John sits down with Studio Musician Academy to talk about his unusual reason for picking up a banjo as a teenager, the legendary session players who helped pave his path to success, and the mindset that’s kept him at the top of Nashville’s recording scene for decades.
From staying sharp after thousands of sessions to learning how to play a song like it’s your own, John shares the wisdom, humor, and musical instincts that helped shape a career heard on countless hit records.
From Muscle Shoals to some of Nashville’s biggest records, John D. Willis has spent decades playing on hit songs across country, pop, and Americana music — one unforgettable guitar part at a time. A longtime first-call session guitarist, producer, and songwriter, Willis has recorded with artists including Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Gretchen Wilson, and many more.
View John's discography:
https://credits.muso.ai/profile/89685b63-f008-42ec-b0f2-3180fc9d6185
Interested in booking a session, production project, or interview with John? We’d love to hear from you.
Spam filters happen. If you haven’t heard back within 3 business days, please email John directly at john@mountwillis.com.