music. He’s a master of his craft.” – Ed O’Brien
“Johnny Marr is a true artist. He has a real vision for his music and a commitment to making it the best it can be.” – John Frusciante
“Johnny Marr is a true innovator. He’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the guitar.” – Steve Jones
“Johnny Marr is a genius. His guitar playing is both technically brilliant and emotionally powerful.” – The Edge