Johnny Hiland
| Johnny Hiland | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Background information | |
| Born | January 18, 1975 |
| Genres | Country, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, session guitarist, clinician, guitar instructor |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | since 1996 |
| Labels | Favored Nations, Shrapnel Records, Independent |
| Associated acts | Toby Keith, Hank Williams III, Albert Lee, Danny Gatton |
| Website | johnnyhiland.net |
| Notable instruments | |
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Fender Telecaster Paul Reed Smith JH signature, Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Sport |
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Johnny Hiland is a legally blind American musician/guitar artist known for mixing chicken pickin' country guitar with rock, blues, and western swing!"
Hiland grew up in Woodland/Baileyville, Maine, with an eye disease called nystagmus. He started playing guitar at age 2, played his first talent show at age 5, performed on Dick Stacey's Jamboree on local TV at age 7, and won Talent America at age 10, with sister Jodi and brother Jerry, "The 3 J's," playing bluegrass country, joined the Downeast Country Music Association and won numerous awards performing all over New England and Canada opening for such stars as Boxcar Willie and Lynn Anderson.
The 3 J's broke up when Johnny turned 15, due to his voice changing. The fact that Johnny started playing electric guitar at age 12 didn't help either. Johnny left bluegrass, and started playing country, rock, and blues.
In 1996, Hiland moved to Nashville and worked as a session musician for country artists including Toby Keith, Ricky Skaggs, Janie Fricke, and Hank Williams III. Meanwhile, he played with the Don Kelley Band at Robert's Western World. Hiland signed with Steve Vai's Favored Nations label as a solo artist. The Johnny Hiland formed his band, and they started touring in 2006. Johnny has since released a few more albums, and he continues to keep chicken pickin' alive!! Now, in 2017, Johnny is releasing his 5th album, and his autobiography should follow thereafter.
Hiland also works as a motivational speaker as well as a children's author. Hiland's first children's book. Tuff and Friends," which he wrote and illistrated himsslf. Johnny is also soon to release his autobiography. More information will be available on his website at www.johnnyhiland.net.
On a personal level, Johnny enjoys spending time with his sweet wife, Kimmie, playing with his 2 dogs, Buddy and Ella, and studying the Bible.
2002 "Lovesick, Broke and Driftin," Hank Williams III, Curb 2002 "Forgive," Jesus and Bartenders, Rebecca Lynn Howard MCA
2004 "The Bluegrass Sessions," Lynn Anderson,DM Nashville 2004 "The Bluegrass Sessions," Janie Fricke,DM Nashville 2004 "Passing Through," Angels, Randy Travis, Word Records 2005 "R.I.D.E.," Trick Pony, Curb 2005 "Honky Tonk University," She Left Me, Toby Keith, Dreamworks Records Nashville
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