John Willis (musician)

For other uses, see John Willis (disambiguation).
John Willis
Birth nameJohn David Willis
BornSt. Martinville, Louisiana
GenresRock music
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Guitar, banjo[1]
Years active1981–present
Websitewillisoundz.com

John David Willis is an American guitarist and songwriter. He is best known for work as a session musician and as a songwriter for television and video games.

Biography

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John Willis was raised in St. Martinville, Louisiana. At age 15, he learned to play banjo and then guitar. At age 22, Willis moved to Los Angeles, where he studied guitar at the Guitar Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, Willis moved to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he began playing guitar in sessions for Shenandoah, Brian McKnight, The Impressions, and others.[2]

Upon the suggestion of David Briggs, Willis moved to Nashville. Willis has been a supporting musician on albums by Shania Twain,[3] Taylor Swift,[4] Willie Nelson,[5] and many others.

Willis" songs have been featured on television networks and video games. He produces projects and jingles in his Willisoundz recording studio.[6]

In 2002, Willis won the Guitarist of The Year award from the Academy of Country Music.[7]

Willis is married to animal rescue activist Stephanie Willis.[8]

Discography

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This section contains a partial list of albums Willis has contributed to.

1981 - 1989

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  • 1981: Byrne & Barnes - An Eye For An Eye (Climax)

1990 - 1994

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1995 - 1999

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2000 - 2004

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2005 - 2009

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2010 - 2014

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2015 - present

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References

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  1. ^ Jamie Deering (September 20, 2016). "Q & A With 6 String Banjoist John D. Willis". Deering Banjo. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  2. ^ "Notable FAME Musicians". FAME Recording Studios. Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  3. ^ Dan Daley (August 1, 2004). "Recording Shania Twain's Up!". Sound on Sound. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  4. ^ Perone, James E. (July 31, 2017). The Words and Music of Taylor Swift. Abc-Clio. ISBN 9781440852954. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  5. ^ Rich Kienzle (February 1, 2017). "Willie Nelson: For The Good Times: A Tribute To Ray Price". Vintage Guitar. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  6. ^ "Studio Design: Willisoundz II". Carl Tatz Design. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  7. ^ Franks, Don (October 28, 2004). Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003, 3d ed. McFarland. ISBN 9780786417988. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  8. ^ "Stephanie Willis". Agape Animal Rescue. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
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