Levi Brenton Williams

Levi Brenton (Brent) Williams (born March 25, 1940), is a multi-instrumental Canadian gospel, country and bluegrass entertainer from Hassett, Nova Scotia.

Williams is considered one of Canada's earliest bluegrass performers,[1][2] has appeared on several notable TV programs on the CBC, CTV, and many other networks in addition to winning many awards for his music and for his achievements and role as a pioneering Canadian entertainer.

[3] He has released a number of top 100 charting songs in addition to working with several notable entertainers such as The Carter Family, Ronnie Prophet, Vic Mullen, Fred McKenna, Shania Twain, Charlie Louvin, Marcel Martel, Angus Walker, The Mercey Brothers, Myrna Lorrie, Stompin' Tom Connors, Osborne Bros, Wilburn Bros, Jean Sheppard, Dallas Harms, Oakridge Boys, among others.

[6][3] Williams acquired his first guitar at the age of six[7] when his mother ordered him one from a Sears catalog for $9.95[1] and his brother Robert first started to show him how to play.

When Williams was a teenager, he began his musical career when he started playing at local parties dances and competitions with Harry Cromwell.

[1] In the fall of that year, Williams received a call from Cromwell who informed him that professional musician Vic Mullen had heard of the duo's performances and was interested in forming a bluegrass band with them which was a relatively new genre in Canada at that point.

[5] After The Birch Mountain Boys disbanded in 1961,[8] Williams and Cromwell toured as "The Brent & Harry Show", utilizing various "pick-up bands" from locations they performed at in the Maritimes.