John Williams is considered one of the world's best classical guitarists living today. He is especially famous for playing Cavatina by Stanley Myers, the theme song for the Oscar-winning film, The Deer Hunter. Williams is known for playing difficult pieces with a good sense of timing and musicality. Williams was born in Melbourne, Australia on April 24, 1941. He was initially taught by his father. At the age of 12, Williams went to Italy to study under Andrés Segovia. He later attended they Royal College of Music in London, studying piano because the school did not have a guitar department at the time. After graduation, the college offered him an opportunity to run a guitar department. Being such a lover of the instrument, he seized the opportunity and ran it for the first two years. Williams has maintained links with the college ever since.
Interesting Facts:
- William's mother is Australian-Chinese.
- Williams was in a classical-rock fusion duet with rock guitarist Pete Townshend of The Who.
- Williams believes Agustín Barrios is the greatest composer of guitar music.
Source: Wikipedia