More about Jon VanTran
Jon VanTran: A True Legend of South Dakota Country Music
For 44 years, Jon VanTran has called South Dakota home. In 2024, he was honored with an induction into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Vietnam, Jon’s roots in Vietnamese country music run deep. After the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, Jon and his family of 11 moved to the United States, settling in rural South Dakota when he was just 12 years old.
To overcome the language barrier, Jon turned to music, using it as a tool to improve his English. It wasn't long before he and his four brothers formed the VanTran Band, playing Vietnamese country and American popular music. During his college years, Jon fell in love with American rockabilly and country music, which would later shape his career.
While working as a physical therapist, Jon dedicated his weekends to singing Johnny Cash songs for nursing home residents. His passion for American country music ignited during an impromptu session in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. That session marked the beginning of a 28-year career performing country music across the Midwest.
Jon’s live performances are not just about music; they’re a journey through his life. He shares stories of learning a new language, crafting original songs, and the incredible people he’s met along the way. His shows are a heartfelt narrative of his evolution from a Vietnamese newcomer to a US citizen, and to a celebrated Midwestern country music artist.
In addition to his live performances, Jon has produced several era-specific concerts and musical programs, including “The Fabulous 50’s,” “Everybody’s Elvis,” “Hurt: An American Story of Johnny Cash,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “Hank Williams: The Love Lost Man,” "The Santana Experience," and many more.
For booking information, please contact Jon at: [email protected]
For 44 years, Jon VanTran has called South Dakota home. In 2024, he was honored with an induction into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Vietnam, Jon’s roots in Vietnamese country music run deep. After the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, Jon and his family of 11 moved to the United States, settling in rural South Dakota when he was just 12 years old.
To overcome the language barrier, Jon turned to music, using it as a tool to improve his English. It wasn't long before he and his four brothers formed the VanTran Band, playing Vietnamese country and American popular music. During his college years, Jon fell in love with American rockabilly and country music, which would later shape his career.
While working as a physical therapist, Jon dedicated his weekends to singing Johnny Cash songs for nursing home residents. His passion for American country music ignited during an impromptu session in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. That session marked the beginning of a 28-year career performing country music across the Midwest.
Jon’s live performances are not just about music; they’re a journey through his life. He shares stories of learning a new language, crafting original songs, and the incredible people he’s met along the way. His shows are a heartfelt narrative of his evolution from a Vietnamese newcomer to a US citizen, and to a celebrated Midwestern country music artist.
In addition to his live performances, Jon has produced several era-specific concerts and musical programs, including “The Fabulous 50’s,” “Everybody’s Elvis,” “Hurt: An American Story of Johnny Cash,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “Hank Williams: The Love Lost Man,” "The Santana Experience," and many more.
For booking information, please contact Jon at: [email protected]
the Men in Black Band
Meet the Men in Black Band
For over 25 years, the Men in Black band members have been captivating audiences with their seamless blend of pure country, blues, and rock-n-roll. Together, their music transports fans of Johnny Cash back to the golden era of Rock-n-Roll and Country/Western music. The band’s dynamic sound features lead vocals, drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar.
Singer Jon VanTran has been a beloved figure in the country and rock music scene for over 28 years, known for his precise harmonies and deep baritone vocals reminiscent of Johnny Cash. In 2024, Jon was inducted into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bassist Todd Gerdes brings 29 years of experience to the band. He spent much of his career in Los Angeles, CA, during the explosive years of rock music in the 80s and 90s.
Lead guitarist Clayton Hartley Delaney was recognized as the Midwest region’s best Blues Guitarist in 2008 and is also an esteemed member of the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Drummer Bob Goodman is the steadfast backbone of the rhythm section, with over 30 years of experience. Bob has toured extensively with numerous rock and country bands across the West and Southwest before returning to the Midwest.
Vocalist/keyboardist Katie Wrede adds her beautiful voice to the mix, perfectly complementing Jon’s vocals to recreate the Grammy-winning sound of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
For over 25 years, the Men in Black band members have been captivating audiences with their seamless blend of pure country, blues, and rock-n-roll. Together, their music transports fans of Johnny Cash back to the golden era of Rock-n-Roll and Country/Western music. The band’s dynamic sound features lead vocals, drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar.
Singer Jon VanTran has been a beloved figure in the country and rock music scene for over 28 years, known for his precise harmonies and deep baritone vocals reminiscent of Johnny Cash. In 2024, Jon was inducted into the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bassist Todd Gerdes brings 29 years of experience to the band. He spent much of his career in Los Angeles, CA, during the explosive years of rock music in the 80s and 90s.
Lead guitarist Clayton Hartley Delaney was recognized as the Midwest region’s best Blues Guitarist in 2008 and is also an esteemed member of the South Dakota Legends of Country Music Hall of Fame.
Drummer Bob Goodman is the steadfast backbone of the rhythm section, with over 30 years of experience. Bob has toured extensively with numerous rock and country bands across the West and Southwest before returning to the Midwest.
Vocalist/keyboardist Katie Wrede adds her beautiful voice to the mix, perfectly complementing Jon’s vocals to recreate the Grammy-winning sound of Johnny Cash and June Carter.
