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Jon Davison (born January 16, 1971) is an American singer, musician and songwriter who has been the lead vocalist of progressive rock band Yes since 2012.

He was previously the lead singer of progressive rock band Glass Hammer from 2009 to 2014, and the bass guitarist of Sky Cries Mary from 1993 to 2016, in which he was credited under his nickname of "Juano" Davison. In 2020, he and fellow Yes member Billy Sherwood created a new band, Arc of Life, which released its eponymous first studio album the following year and its second album in 2022. Davison also worked regularly with his father-in-law John Lodge (of The Moody Blues) until Lodge's death in 2025.[1]

Career

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Early years

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Davison's earliest involvement with music began when he sang in the church youth choir led by his mother. From an early age, she instilled in him an appreciation for music and love for singing. Soon after, he took up guitar and bass, which eventually led him during high school to perform in various original and cover bands with his childhood best friend, Taylor Hawkins (who was later the drummer for Foo Fighters).[2] It was Hawkins who gave Jon the nickname "Juano" that has stuck to this day.

Sky Cries Mary

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Davison then attended the Art Institute of Seattle to study audio and video production, where he became bassist for Northwest group Sky Cries Mary. Throughout the 1990s, he continued recording and touring with the band. This included traveling to Japan, and appearing on late night talk shows including Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Daily Show.

In 2001, Davison and his then wife Maewe moved for a year to her home of Brazil. While living there, Davison played bass with Ronald Augusto.

In November 26, 2016, Sky Cries Mary premiered a new line-up without Davison.

Glass Hammer

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While still a member of Sky Cries Mary, Davison also joined the now-disbanded Yes tribute band Roundabout. In 2009, Glass Hammer discovered Davison singing Yes music online and asked him to join the band. He went on to record five albums with them, If, Cor Cordium, Perilous, a new version of The Inconsolable Secret and Ode to Echo. He was the lead vocalist on the first three, and sharing that role on Ode to Echo given his engagements with Yes; he subsequently left the band to focus on Yes.

On the 2018 Cruise to the Edge festival, Davison performed live with Glass Hammer as a guest; as Glass Hammer was mainly a studio project when he was a member, it marked the first time he performed with them live.[3]

He guested on one track of Glass Hammer's 2022 album At the Gate.[4]

Yes

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Davison performing in 2013

In February 2012, Davison was announced as the new lead singer of Yes, replacing Benoît David, who left the group because of illness.[5] "Strangely enough, Jon's name came up when we started working with Benoit," Yes bassist Chris Squire recalled. "In fact, my friend, Taylor Hawkins, had been telling me for years: 'If you ever need a replacement (singer), I know exactly the guy.'"[6] Davison has described how the band had a tour booked when David dropped out, "so there was sort of this frantic race to resolve this matter [...] because they weren't going to back out of the tour. So in the same moment, perhaps even the same hour, of the same day, Chris is calling Taylor to get my phone number, because he's gonna give me a call, and then the manager is also working on contacting me, so I got contacted by both of them."[7]

Davison has toured with Yes since joining the band, and sang lead on 2014's studio album Heaven & Earth. He wrote or co-wrote seven out of the eight tracks.[8]

In July 2020, Davison said the band were at work writing their next album, stating that it was still in the early stages of compiling demos, but the band has half an album of material ready.[9] The Quest, Yes's second studio album to feature lead vocals by Davison, was released in October 2021. A third album, Mirror to the Sky, was released in May 2023.[10]

Work with John Lodge

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In February 2019, during the Cruise to the Edge music cruise, Davison became friends on board with John Lodge of the Moody Blues when Davison began dating John's daughter Emily. Davison has since toured with John as an additional vocalist.[11] He appears on Lodge's live album The Royal Affair And After.[12] Davison has continued to tour with Lodge.

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Davison provided backing vocals on Lodge's single, "In These Crazy Times". Lodge wrote and recorded the song in his home studio, and Jon appears alongside John's son, Kristian, and his wife, Kirsten. Emily managed the project.[13] He also guests on Lodge's Days of Future Passed - My Sojourn (2023).

By 2022, Davison and Emily were engaged.[12]

Other

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Davison and drummer Taylor Hawkins were friends from childhood. In 2015, Davison appeared at a Foo Fighters concert, playing with Hawkins, to perform the Rush song "Tom Sawyer" with them.[14] In August 2019, Davison joined the Foo Fighters in concert in Dublin, Ireland to sing the Queen song "Under Pressure" with Taylor Hawkins while Dave Grohl took over on drums.[15]

Davison has guested on two of Hawkins' projects, The Birds of Satan's (2015) eponymous album and Get the Money by Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders (2019).[16]

Davison performed at the Los Angeles tribute show to the late Hawkins in 2022.[17]

In July 2020, Davison described a new side project with fellow Yes member Billy Sherwood and Yes touring drummer Jay Schellen called Arc of Life. Their self-titled debut album was released the following year on February 12, 2021.[9] Featuring vocalist Jon Davison, bassist/vocalist Billy Sherwood, drummer Jay Schellen, keyboardist Dave Kerzner, and guitarist Jimmy Haun, their second album Don't Look Down was released on 18 November 2022.[18]

Davison has worked more broadly with Kerzner, including singing in his In Continuum project.[19]

Discography

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Arc of Life

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  • Arc of Life (2021) - lead vocals
  • Don't Look Down (2022) - lead vocals

Glass Hammer

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  • If (2010) – lead and backing vocals
  • Cor Cordium (2011) – lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar
  • The Stories of H.P. Lovecraft (2012, collaborative album of different artists) - lead and backing vocals on "Cool Air"
  • Perilous (2012) – lead and backing vocals
  • The Inconsolable Secret (2013 re-recording) – lead vocals
  • Ode to Echo (2014) – lead and backing vocals
  • Untold Tales (2017, compilation of previously unreleased/rare material) - lead and backing vocals on "Cool Air", backing vocals on "A Grain of Sand"

Sky Cries Mary

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  • This Timeless Turning (1993) – bass
  • Moonbathing on Sleeping Leaves (1997) – bass
  • Fresh Fruits for the Liberation (1998) – bass
  • Seeds (1999) – bass
  • Here and Now (2005) – bass
  • Small Town (2007) – bass
  • Space Between the Drops (2009) – bass
  • Taking The Stage: 1997–2005 (2011) – bass, percussion, acoustic guitar, backing vocal

Yes

[edit]
Studio albums
Live albums

Guest appearances

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  • Tales from the Edge: A Tribute to the Music of Yes (2012) – lead vocals and tambourine on "Starship Trooper" with The Samurai of Prog
  • Absinthe Tales of Romantic Visions by Mogador (2012) – lead vocals on "The Sick Rose"
  • The Birds of Satan by The Birds of Satan (2015) - backing vocals on "Pieces of the Puzzle" and "Raspberries", co-wrote "Raspberries"
  • Citizen by Billy Sherwood (2015) - lead vocals on "Written in the Centuries"
  • Lost and Found by The Samurai of Prog (2016) - lead vocals on "She (Who Must be Obeyed)"
  • Chaptersend by Mogador (2017) - backing vocals on "Josephine's Regrets"
  • "Difference" (single) by Edison's Lab (2018) - backing vocals
  • A Life in Yes—The Chris Squire Tribute by various artists (2018) - lead vocals on "On the Silent Wings of Freedom" and "Parallels"
  • Yesterday and Today – A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Yes by Sonic Elements (2018) - lead vocals on "Acoustic Medley"
  • Acceleration Theory Part One: AlienA by In Continuum (2019) - vocals on "Crash Landing", "Scavengers" and "Meant to Be"
  • Planetary Overload Part 1: Loss by United Progressive Fraternity (2019) - backing vocals on two tracks
  • Get the Money by Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders (2019) - on "Crossed the Line"[16]
  • Acceleration Theory Part Two: Annihilation by In Continuum (2019) - vocals
  • A Prog Rock Christmas by various artists (2019) - vocals on "Run with the Fox"
  • A Tribute to Keith Emerson & Greg Lake by various artists (2020) - vocals on "C'est la Vie"
  • Love Is by Steve Howe (2020) - backing vocals, bass
  • On the Ending Earth... by Anyone (2020) - fretless bass on "Thought I Was"
  • Cov3r to Cov3r (2020) by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George - lead vocals on 1 track
  • "In These Crazy Times (The Isolation Mix)" (2020; digital single) by John Lodge - backing vocals
  • In Humanity by Anyone (2021) - lead vocals on "Misanthropist"
  • Animals Reimagined – A Tribute to Pink Floyd by various artists (2021) - vocals on "Pigs on a Wing 2"[20]
  • You Have It All by Lobate Scarp (2022) - vocals on "You Have It All"
  • Songs We were Taught by Prog Collective (2022) - lead vocals on "The Sound of Silence"
  • Seeking Peace by Prog Collective (2022) - vocals on "A Matter of Time"
  • The Traveler by Dave Kerzner (2022) - vocals on "Feels Like Home"
  • Days of Future Passed — My Sojourn (2023) by John Lodge - lead vocals on "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Nights in White Satin"
  • The Wicked Forests by Leon Alvarado (2026) - vocals

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jon Davison

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jon Davison (born January 16, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the of the progressive rock band Yes since 2012. Born in , he began his musical career in his mother's church choir and learning guitar and bass as a teenager, performing in high school bands alongside future drummer . Davison's professional journey started in the early as a and for the band Sky Cries Mary, where he contributed under the alias "Juano Davison" from 1993 to 2016, including tours in and appearances on shows like and . He later served as the lead singer for the progressive rock band Glass Hammer from 2009 to 2014, recording five albums such as If (2010) and Cor Cordium (2011), where he played a key role in songwriting. In 2012, he joined Yes, replacing , and has since contributed significantly to their output, co-writing seven of eight tracks on Heaven & Earth (2014), six tracks on The Quest (2021), and tracks on (2023), while fronting extensive world tours and live recordings like (2019) and The Fragile Tour (2025). Beyond Yes, Davison has collaborated with artists including John Lodge of on the 2019 Royal Affair Tour and performed guest vocals with the in 2015 and 2019. He is also a member of the progressive rock supergroup Arc of Life, formed in 2020 with , Jimmy Haun, , and Dave Kerzner. His versatile voice and multi-instrumental skills have solidified his place in the progressive rock genre, drawing comparisons to Yes's classic era while bringing fresh energy to the band's legacy.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Jon Davison was born on January 16, 1971, in . He grew up in this coastal small town during the 1970s and 1980s, in a family environment that fostered an early interest in music. Davison's mother played a pivotal role in his upbringing, leading the local church youth choir where he sang as a child and began recognizing the distinct quality of his high, sweet voice. At home, she introduced him to a variety of sounds through her record player, including and , which shaped his initial musical palette. He also encountered harmonious influences like and of , with his first rock album being Boston's debut, shared through family and early friendships. Davison formed a close childhood friendship with , whom he met in ; the two later bonded over , dreaming of starting a band by third or fourth grade and encouraging each other's creative pursuits. This supportive dynamic in his early years laid the groundwork for his self-directed exploration of during adolescence.

Musical influences and education

Davison's interest in music emerged at an early age, beginning with singing in the church youth choir directed by his mother, who instilled in him a foundational appreciation for vocal performance and harmony. By around age 10, he was drawn to rock acts such as Queen and Foreigner through his family's record collection, which also exposed him to and classical pieces played by his mother. These early encounters, combined with radio discoveries of bands like Yes via hits such as "" during high school in , shaped his initial vocal aspirations and broadened his stylistic palette to include grandiose rock elements and intricate arrangements. Throughout high school in the late , Davison developed his skills in a largely self-taught manner, initially focusing on guitar and bass with some lessons before transitioning to independent practice and exploration of albums by bands like Rush, Genesis, and Yes. He performed in the church choir and began experimenting with vocals, influenced by the era's diverse sounds including , , and ska/mod acts like Madness and The English Beat, which added rhythmic and experimental layers to his emerging style. Although he did not pursue formal musical training, these formative experiences emphasized practical vocal techniques and song interpretation over structured . After graduating high school, Davison relocated to in the early to study audio and video production at the Art Institute of Seattle, where he immersed himself in the local music scene rather than formal academia. This period marked a shift to hands-on learning through jamming sessions with peers and participation in nights, blending the progressive influences of his youth with the ethos of 1980s and early , including goth and alternative elements from bands like . Without attending college for music, his education remained rooted in collaborative practice and self-directed discovery, fostering a versatile approach that integrated rock, progressive, and choral traditions.

Career

Early bands and Seattle scene

Davison's initial forays into music occurred during his formative years in , where he sang in the church youth choir led by his mother, who taught him and from an early age, fostering his multi-octave through structured practice and performance. In sixth grade, he formed his first band, , with childhood friend on drums, adopting a Mod style inspired by acts like and performing original songs such as "Come My Way" at a school talent show. By high school in the late , Davison and Hawkins had expanded their collaboration into several amateur bands, with Davison starting on guitar before transitioning to bass to better suit the demands of material. These groups primarily covered songs from prog and influences including Rush, Yes, and Genesis, while also experimenting with original songwriting that allowed Davison to refine his vocal techniques and explore harmonic complexities. This period marked the practical application of his early musical education, as the bands' rehearsals and local performances in helped solidify his self-taught instrumental skills and stage presence. Following high school graduation around , Davison relocated to in the early to pursue audio and video studies at the Art Institute of Seattle, immersing himself in the city's vibrant scene from 1989 to 1991. Amid the dominance of acts, he participated in local gigs at venues like the OK Hotel, contributing to a prog-influenced niche that contrasted with the prevailing raw, alternative sound. The competitive environment, characterized by the rise of bands like Nirvana, challenged non-grunge performers, prompting Davison to emphasize progressive elements in his vocal experimentation and songwriting to carve out a distinct path within the scene.

Sky Cries Mary

Sky Cries Mary was formed in in the late by husband-and-wife duo Roderick Wolgamott Romero and Anisa Romero as a and project blending with theater influences. The band drew from the vibrant Seattle music scene, where Davison had performed in earlier local gigs, and expanded its lineup to include multi-instrumentalists like Jon Auer and of . Jon Davison joined Sky Cries Mary in 1993 as bassist and multi-instrumentalist, credited under the nickname "Juano" Davison, contributing to recordings and tours throughout the decade. In this role, he provided bass, percussion, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals, helping shape the band's expansive, atmospheric sound. The band's breakthrough came with the release of their debut full-length album, A Return to the , in 1993 on , featuring dreamy, psychedelic with lush layers and ethereal harmonies that earned praise for its spatial, mantra-like qualities. This was followed by further releases, including the EP in 1999 on the independent Collective Fruit label, marking a shift to self-produced work after major-label constraints. While the albums did not achieve significant national chart success, they solidified the band's reputation in the for innovative, trance-infused rock. Sky Cries Mary built regional fame in the 1990s through extensive touring, including opening slots for major Seattle acts like and , as well as international trips to and appearances on shows such as and . Davison contributed to songwriting on tracks like those from the 1990 compilation This Timeless Turning, where his input helped craft the band's signature soaring, experimental edge. Tensions with Warner Bros., which dropped the band two albums into a seven-record deal, combined with members pursuing individual projects, led Sky Cries Mary to go on hiatus around 2001. The band reformed in 2004 after regaining rights to their masters and has continued independently, releasing further albums such as Secrets of a Red Planet (2020) and preparing new material as of 2025. During his time with the band, Davison's involvement in backing vocals supported the evolution toward more ethereal, atmospheric tones that characterized their psychedelic style.

Glass Hammer era

In 2009, Glass Hammer founder Steve Babb and keyboardist Fred Schendel discovered Jon Davison through an online video of him performing Yes covers with his tribute band on , leading to his recruitment as the band's lead singer to replace previous vocalists such as Michelle Young. They initially invited him to record vocals for a revised version of the track "Long and Long Ago" from the band's earlier album The Inconsolable Secret, which evolved into his full-time role. Davison collaborated closely with Babb and Schendel, receiving instrumental tracks via and contributing original vocal melodies and lyrics with significant creative freedom, a process he described as exploratory and supportive. Davison's tenure with Glass Hammer spanned contributions to five studio albums, each noted in progressive rock circles for evoking the symphonic style and vocal harmonies of 1970s Yes. On the 2010 release If, he provided lead vocals, crafted melodies, and co-wrote lyrics exploring themes of disillusionment and spiritual seeking, with Babb praising the album's cohesive sound as a return to the band's foundational influences. For Cor Cordium (2011), Davison handled lead vocals and acoustic guitars across tracks like "Nothing Box" and "Dear Daddy," where reviewers highlighted his Jon Anderson-esque delivery and the album's Yes-like bass and keyboard interplay as standout elements. This was followed by Perilous (2012) and a re-recorded The Inconsolable Secret (2013). His final full contribution came on Ode to Echo (2014), where he sang lead and backing vocals on several pieces amid a larger ensemble of singers, including tracks such as "Garden of Hedon" and "I Am I," with critics commending the record's tight arrangements and his vocal presence as reminiscent of classic prog vocalists. During this period, Glass Hammer, traditionally a studio-oriented project, ventured into occasional live performances, including a show at the Festival documented in fan videos and later included in the 2015 release Double Live, where Davison's vocals were featured prominently in the setlist drawing from their collaborative albums. Fan reception within communities was enthusiastic, with Davison's high-register singing and Yes-inspired phrasing earning acclaim for revitalizing the band's sound and attracting renewed interest; this exposure ultimately caught the attention of Yes members, who cited his Glass Hammer work as a key factor in their interest. Davison departed Glass Hammer in 2014 to focus on his commitments with Yes, following the release of Ode to Echo, in what was described as an amicable separation that allowed for future collaborations. He has since made guest appearances with the band, including live vocals at the 2018 Cruise to the Edge festival.

Joining Yes

Jon Davison's path to Yes began through a recommendation from his childhood friend , the drummer, who alerted bassist to Davison's vocal talents after hearing him front the Yes tribute band . Squire, impressed by Davison's natural tenor range reminiscent of original Yes singer , contacted him in early 2012 following the departure of vocalist due to respiratory illness. Without a formal audition, Davison was selected based on demo recordings and his prior work with outfit Glass Hammer, joining the band officially in April 2012 to complete the ongoing tour. His live debut occurred on , 2012, in , , where he performed the full set alongside , , , and Alan White, marking a seamless transition amid the band's post-Anderson era challenges. Davison's integration into Yes's creative process solidified with his contributions to the band's twenty-first studio album, Heaven & Earth (2014), the first full-length release featuring him as lead vocalist. He co-wrote key tracks including "The Game" with Squire and Howe, and penned "To Be Alive (He Is)" solo, infusing the material with lyrical themes of renewal and spirituality that aligned with Yes's progressive ethos. Vocally, Davison drew frequent comparisons to Anderson for his high-register clarity and falsetto, though he faced adaptation hurdles such as replicating Anderson's ethereal phrasing and building stage charisma in a band with deep historical expectations. Over time, these challenges fostered band dynamics centered on collaboration, with Davison emerging as a co-songwriter on subsequent albums like The Quest (2021) and Mirror to the Sky (2023), where he provided lead vocals and contributed to compositions emphasizing intricate arrangements and thematic depth. By 2025, Davison's tenure had evolved Yes's live performances into a dynamic showcase of their catalog, blending classic epics with newer material amid shifting lineups following the deaths of (2015) and (2022). The band, now featuring on bass and on drums, undertook extensive tours including the and "Classic Tales of Yes" run in May-June 2024 and a co-headlining U.S. arena tour with that summer. In 2025, Yes launched "The Fragile Tour," performing their 1971 album Fragile in full alongside hits, with Davison's matured delivery enhancing the emotional resonance of extended suites like "" and highlighting the group's post-Anderson vitality through refined harmonies and improvisational interplay.

Arc of Life project

In late , Jon Davison co-founded the progressive rock supergroup Arc of Life as a alongside Yes bandmate on bass and vocals, with additional contributions from Yes touring alumni Jimmy Haun on guitar and on drums, as well as keyboardist Dave Kerzner. The band's formation stemmed from songwriting sessions that began in 2017 during Yes tours, allowing Davison to serve as primary vocalist and co-writer while exploring creative avenues outside his Yes obligations. This collaboration drew on the members' shared history with Yes, blending intricate progressive structures with contemporary production. The group's self-titled debut album, Arc of Life, was released on February 12, 2021, through Frontiers Music Srl. Featuring tracks such as "Black Wall," the record fused Yes-inspired symphonic prog elements—like layered keyboards and dynamic shifts—with modern melodic hooks and accessible songcraft, earning praise for its polished execution. Critics noted its ability to evoke classic while incorporating fresh, radio-friendly touches, positioning it as a vibrant extension of the genre. Arc of Life followed with their second album, Don't Look Down, issued on November 18, 2022, amid ongoing Yes touring commitments. The release received critical acclaim for revitalizing traditional prog sounds through soaring vocals, intricate instrumentation, and thematic depth, with reviewers highlighting its emotional resonance and musicianship. Live performances have remained limited, confined to select festival appearances through 2025, underscoring the project as a focused studio outlet for Davison and his collaborators beyond Yes duties.

Collaboration with John Lodge

Jon Davison first met John Lodge, bassist and vocalist of the Moody Blues, during the 2019 Cruise to the Edge progressive rock festival at sea, where both artists performed. This encounter led to a professional partnership, with Davison joining Lodge's backing band, 10,000 Light Years, as lead and backing vocalist beginning in 2020. Their collaboration centered on reviving Moody Blues material, particularly from the landmark 1967 album , allowing Lodge to perform classics with Davison's versatile tenor handling the demanding high vocal ranges originally sung by bandmates like and . Davison contributed significantly to Lodge's performances of , providing lead vocals on tracks such as "Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)" and backing harmonies on "" during live shows recreating the album in full. He also appeared as a guest vocalist in Lodge's subsequent live renditions of the full album, joining the 10,000 Light Years Band onstage to recreate the orchestral-rock fusion that defined the ' sound. These performances highlighted Davison's ability to blend seamlessly with Lodge's arrangements, emphasizing conceptual depth over technical replication. From 2021 to 2024, Davison participated in multiple U.S. and international tours with Lodge, including runs focused on Days of Future Passed in full, alongside selections from the Moody Blues catalog. Notable dates included a 2023 North American leg and a 2024 fall tour starting in West Virginia, where Davison often took lead on high-energy tracks like "Ride My See-Saw" and "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)." Lodge's recovery from a stroke suffered on Christmas Eve 2023 influenced these shows; after intensive physiotherapy, he resumed touring by mid-2024, with Davison's vocal support providing stability during Lodge's gradual return to full performances. The partnership underscored themes of resilience, as Lodge credited his ongoing collaborations, including with Davison, for aiding his physical and emotional rehabilitation. The collaboration concluded tragically with Lodge's sudden death on October 10, 2025, at age 82, as announced by his family. Davison, through the official Yes channels, issued a public tribute expressing profound grief over the loss of a close collaborator and mentor, noting Lodge's enduring influence on . No further joint projects were planned or initiated following Lodge's passing.

Other musical endeavors

In the mid-2000s, while based in , Jon Davison contributed to the local scene through performances with the Yes band between 2006 and 2009. This period allowed him to hone his vocal style in live settings, drawing on his influences from genre before his major band affiliations solidified. Davison's guest appearances began gaining prominence in the early with contributions to and collaborative albums. In 2012, he provided lead vocals and tambourine on "" for Tales from the Edge: A Tribute to the Music of Yes by The Samurai of Prog, showcasing his ability to interpret Yes classics outside the band. That same year, he sang on "" for Mogador's Tales of Romantic Visions, a exploring Romantic-era inspirations, where his ethereal complemented the project's atmospheric sound. Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Davison lent his voice to several progressive rock tributes and side projects. On the 2020 compilation A Tribute to Keith Emerson & Greg Lake, produced by Billy Sherwood, he delivered vocals for "C'est La Vie" alongside keyboardist Larry Fast, honoring the Emerson, Lake & Palmer legacy with a faithful yet nuanced rendition. He also collaborated extensively with Dave Kerzner's In Continuum project across multiple releases, including vocals on tracks from Acceleration Theory (2019), such as "Scavengers" featuring guests like Steve Rothery, where his harmonies enhanced the band's spacey, synth-driven prog. Additionally, Davison returned as a guest vocalist for his early band Anyone on In Humanity (2021), Miracles in the Nothingness (2023), and Echoes of Man (2025), singing lead on "Symptom of the Miracle" for the 2023 release, which blended metal-edged prog with his soaring delivery. Davison has been a regular participant in the Cruise to the Edge festival since its inception, joining editions from 2013 through 2025 to perform alongside progressive legends like , , and members of and . These shipboard events provided opportunities for impromptu collaborations and jam sessions, fostering connections within the prog community; for instance, during the 2015 cruise, Davison shared a brief, cordial encounter with former Yes vocalist , later described in interviews as an anticlimactic but affirming moment that reinforced his commitment to the band's legacy without tension. Beyond recordings, Davison has explored minor solo vocal experiments, though most remain unreleased demos shared or contexts, reflecting his interest in personal songwriting outside structured projects. He has also taken on occasional production roles for indie progressive releases up to 2025, advising on vocal arrangements for emerging acts in the area.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Jon Davison began a long-term relationship with Emily Lodge, the daughter of Moody Blues bassist John Lodge, in 2019 after meeting her aboard the Cruise to the Edge festival at sea. The couple married in December 2022 in a private ceremony, with Davison becoming the son-in-law of the late John Lodge, who passed away on October 10, 2025. As of 2025, the couple has no children. Emily Lodge, who managed production for her father's tours and events in the progressive rock scene, has helped blend their families through shared musical interests. This connection has occasionally influenced Davison's professional collaborations with John Lodge, such as joint performances. Davison maintains a high level of privacy regarding his , with public discussions limited primarily to brief mentions in interviews about maintaining work-life balance amid his touring schedule.

Residence and recent events

In late 2019, shortly after meeting Emily Lodge at Cruise to the Edge, Davison relocated from the to to be with her. On October 10, 2025, John Lodge, Emily's father and Davison's father-in-law, died at age 82, surrounded by family. The Lodge family announced the news, stating that he "peacefully slipped away" while listening to music from The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, and expressed profound grief over the loss of his love, kindness, and unwavering support. In response, the Yes band, on behalf of Davison and the group, issued a statement mourning Lodge as a longtime friend, collaborator, and family member, emphasizing his lasting legacy in progressive rock music. The family has entered a period of mourning, with Davison highlighting Lodge's profound influence on his personal and musical life. Davison has maintained a stable lifestyle in , free from major controversies, which has allowed him to balance family life with his demanding career. In interviews, he has described his approach to vocal health during tours, including daily warm-ups, proper nutrition, rest, exercise, and to preserve his performance capabilities.

Discography

With Yes

Jon Davison has served as the for Yes since 2012, contributing to all subsequent studio and live releases by the band. His discographic output with Yes includes lead vocals on every track across these recordings, along with co-writing credits on multiple songs.

Studio Albums

  • Heaven & Earth (2014): Davison provided lead vocals on all eight tracks. He co-wrote six tracks: "Believe Again" (with Steve Howe), "Step Beyond" (with Howe), "To Ascend" (with Billy Sherwood), "In a World of Our Own" (with Howe), "Light of the Ages" (with Geoff Downes), and "Subway Walls" (with Downes).
  • The Quest (2021): Davison delivered lead vocals on all eleven tracks. He received co-writing credits on six tracks: "Leave Well Alone" (with Sherwood), "The Western Edge" (with Sherwood), "Future Memories," "A Living Will" (with Downes), "Sister Sleeping Soul" (with Downes), and "Mystery Maze" (with Downes).
  • Mirror to the Sky (2023): Davison performed lead vocals on all twelve tracks (including bonus). He earned songwriting credits on seven songs: "Cut from the Stars" (with Howe and Sherwood), "All Connected" (with Howe and Sherwood), "Luminosity" (with Howe), "" (with Howe), "When Love and Reason Are One" (with Howe), "Circles of Time," and "The Storm."

Live Albums

Davison's live contributions capture Yes performances from tours supporting the above studio albums and classic material, with him handling lead vocals throughout.
  • Like It Is: Yes at the (2014): Recorded during the 2014 tour, featuring full sets including material from Heaven & Earth and earlier Yes catalog.
  • (2017): Captures the 2016-2017 US tour, with sets emphasizing , , and Heaven & Earth tracks.
  • Yes 50 Live (2018): Documents the 2018 anniversary tour, including rarities and staples performed with Davison on vocals.
  • The Royal Affair Tour: Live from (2020): Recorded in 2019, highlighting a co-headlining tour setlist with contemporaries.
No additional Yes live albums featuring Davison were released as of November 2025.

Singles

Davison contributed lead vocals to select promotional singles from Yes studio albums during his tenure.
  • Contributions to Fly from Here (2011) sessions were unused, predating his official join but involving early vocal ideas later discarded.
  • "The Ice Bridge" (2021): from The Quest, with Davison on vocals and co-writing credit (with Howe); released digitally as a promo ahead of the album.
All Yes singles post-2012 feature Davison's vocals where applicable, though the band focused primarily on album-oriented releases.

With Glass Hammer

Jon Davison served as the lead vocalist for Glass Hammer from 2009 to 2014, contributing to several studio albums during this period and helping to shape the band's symphonic sound with his distinctive high-register singing style. His involvement began after the band sought a new frontman following a hiatus for previous vocalists, leading to his full integration into the lineup alongside co-founders Steve Babb and Fred Schendel, as well as guitarist Alan Shikoh. Davison's first major release with the band was the 2010 album If, where he provided lead vocals across all six tracks, including the epic 24-minute closer "If the Sun," which features intricate multi-part structures and orchestral elements. This album marked a significant evolution for Glass Hammer, blending Yes-inspired melodies with jazz-inflected guitar work from Shikoh, and Davison's emotive delivery was highlighted as a key factor in its critical reception. In 2011, Davison returned for Cor Cordium, a six-track effort where he not only handled lead vocals but also co-wrote for every song alongside Babb and Schendel, and contributed to the music composition on all tracks with the core band members. Standout contributions include his poignant performance on the personal "Dear Daddy," which explores themes of loss, and the ambitious 18-minute suite "To Someone," showcasing layered harmonies and dynamic shifts. The album's production emphasized Davison's vocal presence, with acoustic guitar elements he played adding intimacy to several pieces. Davison's final full album with Glass Hammer was the 2014 release Ode to Echo, on which he delivered lead and backing vocals across multiple tracks amid a rotating cast of singers that included returning members Carl Groves and Susie Bogdanowicz. His contributions are prominent in songs like "Misantrog" and "I Am I," where his soaring leads complement the album's mythological themes and eclectic covers, such as a rendition of ' "Porpoise Song." This project reflected the band's experimental side, incorporating guest musicians and diverse vocal textures while maintaining Davison's central role until his departure to focus on Yes. Prior to his official tenure, Davison made guest vocal appearances on the 2013 deluxe reissue of Glass Hammer's 2005 The Inconsolable Secret, providing lead vocals on remixed bonus tracks "Long and Long Ago" and another unreleased piece, infusing them with a fresh progressive flair. Although no major singles or EPs emerged solely under his involvement, his work during 2009–2014 solidified Glass Hammer's reputation in the scene. Post-departure, Davison made a brief in 2022 on the band's album At the Gate, singing on select tracks as an exception to his primary commitment to Yes.

With Sky Cries Mary

Jon Davison joined Sky Cries Mary in 1993 as bassist, using the stage name Juano Davison, and contributed to the band's evolving psychedelic and rock sound during the mid-1990s. His primary recording with the band in this period was the album This Timeless Turning, released in 1994 by World Domination Recordings. On the 11-track album, Davison performed , percussion, , and backing vocals across all songs, while also serving as a songwriter on multiple compositions, including "Shipwrecked" and "Slow Down Time." The album spawned promotional singles such as "Every Iceberg Is Afire" and "Don't Forget the Sky" in 1994, featuring Davison's bass and backing vocal work, which helped promote the band's atmospheric, style within the music scene. No EPs were released by the band during Davison's early tenure from 1993 to 1996. Sky Cries Mary also made appearances on local compilations, including Seattle-area samplers that showcased emerging alternative and psychedelic acts, though specific track contributions from this era remain limited in documentation. Davison continued as a member through the release of Moonbathing on Sleeping Leaves (1997), providing bass, percussion, and backing vocals on the album's tracks, contributing to its dreamy, expansive sound. He remained involved with the band until 2016, including occasional performances and tours (e.g., in ), though documentation of specific contributions to later releases like live albums or compilations is sparse. The band produced no with confirmed Davison involvement after 1997, and no live albums during his full tenure.

Arc of Life

Arc of Life is a supergroup formed in 2020 by vocalist Jon Davison alongside Yes bandmates (bass, vocals) and (drums), with keyboardist Dave Kerzner and guitarist Jimmy Haun completing the lineup. The group's debut album, titled Arc of Life, was released on February 12, 2021, by Frontiers Music Srl and features 10 original tracks. Davison provides lead vocals on every song and co-wrote all 10 compositions with Sherwood. The album's tracklist includes "Life Has a Way," "Talking with ," "You Make It Real," "Until Further Notice," "The Magic of It All," "Just in Sight," "Therefore We Are," "," "The Sound of the Ocean," and "Living in a Dream World." The band followed with its second studio album, Don't Look Down, released on November 18, 2022, also via Frontiers Music Srl. This 10-track effort again showcases Davison's lead vocals across the board, with his songwriting contributions on five songs: "Real Time World" (co-written with Sherwood), "," "Arc of Life" (co-written with Sherwood), "Walking on the Wind," and "Let Live." Additional writing credits are distributed among the band members, including Sherwood on several tracks and Haun on "Let Live." The full tracklist comprises "Real Time World," "Don't Look Down," "," "Colors Come Alive," "Let Live," "Arc of Life," "The Sound of the Ocean," "Living in a Dream World," and "Walking on the Wind." Prior to the debut album's release, Arc of Life issued a promotional single for "You Make It Real" in December 2020 to announce the project. The group has not released any EPs or live albums as of 2025. All production and performance credits for the band's releases are attributed to its core members, with no external collaborators noted on the studio recordings.

Guest appearances and solo work

Davison has made numerous guest appearances on albums by various and related artists, contributing lead and backing vocals that often highlight his versatile, high-register style reminiscent of classic prog vocalists. These collaborations span tribute projects, supergroup efforts, and side endeavors outside his primary band commitments, showcasing his willingness to engage with the broader prog community. One of his earliest notable guest spots was on the 2012 tribute album Tales from the Edge: A Tribute to the Music of Yes by The Samurai of Prog, where he provided lead vocals and tambourine on a cover of "." This appearance preceded his full-time role in Yes and underscored his affinity for the band's foundational repertoire. The same year, he contributed lead vocals to "" on Mogador's : Tales of Romantic Visions, a concept album exploring absinthe's cultural impact on artists and poets. In 2014, Davison added backing vocals to two tracks—"Pieces of the Puzzle" and "Raspberries"—on The Birds of Satan, the self-titled debut by Taylor Hawkins' short-lived supergroup featuring members of Foo Fighters and other guests like Dave Grohl. This hard rock-leaning project marked an early collaboration with Hawkins, which continued into the following decade. On The Samurai of Prog's Lost and Found (2016), he delivered lead vocals across multiple tracks, including the epic 12-minute opener "She (Who Must Be Obeyed)," blending his soaring delivery with the band's intricate arrangements. The next year, he returned to Mogador for backing vocals on "Josephine's Regrets" from Chaptersend, a track that fit the album's narrative of personal introspection. Davison's contributions to The Prog Collective series, curated by , became a recurring outlet for his talents in the late 2010s and early . On Worlds on Hold (2021), he shared lead vocals with on "Anything but Goodbye," a poignant track amid the album's pandemic-inspired themes. Later that year, he guested on Anyone's In Humanity—a band from his pre-Yes days—with lead vocals on "Misanthropist," reuniting him with old collaborators including Hawkins. In 2022, he fronted "" on The Prog Collective's covers album Songs We Were Taught and provided vocals for "A Matter of Time" on Seeking Peace, the latter serving as the album's and emphasizing themes of resilience. Further diversifying his guest work, Davison appeared on , , and Eric Gè's Cov3r to Cov3r (2021), delivering lead vocals on the opening track, a cover that aligned with the prog supergroup's focus on reinterpretations. On and the Coattail Riders' (2020), he contributed vocals to "Crossed the Line" alongside Grohl, bridging his prog roots with Hawkins' rock edge just before the drummer's passing. In 2022, he provided guest vocals on Dave Kerzner's The Traveler, notably enhancing "Here and Now Part One" and the single "Feels Like Home" with his emotive style, complementing Kerzner's atmospheric soundscapes. In 2024, Davison contributed vocals to John Lodge's single "In These Crazy Times" and the EP Love Conquers All, including the track "Love Will Conquer All." In 2025, he appeared on "Whispering Angels" from Lodge's releases. As of November 2025, Davison has not released any solo albums or standalone projects under his own name, focusing instead on these collaborative efforts and his ongoing work with Yes. His guest appearances continue to reflect a commitment to the progressive rock genre, often involving long-term associates and emerging talents.

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