Biography
Doug & Telisha Williams are a Nashville-based country-folk duo originally from Martinsville, Virginia, whose partnership in both music and life has shaped their distinctive sound and career. Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Doug learned music from his family elders in Galax, a region renowned for its old-time traditions, while Telisha was influenced by her uncle Sammy, a gospel singer in a family quartet. Their shared roots in Appalachian music and experiences in a small manufacturing town deeply inform their songwriting, which blends honky-tonk, Americana, and southern gothic styles[2][6].
The pair met in high school—Doug as drum major and Telisha as majorette—and after college, they reunited to pursue music together, eventually forming Wild Ponies. Over the past two decades, they have released five albums, including the acclaimed 'Galax' (2017), recorded live in Doug’s grandfather’s farm shed with both Nashville and Galax musicians, and 'Dreamers' (2024), which explores themes of queerness, polyamory, foster parenting, and fertility treatments[1][3][4]. Their live performances are celebrated for their intimacy and authenticity, often featuring acoustic sets or full-band arrangements, and they have cultivated a devoted community through their music, radio shows, and annual Trail Rides.
Doug & Telisha’s legacy lies in their ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries, both musically and personally. Their openness about their family life and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ issues have made them influential figures in Americana and southern gothic genres, inspiring audiences and fellow musicians with their creativity, resilience, and commitment to love and community[1][4].
Fun Facts
- Doug & Telisha met in high school marching band—he was drum major, she was majorette[6][8].
- Their album 'Galax' was recorded live in a shed on Doug’s family farm, steps from where they were married[3].
- They host the long-running Wild Ponies Happy Hour radio show on WSM[1].
- Their song 'Heartbeat' features the actual in-utero heartbeat of their FET baby, Iris[1].
Members
- Telisha Williams - original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Doug's grandfather - Taught Doug banjo and old-time music, played with local legends in Galax. (Influence on 'Galax' album) [Doug's childhood]
- Snake Smith & Kyle Dean Smith - Local Galax musicians who played with Doug’s grandfather and later collaborated on Wild Ponies recordings. ('Galax' album) [Childhood influence and 2017 recording]
- Sammy (Telisha's uncle) - Gospel singer, taught Telisha to sing. (Family gospel quartet performances) [Telisha's childhood]
Key Collaborators
- Fats Kaplin - Nashville pedal steel legend, frequent guest musician. ('Galax', 'Dreamers') [2017, 2024]
- Will Kimbrough - Nashville musician, participated in shed recordings. ('Galax') [2017]
- Neilson Hubbard - Nashville musician, part of shed recording sessions. ('Galax') [2017]
- Audrey Spillman - Nashville musician, part of shed recording sessions. ('Galax') [2017]
- Brandy Zdan - Producer of 'Dreamers' album. ('Dreamers') [2024]
- Chely Wright, Ben Glover, Nora Jane Struthers - Co-writers on 'Dreamers' album. ('Dreamers') [2024]
- The Sea The Sea (Chuck and Mira Costa) - Guest musicians on 'Dreamers'. ('Dreamers') [2024]
- Kilby Spencer (Crooked Road Ramblers) - Old-time fiddler, collaborated on 'Galax'. ('Galax') [2017]
Artists Influenced
- LGBTQIA+ Americana musicians and fans - Inspired by Doug & Telisha’s openness about queer, polyamorous family life and advocacy for inclusivity. (Community-building, radio shows, live performances) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost of the Knoxville Girl | 2009-09-09 | Album |
| Rope Around My Heart | 2006-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Southwest Virginia Blues (Rope Around My Heart)
- Bar Room Story (Rope Around My Heart)
- Our Town (Rope Around My Heart)
- Shirt On A Rack (Rope Around My Heart)
- Rope Around My Heart (Rope Around My Heart)
- Bad Attitude (Rope Around My Heart)
- Long Black Veil (Rope Around My Heart)
- Dutch Village (Rope Around My Heart)
- Nashville (Rope Around My Heart)
- Misery (Rope Around My Heart)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Doug & Telisha Williams has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2025 | 02:10 | Ghost of the Knoxville Girlfrom Ghost of the Knoxville Girl | Overnight Music - Friday |