Biography

Jeanette Williams
Since her debut solo release in 1994, Jeanette Williams from Danville VA has quietly become one of the most successful and celebrated women in bluegrass music. Her list of awards, accolades, and career highlights continues to grow, as does her adoring fan base. Jeanette burst onto the national scene in 1999 with her Doobie Shea Records release “Cherry Blossoms in the Springtime”, which spent 9 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Album Chart. In support of her album, Jeanette and her band increased touring and winning fans from coast to coast, and internationally, with her powerful songs, angelic voice and warm, sincere personality. Touring, recording and industry awards have become a mainstay for Jeanette.

With more than sixteen SPBGMA nominations thru 2018, and three wins for Female Vocalist of the Year (2009, 2012 and 2013), two IBMA awards (2006 and 2009 Recorded Event of the Year, with the Daughters Of Bluegrass) two songwriting awards (2007 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest, 2008 IAMA Songwriting Contest) and over twenty-nine years of performance experience in Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel, Jeanette is expanding her repertoire to include her early influences of Classic Country, Blues, Roots, and Rock n’ Roll. Jeanette is currently working on new project to release later this year.


Johnny Williams
Johnny Williams (Danville VA), a 2006 graduate of IBMA Leadership Bluegrass, plays guitar, shares vocal and emcee duties, and writes most of the band’s (Jeanette Williams Band) original material. An award winning singer and songwriter, he has been named Virginia State Champion Male Vocalist, PICABO Male Vocalist (twice), and PICABO Songwriter of the Year. He was the bluegrass division winner of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest in 1998 & 1999. He has also been a finalist for the SPBGMA male vocalist the past two years in Nashville TN. He penned three of the four songs that JWB recorded for “Bell Witch, The Movie” soundtrack. Junior Sisk and Rambler’s Choice, New Classic Grass, Larry Stephenson, Special Consensus, Mountain Faith and Mark Newton have also recorded his songs. He has co-written with notable writers, such as Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall. His 2004 solo release on Bell Buckle Records entitled “1-800-LONESOME” includes five original compositions. His later projects “Last Day of Galax” and “Going My Way” on Mountain Roads Recordings feature many of his original tunes as well. He was featured in Bluegrass Now Magazine in the July 2004 “State of the Union” column. Johnny was co-founder and president of the Dan River Region Bluegrass Association for 5 years, co-founder and Chairman of the Blue Ridge Acoustic Uprising and produces many local music events. When he’s not on the road, Johnny produces and guest on projects for other songwriters and bands. Johnny also serves as judge for SPBGMA and the Galax Fiddlers Convention. Johnny was invited along with Rodney Crowell to judge the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at the 2018 Merlefest.