Ghost Writers In The Sky™
Song Contest 2005

The annual "Ghost Writers In The Sky" Song Contest invites original songs, written in the style of Hank Williams, Sr. Judges choose three finalists; your online vote then decides the Grand Prize Winner.

John Lilly
"Blue Highway"
Grand Prize Winner 2005
Listen (2.2MB, MP3)

John Lilly's unique blend of music bridges the waters between tradition and innovation. Mixing his own roots-based original songs with the best of early country music, John offers a lively and entertaining program of American roots music.

"If Hank Williams had a sunny disposition, he'd be John Lilly" -- Independent Weekly; Durham, NC

"Lilly's the real thing -- he's got the 'feel,' the intensity, the soul, and the sweetness in his music." -- Bluegrass Unlimited

John Milne was born in Ohio, grew up in California and Norway, and has been living in Chicago for the past 12 years. John plays with the Long Gone Lonesome Boys, and also performs with three-time Midwest Harmony Sweepstakes winners Chicago Voice Exchange.

He translates the Scandinavian languages to supplement his musical income, and has also worked as a copper miner, ship's helmsman and ER orderly at various times in his life.

John lives with his wonderful wife, Margo, and their good-for-nothing punk-drummer son, Andrew.

Thomas Scott Pearce "You Never Miss Your Water (Till The Well Runs Dry)"
Finalist 2005
Listen (1.7MB, MP3)

Born in North Carolina and raised on a tobacco farm, Thomas started playing guitar at age 10. He's worn many hats through the years, including tobacco farming, construction, forestry service, National Park Service, corrections officer in five state prisons, and is now a psychiatric nurse.

Thomas received theprestigious 2005 Songwriting Fellowship Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, and contributes a column on Journalspace.com ("My Back Pages" by BLUESMAN).

Thomas says he's "happily married to the greatest woman on the planet," has a grown son and a grandchild.