First, the necessary clarification: this is not the film composer. The John Williams here (born 1941) is the Australian-British classical guitarist widely regarded as one of the greatest the instrument has ever known — a player of such flawless technique and clarity that Andrés Segovia reportedly called him "a prince of the guitar."
From Melbourne to Segovia's class
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Williams moved to London as a boy. His father, a guitarist, gave him his early training, and his exceptional gift soon took him to the master classes of Segovia at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, where Segovia singled him out as a future great. He later studied at the Royal College of Music in London — which had no guitar department at the time, so he studied piano there while his guitar career took off.
A byword for perfection
If Segovia is admired for character and Bream for daring, Williams is admired for sheer command: an immaculate, even technique and crystalline clarity that set a new standard for what clean guitar playing could be. His recordings of the core repertoire — Bach, the Spanish composers, Barrios, whom he did much to champion — are reference points to this day.
Crossing over
Williams never confined himself to the recital hall. He recorded the hugely popular Cavatina (the theme from The Deer Hunter), formed the crossover band Sky, and collaborated across genres and with other artists — including a celebrated duo with Julian Bream. In doing so he brought the classical guitar to audiences far beyond the usual classical public.
The guitars he plays
Williams has long been associated with the lattice-braced guitars of the Australian maker Greg Smallman, instruments prized for their exceptional power and projection. His choice helped bring the modern lattice guitar to international prominence — part of the same innovation story as Jim Redgate and the double-top pioneers.
His legacy
Between them, Segovia, Bream and Williams define the modern history of the classical guitar: Segovia who made it serious, Bream who made it adventurous, and Williams who made it flawless and brought it to the widest audience of all. His clarity remains the technical benchmark for guitarists everywhere.
FAQ
Is this the same John Williams who wrote the Star Wars music?
No — that is the American film composer. This John Williams (born 1941) is the Australian-British classical guitarist.
Why is he considered so great?
For his flawless, even technique and crystalline clarity, and for bringing the classical guitar to a huge crossover audience.
What guitars does he play?
He is closely associated with the lattice-braced guitars of the Australian luthier Greg Smallman.
