Jonathan Richman

Jonathan Richman is an American singer-songwriter known for his quirky, heartfelt style and influential role in proto-punk music. He first gained attention in the early 1970s as the frontman of The Modern Lovers, a band whose raw, stripped-down sound helped lay the groundwork for punk rock. Their songs, like “Roadrunner” and “Pablo Picasso,” were infused with Richman’s love of 1960s rock, especially The Velvet Underground, and paired driving rhythms with humorous, earnest lyrics.

After The Modern Lovers disbanded, Richman embarked on a long solo career that saw him embrace a more acoustic, minimal sound, often performed with just a guitar and a small backing band. His music blends elements of rock, folk, and global influences, always delivered with his signature sincerity and childlike wonder. Richman has also appeared in films, notably performing in the 1998 comedy There’s Something About Mary. Over the decades, he has built a cult following with his consistently offbeat and charming approach to songwriting and performance.

Genres

Proto-punk

Anti-folk

Related Artists

Daniel Johnston

The Velvet Underground

Lou Reed

David Byrne

Guided By Voices

The Modern Lovers

The Microphones

Oasis

The Smiths

The Strokes

Paul McCartney

Beat Happening

Latest Release

Only Frozen Sky Anyway

Jonathan Richman

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 4, 2025