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NEWS

Brand New Album - March 2010!
We have some great news for all fans who have ordered or are going to order John's CDs. To celebrate John's 40 years in the business, 'The Absolute Best of John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue' 2CD pack will be released on 19th March 2010.
The first disc features twenty two of John's most popular and most requested songs as well as one new song, a stirring anthem titled 'Island Of Oceans'. (see separate story below).
The second disc is a tribute album with some of the country's finest artists paying tribute to John as a songwriter singing thirteen of John's songs in their own style. Some of the artists include Kasey Chambers, The Waifs, Wendy Matthews, Sara and Greg Storer, Tommy Emmanuel and Russell Crowe to name a few.
'The Absolute Best of John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue' DVD will also be released, containing twenty two video clips. From his classic 'Old Man Emu' to the outrageously funny 'Boogie With M'Baby' to moving songs such as 'Flower On The Water' and 'Salisbury Street' this has something for everyone, young, old and all of you in between.
Both are not to be missed and will be worth the wait.
NB: 'The Platinum Collection' has been deleted and is no longer available from retail stores or direct from this website.


Brand New Single Coming Soon!
Country music icon John Williamson and Condobolin boy Shannon Noll have joined forces to produce a song recognising the country they love. Titled, 'Island Of Oceans', the song is the only new original song on John Williamson's forthcoming album release 'The Absolute Best of John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue'. (See above story).
Written by John, the descriptive track could easily become the nation's next anthem; if not, don't expect to see another one like it from the celebrated and awarded Williamson. "I have written many songs of over my 40 years as a recording artist in an attempt to capture the enormous spiritual power of our huge, ancient land. At last, here it is; an anthem aimed to inspire pride in our place on earth - my final song on the subject. Only time will tell whether I have succeeded," said John on the release to radio of the track.
John Williamson is no stranger to creating anthems, stirring national pride in country and delivering flag-raising ballads . . . even if he never meant them that way. "While I'm immensely proud of how 'True Blue' has found a place in many hearts, it was never written as an anthem. It is often used to salute the passing of fair dinkum Australians. It's more about the character of the people," added Williamson.
The inclusion of Shannon Noll on the track came from a chance meeting between the Bush Balladeer and the Australian Idol graduate some years ago. Noll, a fan of Williamson, spoke with him about how his song 'Galleries of Pink Galahs' was his father's favourite and, as such, was played at his funeral when he passed. Since then that song and, in fact, John Williamson has been a special part of the Noll family.
John wrote the song 'Island Of Oceans' and hoped to share the message and passion with someone of like mind. He remembered his conversations with Shannon and invited him to record with him. Noll accepted immediately. Williamson was thrilled. "I'm proud to have Shannon Noll sing with me and share with us his pride in being a son of our 'Island of Oceans'," said John paying tribute to his friend.
'Island Of Oceans' will be available as single digital download on 19th February and can be purchased in-store from 19th March as a track of the 'The Absolute Best of John Williamson: 40 Years True Blue' album.
Please see the ABOUT JOHN link for further information on the 40 years celebrations.


That Was The Week That Was
What a week it was for John at the Tamworth Country Music Festival! Nothing could surpass the surprise presentation by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and her moving speech in recognition of John's forty years in the industry, but it didn't stop there.
Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, John Williamson
John performed his second show at Tamworth to a sell-out audience and standing ovation, with many fans who turned up at the last minute disappointed in being unable to get tickets.

JW and Chad
That was followed by the CMAA Awards night where a special tribute was paid to John for his significant contribution to the industry again. Narrated by 'big brother' John Laws, forty years of career highlights filled the stage screens. But more than this, the tribute recognised John's love of Australia and the many causes he has been passionate about and the impact he has made on so many Australians through his songs. Musical tributes were also performed by some of his peers. Melinda Schneider sang 'Cootamundra Wattle', Troy Cassar-Daley sang 'Raining on the Rock', Shane Nicholson performed 'Songs for My Guitar' and The Songbirds finished the tribute with 'Old Man Emu' bringing John onto the stage for the final verse.

For John it was almost as much of an honour to present his old mate, Chad Morgan, with a Gold Guitar for his lifetime contribution to the country music industry in Australia. After fifty-eight years in the business, this was Chad's first Gold Guitar (pictured left).
Then it was off to Australia Zoo for Australia Day. John has performed in the Crocosseum on Australia Day every year since Steve opened it. Afterwards John and Meg were given a whirlwind tour of the zoo to visit the new Wildlife Warriors Animal Hospital and some of the new areas under development. They had to a chance to get up-close and personal with some of the residents!

at Australia Zooat Australia Zoo
at Australia Zooat Australia Zoo

John will be heading to WA for the Perth Muster in a couple of weeks followed by a short tour in regional Victoria. Bendigo has been sold out for several weeks now and the others are not far behind. So don't be disappointed and leave it too late to get your tickets if you're in the area of Shepparton, Warrnambool and Horsham. John has some wonderful new songs as well as the favourites that just have to be sung.

Please check the TOUR DATES link to obtain all future booking details.

* All zoo photos are included courtesy of Australia Zoo and remain their copyright.


The Perfect Gift In 2010

You can purchase from the complete range of award-winning John Williamson DVDs, Videos, CDs, Books and other merchandise direct from this website.
Just click on this link for all current product details and how to place your order information.


Ami Williamson's Debut Album

John has written about Ami's brand new CD 'Close To Home'.

How does a father review his daughter's first collection of songs without sounding a little biased? Well, firstly I can say that I wish my first album was of the same quality; it wouldn't have taken me so long to make it.
The first track takes me somewhere I can't explain. There is a quality to this that is most definitely haunting. The simplicity of 'Travelling In Cars' is so worldly, I'm guessing Ami will be singing it for a long time and it could be an entry into international recognition.
The next three tracks immediately come back down to earth and have hit me where it hurts; in the heart, especially 'Give Me Your Time'. In this world we live in, these lyrics must ring true for millions of relationships. Her song about cigarettes is quite scary and I think the anti-smoking campaign could do worse than adopt it. 'I Need A Wife' is a tough one to me but perhaps it means something to career ladies.
Ami's debut album to me sounds like it's not her first. I know how hard she has worked since she decided it was her life to write, sing and play piano. I am not surprised the CD is wowing those who have heard it. Good luck darling girl. Your first album is truly you. You've done it the hard way and that will stand by you forever.
love
Dad CD cover

Her debut CD 'Close to Home' can be ordered direct from: www.amiwilliamson.com


Destination Fiji - Oz Country Music Festival 2010

John has been asked to headline the first ever Oz Country Music Festival in Fiji. Being held in August 2010 on the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji, John will be joined by other artists including Felicity Urquhart, Glenn Hannah, Jonahs Road, Bill Chambers & The Ashleigh Dallas Band.

"We are very excited to have John Williamson as the headline act and can't wait to join him in Fiji for this exciting event" said Chris Watson event organiser.

From $2,299 per person you can come along to this amazing event. The price includes: return airfares from Sydney, seven nights accommodation, transfers, all meals, all country music festival concerts and some exciting surprises.

This is a first for Fiji and numbers are strictly limited. Bookings are exclusive through Country Music Holidays (Travelworld Tamworth) and are already filling fast. For more details, call 1300 799 987 or e-mail

Click on the poster image to enlarge...


A Word of Explanation
The John Williamson official website comprises many separate pages. The following is a description of some of our most popularly used links.
TOUR DATES We regularly add new gig details to this page.
STORE Use this link to purchase any of the merchandise available from our on-line shop.
CONTACT This page details all John Williamson contact information including his fan mail addresses.
ARCHIVE This page now has four sub sections:
News: General JW news stories from the past.
Quambatook: The complete background story behind this new Australian folk musical.
True Blue Newsletters: A collection of previously published True Blue Newsletters.
NSW Variety Bash Diaries: John & Meg's blogs of their Variety Bash adventures
ABOUT JOHN This page contains a full biography of John together with many highlights of a long career including all his Golden Guitar and other awards.
PHOTOS A photo album stretching back almost 40 years.
TRUE BLUE FLAG The story behind the True Blue Australian flags.
TRUE BLUE CAUSES John Williamson is well known for his promotion of Australia, its people, its land, its flora and fauna. This page details all the organisations that John supports on an official basis.
NEWSLETTER The True Blue Newsletter is issued every few months and includes a personal letter from John together with information about past, present and future events.
There are also direct links to MySpace, Facebook and iTunes. These can be found at the top of most pages of this website.

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