Van Williams was born in Louisiana in 1926 and began playing music at the age of 15. In 1945 while serving in World War II Van was blinded in both eyes by a sniper's bullet, also losing both the sense of taste and smell. After this unfortunate incident Williams turned his full attention to music and began performing in public in the mid-60s. Although his professional career in music did not begin until well into middle age, it has led him to Jimmie Rodgers and Folk Festivals throughout America, to Television appearances and even to the stage of the Grand Ol' Opry.

For long years Van Williams has been referred to as 'America's Foremost Purveyor Of Jimmie Rodgers Music' and you'll hear a fine sample of that on the last four songs of this album. But Van is much more than just a Jimmie Rodgers singer. His love and knowledge of classic traditional songs is incredible.

All 16 songs on this album were recorded by Van Williams at his home in Rayville, Louisiana somewhere in the late 1970s. Nothing fancy, just his voice and guitar. These recordings have been passed around for ages on homemade cassettes amongst his many faithful fans. Now, thanks to my good friend, Lord Litter we have them on CD and hopefully a larger audience will discover what just has to be some of the purest traditional hillbilly / rural music ever recorded and you'll even hear two modern era songs in George Strait's "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" and Billy Walker's "Cross The Brazos At Waco".

Professional recordings by Van Williams have been few and far between while false promises and disapointments have been many. With this album we hope to bring fresh life to the talents of a most well deserving person. What you have here are rare recordings of Van Williams in his absolute prime.

This album is dedicated to the memory of the late John Arnold and Henry Young.

Eddie Russell

...a real Golden Oldie, what a voice and great songs. I love his old timeey style of singing - love it. ...

Joe Vincent, Jolly Roger Radio International, Irland http://listen.to/jrri/

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order the *handmade/private* HILLBILLY DIAMONDS VOL.1 edition directly from Lord Litter - just send 7 US dollar or 7 Euro cash to:
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