Jon Langford


We revisit a profile of Wales native and Chicago rocker Jon Langford, whose latest project involves melding songs and paintings.  


The 56-year-old Welshman has been incorporating aspects of country and folk music into punk rock since the early 1980s.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Langford started out as the drummer and co-founder of the punk rock band, The Mekons, in 1977 while attending the University of Leeds.  He later took up guitar as well. 

Langford moved to Chicago in the early 1990s, and he collaborated with several bands, including and most notably The Waco Brothers. His first solo album, Skull Orchard, was released in 1998.

As a painter, Langford is most well-known for his portraits of country music icons, including Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. A number of Langford’s solo albums as well as his art has inspired plays and productions in Chicago.

Langford’s latest album, Here Be Monsters, brings together music and art as all 10 songs are accompanied by a unique painting. 

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors