Sweet William

Sweet William is a folk ballad partnership rooted in Dayton, Ohio, led by the emotive singing of Jake Book and Eileen OConnor. Formed in 2021, they skillfully blend their devotion to English, Irish, and Appalachian musical legacies. Jakes path into traditional music started as a child in Iowa when his mother, from Kentucky, introduced him to old-time banjo tunes, sparking a deep bond with the British Isles heritage and its evolution through Appalachia. Over ten years, he built a varied career as a solo singer-songwriter before turning toward preserving traditional songs and melodies. His expertise spans fiddle, banjo, Irish whistle and drum, guitar, and vocals. Jakes dedication to keeping these traditions alive has made him an emerging figure in the traditional music world; he has won awards for banjo and singing and collaborated with artists like Dom Flemons, JD Wilkes, Sarah Wood, Flatfoot 56, Mike Oberst, and The Tillers. Eileen OConnor has sung nearly her entire life, always surrounded by music thanks to her mothers influence. It was not until a reenactment in 2017 that she began performing publicly. Her interest soon broadened into many traditional styles before focusing on old ballads, earning her the nickname sweet sad singer of sweet sad songs. In 2019, Eileen renewed her musical journey by picking up the banjo againshe had bought one in 2008 but never fully explored it. She studied with prominent musicians such as Carla Gover, Montana Hobbs, Sue Massek, John Haywood, and Jesse Wells at Cowan Creek Mountain Music School, an experience that deeply shaped her musical path. In 2021, she added the fiddle to her repertoire under John Harrods guidance. Together, Jake and Eileen create a unique sound that honors traditional music heritage while adding their own distinct voice and passion.