About the Fiddler

 

 

John Williams is an Old-Time Missouri fiddler from central Missouri, a place that he has called home for over 27 years now. John started learning to play at the age of 7. His interest in the instrument was piqued after attending several fiddle contests in Bethel, Missouri. While he spent several years learning the "Suzuki method," his interest was still with the fiddle music he grew up listening to. At the age of 16, he was selected by the Missouri Folk Arts program to apprentice under legendary Missouri fiddler, Pete McMahan. As his interest in the more traditional styles of Missouri grew, he has become one of the more prominent "Missouri Old-Time Fiddlers" in the state. His interest isn't in the showier or fancier styles in the world, but being able to carry on the traditional tunes that have been played in this great state for generations.

 

John has played in several settings over the years, many of which cross state lines. He won the National Invitational Championship in Yankton, South Dakota in 2001. Nominated for two Grammy Awards for the "Fiddling Missouri" album in 1998. Traveled the Lewis and Clark trail from Missouri to Seattle to sit in on a recording of fiddle tunes titled "Fiddle Tunes of the Lewis and Clark Era." John has also been a master fiddler at the Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp for several years, which is also the same place he was a student for close to ten years (and a big source of his inspiration on the instrument). Most recently, John published his first album, "Monroe County Influences : Vol. 1.," that focused primarily on his playing and style of music. While John does compete in contests occasionally, his favorite setting is an informal jam session, small traditional square dances, or passing old-time tunes onto fellow musicians.