Page 71 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2020 Issue

In more recent years, Leona has enjoyed recording duets with several in the country music industry

including Ferlin Husky, George Jones, Jimmy Martin, Floyd Tillman, Justin Trevino, Johnny Bush, and

Joe Paul Nichols among others. She continues to perform all over the world and has recorded several

stellar album projects for Heart of Texas Records including tribute albums to Merle Haggard and

George Jones respectively. In 2020, she released a duet with Gary West, "Jackson," a fantastic

version of the Johnny Cash and June Carter hit that is quickly rising up the indie charts. The duet can

be found on Gary West's latest album "Heroes, Friends and Legends." They also released a video of

the song.

Leona was inducted into the Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Fame, the Missouri Country

Music Hall of Fame, the Country Music Association of Texas Hall of Fame, the North American Country

Music Hall of Fame (N.A.C.M.A.I.) in Tennessee, and the Mobile Alabama Country Music Hall of

Fame. She was honored with the prestigious George D. Hay Award and was also given the “Honky

Tonk Female Singer of the Year” award at the Ameripolitan Awards in Austin Texas. She was also

inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame. Twice, Leona was honored with the

“Entertainer of the Year” award by R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers). Recently, Leona

was honored at the Leinster Entertainment Awards in Naas, Ireland with the “International Singer and

Songwriter of the Year” award.

Leona's songs have been recorded by many artists Leona Williams & Scott Wikle
including Tammy Wynette, Randy Travis, Moe Bandy,
Ray Price, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Bush, George Jones,
Forester Sisters, Connie Smith, and Merle Haggard.

Leona's greatest treasures though, are her family. She is
especially proud of her daughter Cathy Lee and her sons
Ron and Brady Williams. Ron is an outstanding artist in
his own right and has released several albums. He also
frequently tours with his mom.

Whether in a recording studio, dance or concert hall, or
on stage at The Grand Ole Opry, Leona Williams always
gives her very best to her fans and her music.

George Jones is quoted, “Leona Williams is the greatest female country singer that has ever stepped

up to a microphone. She can make a grown man cry with her sad songs. I love the lady and her

music… what a nice lady!” I could not agree more. I am blessed to call Leona my friend. She is always

such a sweet person to visit with and always has a story or a joke to bring a smile to my face. She

sings just as beautifully as ever and continues to write solid gold country music.

Recommended listening: "Yes, Ma'am, He Found Me In A Honky Tonk"

This 3-CD set includes a 48-page booklet and features 82 classic country tracks, including her top

ten hit duet with Merle Haggard, "The Bull And The Beaver,” plus many previously unreleased

recordings along with a 'lost' album produced by Tompall Glaser. Also included is a biography based

on extensive personal interviews, rare photos from Leona's Williams' personal collection, and a

detailed discography.

Leona Williams official website: https://music.leonawilliams.com/
"Jackson" video with Gary West on Vevo: https://youtu.be/QNC7JiHqlks

"My Kind Of Country" feature interview with Leona: https://youtu.be/oTsbOcCpVL0