John Finley

John Finley (born May 6, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian singer/songwriter who came to prominence with Toronto R&B band Jon and Lee & The Checkmates and later with the Elektra supergroup Rhinoceros. Finley's talents reach over many genres, including R&B, Gospel, Jazz and Rock, and is acclaimed for his song writing, recording and live performances. After Rhinoceros, Finley was a member of Blackstone before engaging in projects with Homestead and Michael Quatro. More recently, Finley has worked with the reformed band The Checkmates, and a contemporary jazz and R&B group, SoulBop!. He currently leads his own band in Toronto, Ontario and released “Soul Singer” in 2020. Musical career Jon & Lee & The Checkmates In 1964, Finley joined Toronto-based band The Checkmates with the help of Peter Hodgson, the band's bass player and Finley's cousin. With Finley's inclusion, the band was renamed Jon and Lee and The Checkmates. After initial success, the band signed a contract with large RCA, despite Finley's connection with Elektra producer Paul Rothchild, who would eventually recruit Finley to Rhinoceros.