T. Rex

United Kingdom, 1967–1977

British glam-rock band (1967–1977; originally the acoustic duo Tyrannosaurus Rex) led by singer-songwriter Marc Bolan. Combining electric boogie, cosmic poetry and an androgynous image, T. Rex became one of the defining sounds of early 1970s British rock before Bolan's death in a 1977 car crash.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced T. Rex and 9 artists T. Rex influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced T. Rex?

• Eddie Cochran — The nine-year-old Bolan carried Eddie Cochran's guitar to his car after a London show — a documented origin story of his rock and roll dream.
• Chuck Berry — T. Rex's boogie is built on Berry's riff language — 'Get It On' openly borrows from 'Little Queenie'.

Which artists did T. Rex influence?

• Swell Maps — Marc Bolan's T. Rex glam was an early spark for Swell Maps, who formed as teenagers idolising him.
• Aquarium — Aquarium's glam phase drew on Marc Bolan — Grebenshchikov wrote songs in the style of the T. Rex leader.
• The Smiths — Morrissey was president of the T. Rex fan club as a teenager — a documented fact of his formative years.
• Kim Wilde — Marc Bolan is named among her influences; the glam single as a form is behind 'Kids in America'.
• Goldfrapp — Marc Bolan's T. Rex glam-rock stomp is a stated influence on Goldfrapp's Black Cherry / Supernature electro-glam.
• Platinum Blonde — Marc Bolan's T. Rex glam was part of Platinum Blonde's early set — they covered Bolan alongside Gary Glitter and the Police, giving their new wave a glam edge.
• Prefab Sprout — The glam end of what McAloon listened to first.
• Roxette — Named by Per Gessle among his influences, with the Beatles and Bowie.
• The Black Keys — The glam end of Auerbach's influences, a long way from Junior Kimbrough.