John Linnell

John Linnell
Linnell in 2025
Background information
Born
John Sidney Linnell

(1959-06-12) June 12, 1959
New York City, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer-songwriter
Instruments
Years active1976–present
Labels
Spouse
Karen Brown
(m. 1997)
AwardsList of awards

John Sidney Linnell (/lɪˈnɛl/ lih-NEL; born June 12, 1959) is an American musician, multi-instrumentalist, and a co-founder of alternative rock band They Might Be Giants, with John Flansburgh, which was formed in 1982. In addition to singing and songwriting, he plays accordion, keyboards, baritone and bass saxophone, and clarinet for the band.

Linnell's lyrics and music art includes strange subject matters and word play, while his music is backed up with generally happy and upbeat melodies.