Jono McCleery is an English singer-songwriter based in London who plays guitar and performs as a vocalist. His music draws on folk, soul, jazz and electronic influences. McCleery has said that his older brother encouraged him to sing when they were young, and that he might not have become a singer without that encouragement. He taught himself guitar at 17 and has named John Martyn and Nick Drake among his early musical influences.
McCleery made, produced and fan-funded his debut album, Darkest Light, independently in 2008, and it came out through Counter Records. He later released albums through Ninja Tune and its imprint Counter Records. His album There Is followed, and his work has also included the single Tomorrow, made with electronic producer Fybe and arranger Matt Kelly. Contributors to the fan funding for Darkest Light included Vashti Bunyan, Tom Robinson and Fiona Talkington. McCleery has toured with Gil Scott-Heron, Bonobo, Fink, José González, Little Dragon, Jamie Woon and Portico Quartet, and collaborated with Maribou State, Portico Quartet and Maceo Plex.
His 2022 album Moonlit Parade, released by Ninety Days Records, is identified as his sixth studio album. In 2024, McCleery released Reconcile through Sonar Kollektiv. He described his 2020 album Follow as reflecting a personal transition and the decision to begin something new. For Seeds of a Dandelion, he chose covers he felt a strong connection with, including songs he had performed live for years. McCleery has said that singing helps him understand himself and access his creativity.