Coast 2 Coast Closeup – Jeff Orson

Jeff Orson is a traditional Canadian country singer / songwriter based in Toronto. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Jeff received his first guitar as a Christmas gift at the age of six. An older cousin gave Jeff some basic lessons and left him to it.

Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014, Jeff began composing songs (some from his hospital bed) while undergoing treatment. A hospital custodian heard him playing from bed during his recovery and urged him to take his music to the world. One tune seemed to lead to another and before long he had a catalogue of over 100 songs.

After receiving a clean bill of health, Jeff’s story was featured in the Toronto Star, followed by a bio segment on @Home TV. Playing at shows followed, where a loyal following began to emerge. Jeff’s fans appreciate his music’s straightforward style and relatable, heart-felt lyrics which are inspired by real life experiences. An artist with broad appeal, Jeff humbly aspires to compose authentic anthems for our times.

In recent years Jeff has played numerous venues around the world. On the heels of successful features in Singapore, France and Sweden and a headline show at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern in 2016, Jeff has had several busy years abroad with shows in Dublin (Ireland), London (England), Glasgow (Scotland), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, New York, Miami, Honolulu and Mexico City.

Jeff’s music career passed a major milestone in March 2018 when he got his first ever radio play in the Canadian Maritimes. Over the past few years at home in Canada Jeff has played live in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto and at festivals like the Burlington Sound of Music.

In June 2018, Jeff’s inspirational survivor story was covered extensively on national television and radio networks, including CTV and the CBC, as well as in major national newspapers as part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual drive to raise awareness of the need for regular screening and early detection in order to save lives. This coverage really solidified his credentials as a Canadian singer songwriter. In August 2018, he made his Nashville debut.

He is a previous recipient of a FACTOR Artist Development Subsidy. Jeff released his first EP entitled “California” in February 2016. He started to get national radio play in earnest in January 2019 with the release of his single, “Won’t Let Me Let Go,” which climbed to 101 on the Canadian country charts (Mediabase). His subsequent six singles have received radio play across Canada, the US, the UK, and as far away as Dubai. Jeff’s music has been featured on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and numerous other country stations.

Jeff released “Pray” in March of 2020.  This song was in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and was a way of reaching out to people feeling isolated and uncertain.  All proceeds of Bandcamp downloads have been donated to the UN/WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

Jeff released his “Ballads” EP in November 2020, a collection of piano-striven songs including “Pray” and “Drowning”, followed by “Who We Are” in January 2021.  In August 2021, Jeff was the recipient of a country music Red Carpet Award, based out of the Netherlands.

Listen to the interview