Tom Morello Biography

Tom Morello was born in 1964 in New York, but grew up in Illinois. Prior to his stellar career as a musician, Morello studied politics while in high school and college, graduating from Harvard University with a degree in Social Studies. But he’d always possessed a love of music and a talent for guitar, and so shortly after finishing his studies, he established the band Lock Up. Although the group did not last very long, after disbanding Morello teamed up with Zack de la Rocha to found Race Against the Machine, which would go on to become one of the most influential and successful bands of the decade.

Rage Against the Machine signed with Epic Records in 1992 and Morello has continued to perform with the band since, but he has also maintained a number of simultaneous solo and side projects. Tom Morello performs acoustic and folk music as the Nightwatchman, established the band Audioslave, and also performs alongside Boots Riley as the duo known as Street Sweeper Social Club. In addition, Morello has contributed tracks to music for such notable artists as Primus and Bruce Springsteen. Morello’s music can also be heard on the soundtracks for such films as Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Pacific Rim.

Beyond music, Tom Morello is also known for his political activism. He is the co-founder of Axis of Justice, alongside musician Serj Tankian ( System of a Down.) The organization supports such causes as the abolition of the death penalty and greater rights for immigrants. Morello is also an outspoken advocate for worker’s rights, and in 2011 he organized a benefit concert in support of union collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin. He has also performed at a number of Occupy locations around the United States and has been a vocal supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement in general.

Most recently, Tom Morello embarked on the foray into publishing, with his comic book series titled Orchid.  Morello continues to perform and record as a musician, however, and ranks on Rollins Stones list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.