Jean Leclerc (singer)

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Jean Leclerc on the cover of his newest album Mexico

Jean Leclerc (born May 14, 1961) is a Québécois singer-songwriter. Until 2006, he was known as Jean Leloup or "John the Wolf" in Anglophone contexts. His colourful personality and unique musical style have made him a star in the francophone rock community.

Born in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, he grew up in Togo and Algeria where he was influenced by traditional African rhythms. He appeared on the Quebec music scene in the 1980s, making waves with his provocative lyrics – in his song "1990", he compares the high-tech actions of Desert Storm to the sexual activities of himself and his girlfriend. His 1990 album "L'amour est sans pitié" was a hit outside of Quebec, licensed in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.

Jean Leloup, as he was known, is an important part of Quebec's transforming music scene. Leloup is a Québécois hero for his contribution to the local art scene and the development of the musical culture. Leloup is the recipient of a Felix Award, the Quebec version of a Grammy Award.

At the end of 2003, Leloup "died" or, rather, Jean Leclerc retired the name. This was, in fact, another piece of elaborate fantasy staging, typical of the wild and eccentric artist. Little is known of what Jean Leclerc will do, now that his Leloup persona has been "silenced". In August 2005, he announced his temporary return to the music scene with a collaboration with a band called "Porn Flakes". A first single named "Les Corneilles" has been heard on Montreal's radio stations.

In the months preceding his return, he switched from his guitar to his fountain pen and wrote the philosophic novel Noir destin que le mien (Le Tour du monde en complet, was the original title) , published October 5, 2005 at the Leméac editions under the pen name "Massoud Al-Rachid".

He released "Mexico", his latest album, in September 2006 under the name Jean Leclerc.