John Christopher Williams OBE is an Australian-born classical guitarist renowned for his ensemble playing as well as his interpretation and promotion of the modern classical guitar repertoire. In 1973, he shared a Grammy Award in the Best Chamber Music Performance category with fellow guitarist Julian Bream for Together (released in North America as Julian and John).  Also in 1973, Cleo Laine wrote lyrics and recorded it as the song "He Was Beautiful" accompanied by John Williams. His guitar version became a worldwide hit single when it was used as the theme tune to the Oscar-winning film The Deer Hunter (1978). 

Guitar historian Graham Wade has said that "John is perhaps the most technically accomplished guitarist the world has seen."