Johnny Williams’ lead vocals have a dynamic force and magnetic charm that reveal a natural inclination for honest, sincere messages in his original songs. Johnny is an award winning singer and songwriter from Virginia. He took first place in the bluegrass division of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in 1998 and 1999. Besides with The Jeanette Williams Band, Johnny’s songs have been recorded by Junior Sisk and Rambler's Choice, Larry Cordle, Larry Stephenson, Honi Deaton & Dream, Mountain Faith, Doyle Lawson and Special Consensus to name a few.
Joe Ross, Bluegrass Reviewer
After several listenings to him the one recurring observation I had is that Johnny Williams is ‘the real deal’. His voice can sound like the most traditional bluegrass singer or have the cry of the most respected old time country singer, and his strong rhythm guitar playing is the glue that holds the performances together.
Greg Cahill, Special Consensus
When the top traditional bluegrass singers are named, you expect to hear Larry Sparks mentioned, and James King. Perhaps Danny Paisley as well, and Junior Sisk. But a name you don’t hear often enough is Johnny Williams, who can throw down the lonesome with the very best of them.
John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
Johnny Williams song "A Change In Me"
chosen for IBMA top ten showcase songs
Thur Sept. 30th 2021
Johnny Williams song "Sailors Regret"
chosen for IBMA top ten showcase songs
Thur Oct. 1st 2020
Johnny Williams is a finalist for 2020 SPBGMA Songwriter and Guitar Player of the Year !
AVAILABLE NOW !!!!
TO ORDER EMAIL grasstank@mindspring.com or call 434-489-8080
$15.00 (shipping included in US)
Shelton & Williams) "So Much Time, So Much Love" featuring Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Nikki Wright-fiddle,
Adam Steffey-mandolin, Jason Davis-banjo, Jay Shelton-guitar/vocals
Gary Hultman-dobro, Johnny-guitar/vocals
Johnny & Jeanette Williams "Thirty Years Later" featuring Jody King-banjo, Rusty Breedlove -banjo,
Stevie Barr-banjo, Nick Goad-mandolin, Ryan Blevins-mandolin/vocals, Scott Freeman-mandolin,
Ronald Inscore-mandolin, Johnny-guitar/vocals
Larry McPeak Tribute Band) "Larry's Songbook" featuring Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Mike McPeak-guitar/vocals
Nikki Wright-fiddle/vocals, Adam McPeak-mandolin, Steve Chrisley-banjo, Johnny-guitar/vocals
Johnny Williams ) "Going My Way" features Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Nikki Wright-Fiddle/vocals,
Jason Davis-Banjo and Chase Johner -Mandolin, Johnny-guitar/vocals
"Close Kin"- featuring 29 bluegrass and old time musicians blending together for 16 tracks of traditional songs
Johnny Williams ) "Last Day of Galax" features Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Amber Collins-vocals, Billy Hawks-fiddle,
Tony Mabe-banjo, Chase Johner-mandolin, Debbie Yeatts-clawhammer, Kenneth Berrier-lap steel,
Kathleen O'Connell-fiddle, Johnny-guitar/vocals
"Freeman and Williams" -features Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Scott Freeman-fiddle/mandolin/vocals, Johnny-guitar/vocals
Johnny Williams) "1-800-Lonesome" featuring Jeanette Williams-bass/vocals, Stephen Fraleigh-fiddle, Marsha Bowman-banjo
Ashby Frank-mandolin, Sally Jones-vocal, Johnny-guitar/vocals
"Memories and Tears"- features Johnny-guitar/vocals, Jeff Michael-mandolin/bass/vocals
"Grass Tank" - features Victor Dowdy-bass/vocals, Jeff Michael-mandolin/vocals, Lynnwood Lunsford-banjo
Ronald Inscore=mandolin/vocals, Johnny-guitar/vocals
A new project I'm involved in by the "Larry McPeak Tribute Band" titled "Larry's Songbook " released Feb. 2021 on Patuxent Record Label. Featuring: Jeanette Williams, Nikki Wright, Mike McPeak, Adam McPeak, Steve Chrisley and myself.
Johnny selected to be the Artist in Residence for the Crooked Road thru June 2023
Sailors Regret:
“My friend Johnny Williams wrote this great song. My good buddy, band mate and banjo player extraordinaire, Jody King, suggested it to me when I was gathering songs for this new album. Being a former Navy guy myself, I just loved the tale. The longing for home when I was overseas, sometimes nearly unbearable, coupled with the great drive Johnny put into this piece made it a no brainer for me to cut. Thank you old buddy for allowing me to record this song!” (Larry Cordle)
Johnny Williams
Johnny Williams song "Gone For So Long"
chosen for IBMA top ten showcase Sept. 2019
Johnny & Jeanette Williams awarded
"Lifetime Achievement award from
the city of Danville VA 11-11-17".
Shelton & Williams sign with Turnberry Records January 2024
"Shelton & Williams" (Jay Shelton, Jeanette & Johnny Williams)
have a new project "So Much Time, So Much Love"
released July 2022 on Grass Tank Music. A collection of a
variety of genres of music with special guest Nikki Wright,
Adam Steffey Jason Davis and Gary Hultman.
Order now from this site or call
434-489-8080.