Breathing New Life into Missouri Fiddling: John P. Williams, from Rachel Krause for Oldtime Central
“John P. Williams is an oldtime fiddler from Madison, Missouri who grew up deeply entrenched in the tradition of Missouri fiddling. John was a regular attendee of the Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp and apprenticed under Pete McMahan in the late 90’s as part of the Missouri Folk Arts Program. He studied under Missouri fiddlers Bob Holt, Vesta Johnson, Dwight Lamb, Taylor McBaine, Fred Stoneking, Johnny Bruce, Herman Johnson, and Charlie Walden. John is the youngest master artist in the Missouri Folk Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program and has been a master-artist four times . . . “
John P. Williams and Kenny Applebee pose for a photo during an interview Rachel Krause at Williams’ home. Photo by R. Krause