The Modern Lovers

Influential Proto-Punk Band from the 1970s

The Modern Lovers were an American rock band led by Jonathan Richman, formed in the early 1970s in Boston, Massachusetts. They are often recognized for their influential self-titled debut album, "The Modern Lovers," which was released in 1976 despite being recorded in 1972. The band's sound was rooted in the proto-punk and garage rock traditions, and they are considered a bridge between the classic rock of the 1960s and the punk movement that emerged later in the decade. Although they did not achieve significant commercial success during their initial run, The Modern Lovers gained a cult following and have been cited as an influence by numerous punk and indie bands. Jonathan Richman's songwriting, often featuring themes of love and innocence, became a hallmark of the band's music. After the original group disbanded, Richman continued to perform under various line-ups, still using The Modern Lovers name for some time before eventually moving on to a solo career.