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Willow Creek artists: our artists family

Grammy winners, Nashville songwriters, worship leaders and young country stars. Meet the musicians who play Willow Creek Guitars, and the models they chose.

Doyle Dykes playing a Willow Creek Ziricote Pro

Legendary guitarist Doyle Dykes played a Willow Creek guitar on TV, and his tracks appear on the Guitars For Vets album we were proud to support.

Watch Doyle on YouTube See the Ziricote Pro

Signature model

Denny Jiosa

Plays a custom Bolivian Pro and a Parlor Pro

We are excited to have Denny Jiosa as part of our family. Denny is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the most dynamic and soulful guitarists on the scene today. He is best known for his six smooth jazz projects, all garnering Top 5 and Top 10 positions on the smooth jazz charts, as well as delivering his #1 hit single "Wounded Warriors" in the UK. His hit song "Lights of The City" was SESAC's #1 most played jazz song of that year, reaching #5 on the smooth jazz charts.

He is equally at home in the studio as a renowned producer and engineer. With four Grammy nominations to his credit, his production skills range from Americana, rock, blues, Latin, gospel and jazz. He has worked with artists such as gospel sensation Yolanda Adams, master guitarist Phil Keaggy, the late Bobby Hebb ("Sunny"), saxophonist Kirk Whalum, drummer Chester Thompson (Genesis, Santana), country star Crystal Gayle, Philip Bailey, Ronnie Laws and Take 6.

Denny plays a custom version of the Bolivian Pro, and more recently commissioned a Parlor Pro. The Bolivian Pro is a grand auditorium sized guitar with a solid book-matched Bolivian rosewood top and book-matched Bolivian rosewood back and sides. The bevel armrest adds comfort while playing. This model has the FXA electronics with built-in delay, chorus and reverb, condenser mic and Bluetooth. Bolivian rosewood grain is tighter than a typical rosewood specimen, and it is thought to have a more distinctly percussive tone. Its tonal response has tight lows, present mids and a clear, singing high end. It has a rosewood fretboard and bridge, plus a bone nut and saddle for added tone. The custom gold tuning machines complete this guitar with a very unique combination of exotic top and back woods.

The Parlor Pro is a "00" size with a solid cedar top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard. It also has our FXA system.

George Marinelli

Welcome another family member to Willow Creek Guitars, George Marinelli.

George was the guitarist with Bonnie Raitt from 1993 to 2022, and an original member of Bruce Hornsby & the Range, for which he received a Grammy for Best New Artist. He has recorded at least seven solo albums, and his latest, Self Made Fool, is a marvelous culmination of his development as an artist.

George has recorded with Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Dixie Chicks, Robert Earl Keen, Ray Charles, Duane Jarvis, Faith Hill, Randy Scruggs, Wynonna Judd, Cliff Richard, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Colin Hay, Peter Cetera, Rascal Flatts, Cindy Bullens, Maia Sharp, Art Garfunkel and many others. He also toured Europe with James Taylor.

George Marinelli's official music channel

Rhonda Milton Hampton

Sings and plays guitar with Ronnie Milsap

Rhonda sings and plays guitar with Mr. Ronnie Milsap. After playing Denny Jiosa's signature model, Rhonda showed an interest in having one. Her husband, Adam Hampton, decided to get one for her. We are excited to welcome Rhonda to our family!

Patsy O'Brien

Welcome Patsy O'Brien to the Willow Creek Guitars family.

As well as supplying the driving guitar rhythms on Celtic/World Music diva Eileen Ivers' last European tour, and frequently treading the boards and collaborating with many giants of the Celtic/World music scene (Paddy Keenan and Cathie Ryan among them), Patsy's songwriting reflects a strong interest in roots Americana as well as jazz influences.

With critically acclaimed solo albums under his belt along with numerous live and studio collaborations, it's no surprise that Patsy's songwriting ability and guitar prowess are in demand. Patsy hosts guitar workshops all over the country, and NPR saw fit to feature one of his song arrangements on the prestigious All Songs Considered.

Patsy O'Brien's website

Signature model

Paula Jo Taylor

Plays the Paula Jo signature model

Paula Jo Taylor recently joined the Willow Creek Guitars family and we could not be more elated. Nashville-based Paula Jo Taylor is an acclaimed lead guitar player who performs with her daughter Amanda and their Mama Tried Band. She was featured in Guitar World Magazine as their pick for top 10 female guitarist and performed live at their 2019 summer NAMM show booth in Nashville. A video of Paula Jo playing guitar at the 2017 summer NAMM has gone viral on the Internet.

Paula Jo plays the PAULA JO signature model, a grand auditorium sized guitar with a solid book-matched Sitka spruce top and book-matched Indian rosewood back and sides. The bevel armrest adds comfort while playing. It has a rosewood fretboard and bridge. The custom gold tuning machines have "Willow Creek" engraved in them. All Willow Creek Guitars ship with a bone nut and saddle and D'Addario coated strings.

Paula Jo's biography

Garrett Huffman

Plays his custom shop SG91-GH

At only 21 years old, Garrett Huffman has accomplished an impressive number of career milestones since teaching himself to play the guitar during the pandemic of 2020. His original music landed him a record deal with Iron Gate Records in Nashville, TN and an endorsement deal with Willow Creek Guitars.

Garrett has amassed countless fans across the United States and, on January 20, 2024, won the esteemed "2023 Carolina CMA Entertainer of the Year" award from the Carolina Country Music Association at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC. His victory was fueled by the overwhelming support of his fan base, earning him the highest number of votes ever recorded in the history of the competition.

Garrett has performed over 500 shows across North and South Carolina, as well as Tennessee, since his performance debut in 2021. He writes and produces his own original music and has written over 100 songs, with many scheduled for release in 2025. Garrett has also played events with Warren Peay, Ronald Radford, Mark Herndon and Dixiana, and has opened for Mike Rogers, Cody Webb, Point of Grace, Marcus King, Mac Arnold and Josh Turner in front of thousands of attendees. His original music has been featured on 96.9 The Kat, iHeart Radio, Kicks 103.3, 93.9 Carolina Country, WFAY 100.1, WYAY 106.3, Z103.com and Beach Waves Radio.

Matt Burmeister

Plays the FX-PG91Y

Meet Matt Burmeister, another member of the Willow Creek Guitars family. A songwriter, guitarist and singer, Matt was born in Danville, IL and now resides in Franklin, IN. A graduate of Musicians Institute, he has five #1 songs on Trop Rock radio with his band Tiki Tom Toms & The Pineapple Beach Party. His work has been heard by millions of people in his music for documentaries, indie films, TV and radio commercials and theme parks, as well as live performing and writing, recording and releasing original material. His 'I Like Halloween' song and video aired on regional PBS stations.

Matt selected the FX-PG91Y guitar for his main instrument. The FX-PG91Y is a handmade grand auditorium sized guitar with a solid "AA" book-matched Sitka spruce top and book-matched Indian rosewood back and sides. The bevel armrest adds comfort while playing. It has a rosewood fretboard and bridge. The custom gold tuning machines have "Willow Creek" engraved in them. It has a bone nut and saddle and D'Addario coated strings. The fretboard is highly adorned with our custom morning glory inlay design. His guitar has our flagship FXA effects system with delay, chorus, reverb and Bluetooth. There is a built-in condenser mic that can be blended with the under-saddle piezo for a warmer, more natural sound when amplified.

Music available on all major streaming platforms.

John Sullivan

Plays the FX-SG9CY "Pirate Ship"

Introducing another member of our family, John Sullivan, a singer-songwriter from Denver, North Carolina. John has been playing music his whole life and writing for the past 15 years or so. He started his journey on piano at the ripe age of 4 and steadily transitioned to guitar 18 years later. He has a steady, easy vibe comparable to Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews, with a touch of Grateful Dead influence. John was featured on season 19 of NBC's The Voice, where he worked closely with coach Blake Shelton. He is a devout Christian with a loving family: his blessing of a wife, Staci, two young boys Hayes and Boone, and their white golden retriever Goose. John performs all around North Carolina, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, and travels south to play shows in South Carolina and Florida throughout the year.

The songwriting process unraveled for me as the guitar learning process progressed. The more I challenge myself, the more I learn, the more I become inspired to write and create. It has taught me to respect that process in many aspects of my life. I'm excited to continue my journey with my new friends and family at Willow Creek.

John selected the FX-SG9CY, also known as the "Pirate Ship": a custom shop, handmade grand auditorium sized guitar with a solid "AAA" Sitka spruce top and solid book-matched cocobolo back and sides. The flamed maple bevel armrest adds design and comfort while playing. It has an ebony fretboard and bridge and a florentine cutaway. The custom pearl and gold tuning machines, bone nut and saddle, and 5-piece neck of mahogany, ebony and flamed maple make this a very unique guitar. The icing on the cake is the pirate ship fretboard inlay. This guitar has our flagship FXA effects system with delay, chorus, reverb and Bluetooth, and a built-in condenser mic that can be blended with the under-saddle piezo for a warmer, more natural sound when amplified.

Ken Jehle

Plays the Herringbone Pro (FX-PGE4F)

Ken is a lifelong career musician and is currently the full-time music director for Saint Joseph Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music with a concentration in classical guitar and is equally skilled in rock and classical. Ken Jehle has recently recorded several solo guitar arrangements, which can be heard on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. In college, he performed with the all-original band 'Angel X', which opened for many national acts including 38 Special, Quiet Riot, Blue Oyster Cult and Foghat.

Ken selected the FX-PGE4F, also known as the "Herringbone Pro". The Herringbone Pro grand auditorium guitar has a solid Engelmann spruce top, mahogany back and sides, forward-shifted "X" bracing for enhanced bass and projection, hand-scalloped Sitka braces, a 5-piece neck for strength and stability, a rosewood fretboard and bridge for enhanced tone and feel, abalone cherry blossom inlay, a volute on the back of the headstock, herringbone body binding, bone nut and saddle, custom die-cast tuners, and the FXA digital effects system with delay, chorus, reverb and Bluetooth. There is a built-in condenser mic that can be blended with the under-saddle piezo for a warmer, more natural sound when amplified.

Ken's music

Hoss Ridgeway

Plays the Suncreek Mahogany and the Jumbo Pro

Hoss Ridgeway is a comedian, songwriter and singer from Franklin, IN. He has performed in 40 states and 2 countries, using his musical comedy, storytelling and sound effects to entertain at comedy clubs, churches, cruises, corporate shows and on TV. He is totally in love with Willow Creek Guitars!

Hoss uses the Suncreek Mahogany guitar as his travel instrument. The 38" mini grand auditorium has the FXB digital effects with reverb, delay and chorus. It has a solid mahogany top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fretboard and bridge, wood, pearl and abalone inlay and binding, custom die-cast tuning machines and a gloss natural finish. He has also added the newest Jumbo Pro guitar to his collection.

Check out Hoss on iTunes and on the web.

Hoss Ridgeway

The 25th Hour

Josh plays the Koa Pro (FX-PGKKY)

We welcome The 25th Hour to the Willow Creek Guitars family. Josh Oowa was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was raised going to gigs and band practices with his dad, and singing in church and the school choir. His love for music soon blossomed into playing instruments: starting with the trumpet in 5th grade, eventually learning guitar, joining a band, and becoming a front man, singing and playing guitar.

Josh now lives in Knoxville, TN, playing locally multiple times per month with his band The 25th Hour. The 25th Hour was nominated for The Best Band in Knoxville 2023, and is known for the eclectic collection of covers and originals they perform, giving the audience an opportunity to have a good time and share in the love for music!

Josh has the Koa Pro (FX-PGKKY) and has commissioned a new custom guitar with his band logo near the octave fret and his last name around the sound hole.

The 25th Hour on Facebook

Jack Gafford

Plays the Ported Pro (FX-PG94P) and the Bolivian Pro (FX-PG00)

We are happy to welcome Jack Gafford to the Willow Creek Guitars family.

A passion for music has been one of the driving forces throughout my life, from playing country and bluegrass on a friend's back porch as a young teenager in my hometown of Auburndale, Florida, to chasing that "neon rainbow" in Nashville for a decade. Several major label deals were in the works, and although music was my life, it just wasn't my time.

I was blessed to have many leadership opportunities while serving in the Air Force and the corporate world, including Lead Trainer for "Warrior PATHH," a program dedicated to helping post-traumatic veterans and first responders forge strength from struggle.

In 2013, I reconnected with my faith through the help of a mentor. I finally came to the point where I gave it all up to God: my questions and frustrations, my dreams, and my future. During this time, however, my love for music never flagged. In 2014, I returned to my roots, blending my faith and artistry to create what has been described as "cutting-edge Christian Country." Working with my longtime friend, producer, singer and songwriter Adam Wheeler, we recorded the album "Sinner to Sinner," and a second album in 2020, "Love is Louder." Now, as the founder of Sinner to Sinner Ministries, I'm living out my passion and faith by "connecting ordinary people to an extraordinary message through word and song."

Jack Gafford's website

Graylon Collins

Plays a custom shop Parlor Pro (FX-PP71)

Introducing Graylon Collins, an emerging guitarist from Hillsborough, NC. He began his musical journey at the age of ten. Deeply influenced by legends like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, Graylon has developed a versatile style, mastering genres from blues and rock to fingerstyle and bluegrass. His passion for music extends beyond playing; he is dedicated to building a vibrant community within the music world. Whether on stage or in an impromptu jam session, Graylon thrives on connecting with fellow musicians, sharing his faith and spreading the joy of music.

Tom Frye

Plays the Explorer Elite (FX-SG9C)

We are very excited to welcome Tom Frye to the Willow Creek Guitars family. Tom is a singer-songwriter and the patriarch of the Frye Family Band, started with Tom and his three children: daughters Kaylyn and Maggie and son Jonathon. Current members are Tom, Jonathon, Jonathon's wife Mane (MAH-neigh), and longtime drummer Eric Reynolds.

The Frye Family Band has toured throughout much of the United States and over the years has shared the stage with Jimmy Fortune (formerly of the Statler Brothers), Dailey and Vincent, and CCM artists Stars Go Dim, Jordan Feliz, Mitch McVicker and others. The Fryes have also enjoyed two charting songs: "Song of Hope," reaching #4, and "Creations Song," which made it to #1 on the CRW Christian Country Charts in January 2016. The Fryes have appeared on multiple television shows, including an episode of "Beats" on the Shalom Television Network, and have had their music featured on Focus on the Family's Plugged In podcast.

Besides being the primary songwriter for the Frye Family Band, Tom has collaborated with many other writers, including legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy, who recorded two songs he penned with Tom. Another of Tom's songs, "Big Ole Stone" (Victory), co-written with Daniel Doss, was recorded by the Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning gospel group the Triumphant Quartet. It reached #4 (February 9, 2025) on the Singing News Radio chart.

KaeLeigh Pirkle

Plays the Rosewood Pro (FX-PG91Y)

KaeLeigh Pirkle has spent the last 18 years of her life experimenting with many different ways to break into the music scene. From band and choir in school to playing on local radio stations in her husband's family band, her story is nothing short of intriguing. Growing up in a small town in northern West Virginia, KaeLeigh had many opportunities to expand her musical knowledge. She was gifted her first guitar at 7 years old and took guitar lessons for 10 years before venturing into learning many songs by ear.

Moving to Tennessee and engaging in the Knoxville music scene opened her eyes to a new world of entertaining in public that would help push her to the next level. She helped form the acoustic duo "The 25th Hour" in 2023. In October the band won 2nd place for "Best Band in Knoxville" at the KnoxStars competition. She stepped away from the duo in early 2024 and shortly after met another local musician, Kaine Pirkle. KaeLeigh joined his family's band, "The Pirkles", and married Kaine in November 2024. The couple also performs around the Knoxville area as the duo "KaeLeigh & Kaine".

Caitlin Mae

Plays the Ziricote Pro (FX-PG9Z)

Caitlin Mae, a British artist now living in Nashville since obtaining her O-1 visa, is a multiple award-winning singer-songwriter who has entertained audiences globally throughout her career. Be it arenas, festival stages, headline tours, or sharing the stage with country megastar Carrie Underwood, Caitlin Mae continues to garner attention as she builds a fan base, and a name for herself, within the country music industry.

Travelling far and wide both within the United States and internationally, Caitlin Mae has judged numerous award shows, played shows filled to capacity, donated her time performing and giving inspirational speeches to school children from kindergarten through 8th grade, been interviewed live on radio, and reached #1 upon the release of new music, leading to a number of successful tours.

Proud to be a Professional Tier CMA Member, Caitlin Mae has already appeared twice at CMA Fest, where she met and greeted her fans, played a variety of shows throughout the Nashville area, and took part in interviews with a multitude of media outlets inside the Music City Center and beyond. With a constantly expanding social media fan base of over 100k followers, as well as rapidly growing streaming platforms, Caitlin Mae is thrilled to watch her army of Dreamers (fans named after her first single, "The Dream") grow in numbers. Her Patreon already boasts over 50 members who offer support and encouragement as her career blossoms.

Spending many a night backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, with Opry members she is now able to call friends, Caitlin Mae has her sights firmly set on making her debut on the iconic stage. She recently released two back-to-back singles, seeing success on radio and streaming, and with her newest self-penned song "House Sitting", her first distribution deal and a house concert tour in celebration of this new chapter, the future is looking extremely bright for Caitlin Mae.

Cole Wesson

Has designed a custom shop dream guitar

We welcome Cole Wesson to the Willow Creek Guitars family. He was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and got his first guitar and wrote his first song at age 12. Cole played on the worship team at church and school. Music has always been his way to escape. To quote Cole, "I'm a blue-collar worker by day and a honky-tonker by night." He is currently working on his first country EP. His country role models include Braxton Keith, Zach Top and Dustin de la Garza. He loves God, country music and his Ford Raptor truck.

Cole has been playing a couple of Willow Creek Guitars for some time, and has designed a new custom shop dream guitar.

Cole Wesson's TikTok

Brenda Cay

Plays the Ziricote Pro (FX-PG9Z+BT)

Brenda Cay is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose refreshing, clever songwriting surprises listeners with its unique twists and sharp wordplay. A Professional Tier member of the Country Music Association (CMA) and a member of ASCAP and the Americana Music Association (AMA), Brenda has released more than two dozen songs and garnered 14 licensing deals. She has amassed over 10 million streams across DSPs, building a dedicated fanbase and widespread recognition. Her songs have been featured on Apple Music's Best New Songs (Country) and on the Academy of Country Music's ACM: New Music Friday playlist.

American Songwriter, Broadway World, Music Crowns, Medium, Cowgirl Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine and many other publications have featured her music and videos. Syndicated radio and various terrestrial and internet stations broadcast her songs, which are delivered with a warm voice and feel like conversations with good friends: real, relatable and full of heart.

Whether writing about love, life or chasing big dreams, her guitar isn't just a songwriting tool; it's part of her storytelling process. That's why she has chosen the Ziricote Pro (FX-PG9Z+BT). She trusts Willow Creek's craftsmanship to support her on the stage and in the writing room, where the next line might just take a turn you didn't see coming.

Becca Bowen

Plays the Rosewood Pro (FX-PG91Y)

Born and raised in the small town of West Columbia, South Carolina, Becca Bowen's country charm and gospel background have shaped her unique musical style: a blend of traditional country with a soulful approach. Mixing her glamorous Southern Belle exterior with her bold and outdoorsy personality, Becca exudes confidence in who she is. The South Carolina native has steadily grown her catalog and brand since her debut single "Love It, Leave It" in 2020. A multi-talented entertainer, Becca competed on and won the fifth season of Outdoor Channel's popular reality show For Love or Likes in 2021, garnering a rapidly growing following online.

In 2022, Becca released her debut album, Like You've Never Been Loved, featuring songs from award-winning country artist Lee Brice and ACM-nominated artists Rebecca Lynn Howard and Rachel Bradshaw. She guest starred opposite Chuck Wicks in Shiners, a first-of-its-kind live show combining cirque and comedy. She has headlined shows and festivals across the U.S. and performed at the Bridgestone Arena for the Nashville Predators Music City Showdown and the beloved Whiskey Jam, and was set to make her debut as Associate Producer, starring as Pat, in the musical Theophany at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

With her latest EP, County Line, Becca has again elevated her artistry and captured her most authentic sound yet. It features the hit singles "If I'm Being Honest" and "Son Of A Gun", which received support from People Country, Perez Hilton, CMT, Whiskey Riff and more. Her single "Heartbreaking Business" passed 300K streams on Spotify alone, and she teased her highly anticipated release "Mama's Prayer" for September 2025. Singer-songwriter Becca Bowen has comfortably solidified her sound and proven to be a force in the country genre and beyond.

Becca's website

Anna J

Plays the Herringbone Pro (FX-PGE4F)

With a voice rooted in classic country and an ear for irresistible hooks, Anna J is bringing fresh energy to today's country scene. The Frederick, MD native studied songwriting at Belmont University under Grammy-winning professors and was mentored by Marcus Hummon ('Cowboy Take Me Away', 'Bless the Broken Road'). Since graduating in 2020, she has split her time between Nashville and Charlotte, building a reputation as a powerhouse independent artist.

Her music has resonated globally, earning three #1 singles on iHeartRadio's worldwide aBreak Music station with 'Nobody with Nobody', 'In Your Heart' and 'If You Don't Like Country (Then You Don't Like Me)'. She has recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville, performed at the Bluebird Café, and taken the stage at the Randy Travis Music Festival in 2024 and 2025. With all of her singles reaching the top 5 (including 'Frustrated' and 'Better Than That'), Anna continues to deliver her signature mix of heartfelt lyrics and all-American grit to audiences around the world.

Anna J's website

Will Yates

Plays a custom shop Koa Pro with his name on the fretboard

Will Yates is a country guitarist and songwriter from Honea Path, South Carolina, whose music is built on honest stories and small-town roots. He picked up the guitar three years ago and quickly found it wasn't just an instrument: it was home. Since then, his playing has become the backbone of his sound, blending heartfelt rhythm work with melodic leads that put feeling first.

Will has chosen a custom shop Koa Pro with his name on the fretboard.

Kristy Skinner

Plays the Rosewood Pro

Kristy Skinner, songwriter, Nashville, TN.

Originally from East Tennessee, Nashville songwriter Kristy Skinner brings a soulful blend of blues, country and folk to her music, with a touch of rock 'n' roll edge. Her connection to music goes back generations: her grandfather emigrated from Czechoslovakia as a teenager, bringing his violin and concertina with him to America.

Kristy's own musical journey began early with school band and grew through her teenage years working at Dollywood, where she discovered a deeper appreciation for country and bluegrass music. After moving to Middle Tennessee, she spent more than two decades immersed in the Nashville community before pursuing songwriting and guitar more seriously.

A creative spirit who picked up the guitar later in life, Kristy writes songs filled with personality, clever lyrics, emotion and stories drawn from real life. Her original song "Black Cat Blues" received airplay on WMOT, and she continues to develop her craft through songwriting, recording and live performances. Beyond music, Kristy is also a visual artist and graphic designer. Her journey reflects her belief that it's never too late to find your voice, pick up a guitar and create something uniquely your own.

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