A founding member of Jonathan J and The Fifth Edition in the late 60’s, Jon was fortunate to work with many local and international artists. Band members included: Bob Hines, Kevin Frewer, Kevin Bayley, Rob Carpenter, Kevin Tunnicliffe, Greg Mooney, Murray Watt, Bruno Berrins to name a few and bands including, The Hollies, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Suzie Quatro.

After an apprenticeship in cabaret and lounge music Jon joined Gretal and hit the hard rock scene. Standing room only at the Marine Hotel in Sumner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, saw the publican at the time unable to understand the crowds outside in the car park during the breaks and where the smoke and distinctive aroma were coming from. That was the early 70’s and times were definitely ‘a changin’.

After 18 months touring the tip to base of New Zealand with Gratis Kenetic, Jon moved to Sydney, Australia in 1977 where he met up with mates from Loxene Golden disc award band Creation and formed a nine piece band, Skintight. With a big brass section and funk sound, the band went on to wow crowds throughout Australia.

In 1980, Jon moved away from music, got married to Carole and reared 2 sons, Jay and Hayden. After being a main player in the fabric care industry for 20 years he sold his business and was drawn back to his passion to perform. Seeing a void in the Sydney market for professional Master of Ceremonies, Jon dived head first back into this field. Under the guise of MC Singer, Jon was now back in the music business. His music styles range from Frank Sinatra/Michael Buble` to rock'n' roll/dance.

He returned to Christchurch in 2002 and in 2007 is now undertaking the MC Role at the ROCKONZ  50 years of Rock 'n' Roll Festival.

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Above: Jon McCrea