15B: Tom Morello
Tom Morello is a musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and political activist. He was born in 1964 in Harlem, New York.
Tom’s mother, Mary Morello, is of Italian and Irish descent. His dad, Ngeth Njoroge, is Kenyan. This makes Tom biracial. (Question 1: What does “biracial” mean?) Tom went to college at Harvard and received a degree in social studies.
Tom writes messages on his guitars. This one speaks out for the homeless.
He has been in several bands over the years. Even though he’s best known as a musician, Tom is most committed to speaking out for people who are overlooked – much like his hero, Woody Guthrie. Here, he talks about how to change the world.
Tom is known for his guitar-playing style, which combines heavy metal, punk, hip-hop, and funk. One magazine writer said Tom, “wears his guitar high up on his chest to wring every sound out of it. Falling bombs, police sirens, scratching -- he can do them all.” Here, he shows us his studio and his favorite guitars.
Okay, let’s get to the music. Tom is best known for his work with the band Rage Against the Machine. Check them out. Intense, aren’t they?
In the early 2000s, he formed Audioslave, along with Chris Cornell of the band Soundgarden. Here’s “Be Yourself.” You can see the versatility in Tom’s guitar playing. (Question 2 – what’s “versatility”?)
In 2007, Tom formed the band Nightwatchman, which focuses more on folk music. Here’s a song called “The Road I Must Travel.” Much of Tom’s work is considered “protest music” – music that speaks out social issues, like homelessness, injustice, and world peace. (P.S. — This sounds like an Irish song.)
Another of Tom’s heroes was Chuck D. In 2016, Tom and Chuck joined with members of other bands to form Prophets of Rage. With Chuck D, the rap influence is even more pronounced. (Warning: PG-rated content.)
He has also been in films, produced dozens of albums, been active in politics, written graphic novels, and worked with everyone from Johnny Cash to Run DMC. Tom’s a busy man! Here are a few covers of his graphic novels.
Finally — whew! — here he is with Australian electronica band Knife Party. Check out this awesome stage show.
Answers:
1 — “Biracial” is someone whose parents are from different racial backgrounds.
2 — “Versatility” means someone is skilled in many different things. Tom is skilled at many styles of playing guitar.