John Cooper Clarke Biography: Songs, Net Worth, Age, Height, Instagram, Wikipedia, Kids, Parents

John Cooper Clarke, the renowned English performance poet, is loved by all during the punk rock era of the late 1970s.

With his rapid-fire verbal delivery and stinging social commentary, Clarke emerged as the poet laureate of the punk movement.

While his records sold poorly, his live performances were engaging, and he continues to perform regularly today.

Profile

Full Name: John Cooper Clarke
Date of Birth: January 25, 1949
Age: 74 years old
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Lancashire, England
Nationality: English
Profession: Singer, Poet
Height: 193cm
Parents: N/A
Siblings: N/A
Spouse: Evie Clarke
Children: One
Relationship Status: Married
Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life

John Cooper Clarke, currently 74, was born on January 25, 1949, in Salford, Lancashire, England.

He grew up in the Higher Broughton area of the city, where he developed a passion for poetry. Inspired by his English teacher, John Malone, Clarke began exploring the world of literature at a young age.

He fondly remembers his childhood in Salford, where he often climbed trees and played in the local parks despite the less-than-ideal conditions.

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Clarke attended Salford Tech and worked as a laboratory technician before pursuing his career in performance poetry.

Personal Life

During his tumultuous years, John Cooper Clarke found solace and love in his relationship with the iconic Velvet Underground singer Nico.

However, both Clarke and Nico struggled with drug addiction. In the following decade, Clarke overcame his addiction and returned to the stage while contributing regularly to poetry journals.

Eventually, Clarke found love again and married Evie Clarke, his second wife, who hails from France. The couple has been happily married for over 20 years and resides in Colchester, Essex.

John and Evie Clarke share a beautiful daughter named Stella Clarke. While information about John’s parents and siblings remains scarce, his focus on his immediate family reflects his commitment to a stable and fulfilling personal life.

Career

John Cooper Clarke initially performed his verse alongside a folk group called the Ferrets. In 1977, he signed with Rabid Records and released the Martin Hannett-produced single “Psycle Sluts.”

This marked the beginning of his journey as a punk poet.

Clarke’s talent caught the attention of prominent bands like the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks, leading him to read his work as an opening act for them.

His debut album, “Disguise in Love,” was released on Epic Records in 1978, cementing his status as an influential figure in the punk scene.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Clarke released several albums, often collaborating with the Invisible Girls, which included notable musicians like Martin Hannett, Steve Hopkins, Pete Shelley, Bill Nelson, and Paul Burgess.

Despite his popularity as a live performer, Clarke’s records failed to achieve commercial success. In 1982, he released his final album for Epic, “Zip Style Method.”

However, Clarke’s career took a downturn as he battled addiction to heroin during the 1980s, overshadowing his creative output.

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John Cooper Clarke’s impact on poetry and music is undeniable despite his challenges. Throughout the 2000s, Clarke remained relevant through collaborations and appearances on popular shows like BBC Two’s “Never Mind the Buzzcocks.”

Additionally, he briefly served as a radio DJ for BBC Radio Six. In 2016, after a long hiatus, Clarke released a full-length album titled “This Time It’s Personal,” collaborating with former Stranglers member Hugh Cornwell.