Recognised for his longstanding career back in January by Quentin Bryce, Australia’s Governor-General, award-winning country singer John Williamson is marking a major milestone – four decades in the business – with a brand new collection. A double-album: Absolute Greatest – John Williamson, 40 Years True Blue.
Set for release on Friday 19 March, the new record features many of the nation’s top country and roots artists playing tribute to the 65-year-old “Old Man Emu” singer, who has released more than 32 albums throughout his career so far. Joining Williamson on the disc is none other than Wendy Matthews, Kasey Chambers, the Waifs, James Reyne, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Adam Harvey, Sara and Greg Storer, Ash Grunwald, the Songbirds (aka Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole and Sara Storer), the Ordinary Fear Of God… and Williamson’s own daughter, Ami.
As well as the new collaborations and old favourites, the album will also contain a brand new duet with former “Australian Idol” star Shannon Noll, titled “Islands Of Oceans”. Says Williamson of the number, “I have written many songs 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.”
Good friend Tommy Emmanuel had this to say about Williamson’s four-decade long career: “Nobody has captured Australian life in song like him, to me he stands tall as a true blue bloke, one whose clever wit, open hearted love and genuine love of country will always inspire me and many generations of young songwriters, to reach for excellence in their gift of song.”