Jack William Rutter, born on October 12, 1999, and better known by his stage name Ritt Momney, is an American singer-songwriter who rose to international prominence with his dreamy cover of Corinne Bailey Rae's 2006 hit "Put Your Records On." Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, Rutter crafted his moniker as a spoonerism of the prominent American politician Mitt Romney, a former Republican presidential nominee and U.S. Senator who represented Utah from 2019 to 2025. This clever wordplay reflects a blend of local cultural awareness and a playful artistic identity that set the stage for his musical career.
Growing up in Salt Lake City, Rutter developed a passion for music from a young age, drawing inspiration from a wide range of rock and indie influences. He began writing and recording his own songs as a teenager, eventually adopting the Ritt Momney name as a solo project. His early work, characterized by introspective lyrics and lo-fi production, earned him a modest following on platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. In 2019, he released his debut EP, which showcased his ability to blend folk-tinged melodies with modern indie rock sensibilities, though he remained largely an underground artist.
The turning point in Ritt Momney's career came in 2020 when he released a cover of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." Rutter's rendition transformed the original's upbeat, soulful pop into a slow-burning, melancholic indie rock track, complete with reverb-drenched guitars and a hushed, vulnerable vocal delivery. The cover went viral on TikTok, amassing millions of streams on Spotify and catapulting him into the mainstream spotlight. It became a defining anthem of the pandemic era, resonating with listeners seeking comfort and nostalgia. The song's success led to a record deal and widespread critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to reinterpret a beloved classic while making it entirely his own.
Following the viral success, Ritt Momney released his debut studio album, "Sunny Boy," in 2021, which featured the hit cover alongside original tracks that further explored themes of youth, anxiety, and personal growth. The album was noted for its lush production and introspective songwriting, earning comparisons to artists like Mac DeMarco and Beach Bunny. He embarked on tours and performed at major festivals, solidifying his place in the indie rock scene. In subsequent years, Rutter continued to release new music, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining his signature emotional depth. He remains active as a recording artist and performer, consistently engaging with his growing fanbase and evolving as a musician, all while carrying the unique legacy of a stage name rooted in political satire and artistic reinvention.