Paul Weller, born John William Weller on 25 May 1958, is an influential English singer-songwriter and musician. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s as the frontman of the Jam, he helped define the sound of the mod revival in Britain. After the Jam disbanded in 1982, Weller formed the Style Council, expanding into genres like pop, jazz, soul and folk. Launching his solo career in the early 1990s, he released a string of acclaimed albums, including Paul Weller, Wild Wood, Stanley Road and Heavy Soul. Known as the Modfather, Weller’s songwriting draws heavily on themes from English life and has influenced a generation of British musicians, including many in the Britpop movement. He is a multiple Brit Award winner and a major force in modern British music.