
How a swaggering Jewish kid from East London became (albeit briefly) Britain’s greatest rock star and poet
Marc Bolan, the vibrant frontman of T. Rex, left a mark on music history that still shines today. Known for his wild curls, glittering outfits, and electric energy, Bolan became a pioneer of glam rock in the 1970s.
Born Mark Feld in London to a Jewish family, Bolan grew up surrounded by warmth, tradition, and creativity. He began writing poetry as a teenager and soon turned his words into music. His band, T. Rex, produced unforgettable hits like Get It On and 20th Century Boy. These songs blended raw rock energy with lyrical charm, influencing artists from David Bowie to modern-day performers.
Bolan’s style was as bold as his sound. He embraced glitter, velvet, and flamboyant stage presence at a time when rock was dominated by darker tones. His fearless approach inspired generations of musicians and challenged ideas of what a rock star could be.
Although his life was cut short in 1977 at the age of 29, his legacy lives on. Today, Marc Bolan is remembered not only for shaping glam rock but also for proudly bringing his Jewish identity into the global music stage.
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Source: Forward, August 2025