BBC4 is to tell story of return of Britain’s lost folk hero, Nic Jones.

The documentary tells the story of his determination to sing again and his return to the stage 30 years later.

In a poll by the Observer a few years ago, Penguin Eggs was rated number 79 of the 100 Best Records Of All Time – amazing for an LP that never actually charted. His iconic song Canadee-i-o has even been covered by Bob Dylan.

Many believe that Jones was destined for international stardom as his funky, rhythmical and percussive guitar style and smooth singing meant his music crossed musical barriers. But in 1982, at the peak of his career, he was involved in a crash driving home from a gig one night and his life changed forever.

Nearly every bone in his body was broken and neurological damage meant that he would never play his guitar in front of an audience again. Apart from a couple of tribute concerts, Jones disappeared from the public eye for 30 years.

Then, in the summer of last year, encouraged by friends and family, he returned to the stage to play several festival performances accompanied by his guitarist son, Joe Jones and keyboard player Belinda O’Hooley.

The concerts were a resounding success and for his old and new fans, a moving comeback for their hero. This film is not only the emotional story of Nic’s return, but also demonstrates why he is so revered, not just in folk circles but across all music genres.

Jones has inspired a whole generation of younger artists, including BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winners Jim Moray, Eliza Carthy, Sam Carter and Blair Dunlop. They all appear in the film, as does critically acclaimed American singer/ songwriter Anais Mitchell.

  • The Enigma Of Nic Jones: Return Of Britain’s Lost Folk Hero will be premiered at the How The Light Gets In Festival on June 1.