Part 1 From Buffett to Backroads: A Life in Song with Will Kimbrough
The Hook with Johni & Jess
On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and guitarist Will Kimbrough—an artist whose influence runs deep through the fabric of American music.
From touring the world to collaborating with legends like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and Todd Snider, Will has spent decades shaping songs that resonate far beyond the stage. You may know his work on Buffett’s final album—including the powerful “Bubbles Up”—or through his own deeply personal and masterfully crafted catalog.
In Part 1, we dive into where Will is right now—his current projects, creative evolution, and what success, freedom, and fulfillment look like at this stage of his life. We also explore his work with SongwritingWith:Soldiers, helping veterans turn their stories into music, and what it means to create with purpose.
This is more than a conversation about music—it’s about growth, legacy, and the moments that shape a life in song.
Don’t miss Part 2, where we go deeper into his journey, his work with Jimmy Buffett, and the stories behind the songs.
Will's Core Collaborations / Major Mentions:
Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, John Prine & Guy Clark
Legendary / Industry Icons, Additional Artists & Collaborators , Musicians / Nashville & Session Legends, Writers / Producers / Key Figures Mentioned & Bands / Cultural References Mentioned:
Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young, Toby Keith, Roger Waters, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Luther Dickinson Alison Krauss & Yo-Yo Ma, Mac McAnally, Gary Green & Daniel Lanois, Little Feat, R.E.M., Allman Brothers Band & Pink Floyd
Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.
Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com
Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.
The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.
