Mark...I am so saddened to hear about your father Jon. I worked with him playing bass on and off throughout the seventies and early eighties. He was the best then and would still show the new "country singers" of today how it should be done. The tours we used to do were very hard work with a lot of travelling, but we also had a lot of fun. They were great times together, I was lucky to have been there, loved the man and his singing talent. I only have good memories of my times with him.
STEVE HUGHES (Musician)
Mark...I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I spent a good portion of my life on the road with your daddy. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Keep in touch buddy.
MARVIN RAINWATER (US Country Artiste)
How sorry I was to hear of Jon's passing, a great loss to British country music. I was lucky to be part of Jon Derek's Country Fever when he spent a few years in Huddersfield and he was like a breath of fresh air with his outlook on life and the way he perfomed his music, it was second to none. He taught me many things. Myself, Tony Howarth and Mark Jordon were Yorkshire's Country Fever and had the pleasure of recording Goin' Back with Jon at Look Records along with other fine musicians back in 1984 - it was a great experience and I'm proud to have known Jon and to have been part of his life for the time he spent in Golcar. 'As Far As I'm Concerned', you were the best.
STU PETERS (Musician)
Mark...So sad to hear the news. I went to see your Dad a few times – nice man. I thought his song ‘Hey Duke You Got True Grit’ was a super recording. I played golf last year with the promoter of the Wembley Festivals, Mervyn Conn. He told me that the festivals ran for around 20 years and that Jon was the stalwart of the programme for most of these years. Once again, I am very, very sorry.
PAT POCOCK (Former Surrey & England Cricketer)
Country Fever turned me on to country music when I saw them at London's 'Nashville Rooms' in 1968. Jon was the perfect frontman & Albert's playing was breath-taking. In 1980 I was privileged to photograph them with Don Everly backstage at Wembley. The following year I was able to capture the magic moment when Jon was the centre of attention singing along with George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins etc. at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. They all clearly respected him. I really enjoyed Jon's company and was saddened to hear of your great loss Mark. Well done with this tribute website to a lovely man.
GRAHAM BARKER (Photographer)
Jon was a friend of mine. He was a big contributor to country music in the UK. A great loss to the music world. R.I.P.
ALAN HOPE (Politician)
It's no exaggeration to say that Jon helped shape the sort of music I enjoy listening to. Jon always managed to recruit great musicians to his band. I remember Jon as a nice guy as well as a talented musician. I hope the warmth and respect which people have for him helps in a small way with the sadness of his absence, now that he has gone to the great gig in the sky.
PETER SMITH (Fan)
Sorry is not the word, l'm so sad to hear about Jon. l loved him very much. Without him l would never have gone down the road of entertainment as far as l did without all he taught me and his friendship too. It was a nice journey l will always cherish.
JAMIE GUNN (Musician)
We used to book Jon and Country Fever in the 70's and 80's. He was a brilliant performer and a great person.
JIM DUNCAN (Promoter)
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