Jon-Rae Fletcher

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.[4] Several of his former backing musicians in The River later re-emerged with the alternative country band One Hundred Dollars.[5]

• Now Then (2000), Deerandbird Records
• Then Again (2001), Deerandbird Records
• The Road (2003), Hive-Fi Recordings
• Just A Closer Walk (2004), Blocks Recording Club
• Jon-Rae Fletcher & The River, Live Series (2005), Deerandbird Records
• Old Songs for the New Town (2005), Permafrost Records
• Knows What You Need (2006), We Are Busy Bodies
• Oh, Maria (2009), Weewerk