Gospel Singer, Entertainer. He was known from coast to coast as "The Country Boy" because of his down-home roots and flare. One of the outstanding gospel performers of all times he started singing at an early age because of his mother who was a great singer in her own right. She took her children to church and expected them to take part in the worship services and make that "joyful noise unto the Lord." Willie grew to love the singing and performing and soon joined his first group The Five Ways Of Joy Gospel Singers along with Rev. C.W. Jackson. A few years later Johnson formed The Gospel Keynotes with his friends Ralph McGee, Rev. J.D. Talley, Charles Bailey, John Jackson, Lonzo Jackson and Archie McGee. Nashboro Records was their choice and produced the first hit "Show Me The Way." There was "Aint No Stopping Us Now", "Lord Take Us Through", "The Country Boy Goes Home" and many others with Malaco Records. Willie Neal Johnson performed to sold out crowds in every section of the U.S.A. bringing his down home, soulful sound to the forefront of the musical industry. There were many albums and nominations for Grammies and other awards. The group was inducted into the American Gospel Quartet Hall Of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame. Malaco Records was the last label that served Willie Neal Johnson And The New Gospel Keynotes. Their music can be heard on radio stations and found in music stores and on-line as they remain popular artists of the 21th century. Johnson was among the first to combine Quartet Groups and Gospel Choirs for a new sound that proved to be a hit as with The Mississippi Mass Choir. That concept is still going strong today. After over 20 albums and years on the road Willie Neal Johnson passed away in January 2001 with services at Harvey Hall Convention Center with Rev. Kennedy Young officiating. He was a member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. He leaves behind his wife Mrs. Captoria Johnson, three sons, five daughters and his mother Mrs. Luretia Johnson. A true American success story and an outstanding "Gospel Giant", he will be regarded as a legend in the gospel field.