Real name: William K. Johnson

American banjoist, guitarist and singer, born 1905 in Lexington, Kentucky; died August 13, 1955 in Lexington, Kentucky in a house fire. Active in the music scene in and around Louisville, in 1926 he moved to New York with the Dixie Ramblers. Played also with George Howe (1926-1927) and Luis Russell (1927-1932). During this era he also made recordings with King Oliver, Henry "Red" Allen and Jack Purvis. From 1933 to 34 he played with Fess Williams. After working as a freelance, he stopped playing and returned to Lexington.

Not to be confused with bassist Bill Johnson (4), who also occasionally played banjo and guitar.