| Jon-Rae Fletcher | |
| Background: | solo_singer |
| Origin: | Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada |
| Instrument: | Vocals, guitar |
| Genre: | Rock, soul, Gospel, alt-country |
| Occupation: | Singer-songwriter |
| Label: | Deerandbird Records, Weewerk |
| Associated Acts: | Jon-Rae and the River, One Hundred Dollars |
Jon-Rae Fletcher is a Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded both as a solo artist and with a back-up band, The River.
Fletcher grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia, where as the son of a minister, he sang in his church's choir. Eventual musical developments included his discovery of Kurt Cobain and the formation of his own garage band.[1] Jon-Rae later moved and founded the original River band with a collective of Vancouver friends, but disbanded the group when he moved east.
The River was reformed with like-minded Toronto musicians in 2003, and they grew into a popular cult band with an ever-expanding audience. Combining country, gospel, rock, and soul, Jon-Rae & The River created a unique blend of music, sometimes complemented by an on-stage choir.[2] In 2006, Exclaim! labeled Fletcher "one of Toronto’s most captivating front-men, thanks to his impassioned performances and his glorious alt-gospel songs. Fuelled by alcohol and a fervent belief in the songs they're playing."[3] Their critically acclaimed album Knows What You Need was released in 2006, but the band broke up soon afterward.
Fletcher moved back out west, settling in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia.[4] He released the full length Oh, Maria on (weewerk) in 2009 and toured to promote the album with a new band lineup. Several of his former backing musicians in The River later re-emerged with the alternative country band One Hundred Dollars.[5]