Jon Rowdy started singing at the age of 7 in his church choir in Lyndhurst, Hampshire. He emigrated to Australia in 1970 and it’s there he first discovered Country music with artists like Slim Dusty, John Williamson and the Kernahan Family.
He came back to Lyndhurst in 1986 and one night Dusty Rhodes came into his local pub. Jon became friends with Dusty and his band and between 1989 and 1997 he was acting as a roadie for the Dusty Rhodes Band moving to Swindon in 1996 to be with the band. Occasionally he would sing with them as well.
In late 1997 Jon returned to Lyndhurst where he formed Texacana Duo with Nigel Randell. This was later expanded to become the 6-piece Texacana band. The line up was Jon Rowdy (lead vocals), Nigel Randell (harmony vocals and rhythm guitar) Gary Hollister (lead guitar), Dave Wheelhouse (pedal steel guitar), Robbie Whelpdale (bass), Matty Matthews (drums). The band was short lived folding seven months later.
With the demise of Texacana, Jon worked solo until 2008 when he formed a duo with Jonny Ryder called Double JR. The duo lasted for 7 years after which they both went solo. Today Jon still works solo but if required he still occasionally works as Double JR with Jonny Ryder and as a trio the JR Band with Jonny Ryder and a pedal steel guitarist. These have included Davy Adams, Jim Martin, Dave Kirk, Jim Pritchard and Ray Kedge. Twice a year he also works as Double Trouble duo with Dave Montna. He is also the resident singer at Pat’s Country Weekend in Westwood Ho every May and October.
Apart from playing a drum in the Navy, Jon has never played an instrument and considers his voice is his instrument.
Research by Nick Catford.