Willie Neal Johnson (August 25, 1935 – January 10, 2001) was an American gospel singer, who became known as "Country Boy" for his rootsy blues-driven style and his down-to-earth, friendly personality.
In 1964 he formed his own group, "Willie Neal Johnson & the Gospel Keynotes", with long-time friends, Ralph McGee, Rev.
[3] After rising to popularity in performances across the Southwest, the group signed to Nashboro Records, based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Among the more notable talents who passed through the roster in the following years were: Paul Beasley, Larry McCowin, Donny Timmons, Alfred "Gino" Smith, Ermant Franklin Jr., Robert Williams, Jeffrey Newberry, Val Alexander, Rev.
After Nashboro stopped producing new releases in about 1977, the group signed to Malaco Records, located in Jackson, Mississippi.
It was installed in the sidewalk designated as a 'Half Mile of History' in downtown, to recognize prominent people from the town.