Jon Langford Old Town New Folk

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Welsh-born and Chicago-based Jon Langford is a musical shapeshifter—punk pioneer, country crooner, painter, radio host, and storyteller. A founding member of the legendary punk band The Mekons, Langford helped redefine what folk and country could be when filtered through the raw edge of rock and rebellion. His later projects, including The Three Johns and The Pine Valley Cosmonauts, reflect his lifelong curiosity and collaborative spirit, bringing together musicians across genres and generations.

A true renaissance man, Langford is also a prolific visual artist whose striking portraits of country icons such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash have become emblematic of his deep affection for American roots music. Whether on stage or on canvas, his work hums with humor, humanity, and a restless creative energy that’s distinctly his own.