Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most successful singer/songwriters to emerge from London's pub rock scene of the early 1970s. Drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm and bristling anger. At the outset of his career, his albums crackled with pub rock energy, snide witticisms and gentle insights, earning him a devoted following of fans and critics. Despite all of the positive word of mouth, he never managed to become a star, and he was soon overshadowed by the emergence of Elvis Costello, a singer/songwriter who shared similar roots. As the 1970s closed, he attempted to make a few crossover albums before settling into a cult following in the late 1980s, although still earning critical acclaim.