John Doerr was born and raised in the 'Festival City' of Stratford, Ontario. His father Mervin’s trombone solo in “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (performed in a fine church by the city’s concert band) was one of his earliest emotional experiences with music. How fulfilling it was for John, many years later, to involve Mervin in the trombone arrangement for Cano’s "Baie Ste. Marie".

Having dimes and quarters tossed at him by students after his first performance on trombone (in the newly formed “Herb Albert” band) was enough to get John hooked on performing. Little did he know that a few months later he would have pop cans, apple cores and gum whizzing by his ear while playing bass in another newly formed rock band, “The Other Guys”.

Other major musical influences included the "English invasion" (Beatles, Stones), soul music, R&B, Wilson Pickett and Jimi Hendrix.

While studying psychology at York University in the late 60’s, John was drawn to the newly created electronic music studio. Weather Report, Miles Davis, Steve Reich, and Varese were on the same play-list as The Band, Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, The Eagles and Elton John.

After six years at York, John graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a B.F.A., specializing in music. Jazz and avante-garde electronica became his main focus until 1974 when, joining the "Morgan" show-band, he met David Burt and Rachel Paiement.

Sparked by André Paiement’s infectious enthusiasm for the upcoming Cano music group John moved to Sudbury in the fall of 1973, eager to participate. He immediately embraced the cooperative spirit of the Sudbury arts community, and for many years strove to make the musical branch of the Cano co-op a success. John worked with Cano on a full-time basis until 1985, arranging, composing and playing bass & trombone.

After Cano disbanded John continued to work with Cano band-mate Marcel Aymar, composing and producing music for numerous TFO and NFB documentaries. In 1988 they formed Majoma Music with Marc Cholette, a Sudbury expatriot they met on the Toronto scene.

Since that time John has produced, composed and performed for major Canadian television productions: the National News, Hockey Night in Canada, the CBC Olympic broadcasts, City TV 'Great Movies', Marketplace, Country Canada, and the NFB feature film "Le Secret de Jerome". He's also enjoyed working as a sound designer on theatrical events for Canadian Stage Productions and the 2000 Du Maurier World Theatre Festival.

In 2001 John collaborated with Cano alumnus Dave Burt on music for the film "The Stork Derby". Plans are in the works for future projects with the Cano crew.

John lives in Toronto with his wife, Jocelyne and their son Zacharie. University enrolment, classic car restoring and travelling keeps the family busy.

John Doerr's website can be accessed at www.majomamusic.com.