For the past 17 years, Johnny & Jeanette Williams have played and sung bluegrass music together all over the world. The husband/wife team has written and performed together through a number of band names, currently The Jeanette Williams Band.
Jeanette’s voice has always been the primary focus, while Johnny has labored behind the scenes with booking and management duties, in addition to playing guitar and singing with the band. Now, the success he has sought for Jeanette for so long has forced him to step aside from his stage role, as the band’s growing tour schedule presents unresolvable conflicts with his full time “day job.”
Stepping in on guitar will be Alyssa Emerson, who Jeanette says has a lovely voice which blends beautifully with her own. This is the first touring gig for the college freshman, but she has been making her mark as a guitarist, taking 7th place at the 2006 Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA. The band also includes Jody King on banjo, Chase Joiner on mandolin and Jeanette on bass.
Though Johnny is unable to dedicate himself to a full time band, those who know him recognize that he could never stop picking and singing. He has accepted a position with Big Country Bluegrass, whose schedule meshes well with Johnny’s availability.
Though the two will no longer perform together, Johnny and Jeanette want everyone to know that they are still very happily married, a partnership that is as solid as ever. Johnny will continue to book The Jeanette Williams Band though his own company, Grass Tank Music.
