Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Johnny Thomas Fowler is a celebrated Southern Appalachian storyteller, musician, and author whose work captures the heart, humor, and heritage of the American South. With a voice steeped in the rhythms of mountain life and a stage presence honed over decades of live performance, Johnny weaves folktales, family lore, and old-time tunes into unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

As host of This Old Porch on WNCW 88.7 FM and the WordStage storytelling segment, Johnny shares music and spoken word with listeners across the Carolinas and beyond. A sought-after performer and teaching artist, he appears regularly at festivals, schools, libraries, and cultural events throughout the Southeast.

Recent career highlights include featured performances at the 2025 Florida Storytelling Festival, the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, and the Patchwork Storytelling Festival. Johnny also serves as host and emcee of the Hagood Mill Storytelling Festival—a celebrated gathering of Southern tellers and traditional artists that he founded in 2001. Under his leadership, it has become one of South Carolina’s premier folk arts events.

Johnny’s artistry was formally recognized in 2013 with the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award—the highest honor given to traditional artists in South Carolina. He is also one of seventeen nationally recognized storytellers featured in Southern Appalachian Storytellers (McFarland Press).

On stage, audiences can expect an engaging mix of tall tales, traditional lore, and interactive music. Johnny brings history and humor to life with lively performances, colorful character voices, and a treasure trove of instruments—including banjo, fiddle, spoons, harmonica, jaw harp, and more. His programs are carefully tailored for different age groups, from playful sing-alongs and imaginative stories for younger children to rich, layered folk tales for older students and adults. Each performance is a joyful celebration of culture, connection, and the enduring power of story.

In the classroom, Johnny offers a wide range of time-tested residencies, single-day workshops, and innovative, arts-integrated programs. Designed for all learning settings—including Gifted & Talented programs, in-school enrichment, after-school clubs, and camps—his educational offerings combine storytelling, music, hands-on learning, and state-aligned objectives to spark creativity, curiosity, and cultural understanding.

Artist Statement

I am a storyteller, musician, and author dedicated to preserving the living spirit of folk culture through performance, education, and deep community engagement. My work draws from Appalachian roots and American traditions, weaving story and song into rich, participatory experiences that stir memory, ignite imagination, and build bridges between generations.

Whether standing on a festival stage, teaching in a classroom, or sitting in a circle with elders and children, I carry forward the oral traditions that shaped us—tales of grit and laughter, ballads of joy and sorrow, and the music that held our people together. I believe stories are more than entertainment; they are vessels of wisdom, carriers of truth, and tools for healing and hope.

My goal is always to connect: to place the old stories in new hands, to honor the voices of those who came before us, and to plant seeds of wonder in the next generation.

Teaching Artistry Details

Teaching Artist Statement

As a Teaching Artist, I bring the heart of folk culture into educational and community spaces through storytelling, music, and heritage-based arts. Grounded in Appalachian roots and American traditions, my work invites participants into hands-on, intergenerational experiences that awaken memory, spark imagination, and celebrate shared history.

Whether in classrooms, libraries, or community gatherings, I use story and song to engage learners of all ages, emphasizing the values, resilience, and humor passed down through oral tradition. I see these stories not just as entertainment, but as meaningful tools for connection, understanding, and healing.

My mission is to pass on the living legacy of our cultural traditions—to honor the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future through creative expression and meaningful engagement.

Description of Offerings

My residencies are designed to enrich educational experiences and foster growth in various areas, including language arts, literacy, music history, theater, and craft arts. The storytelling residencies emphasize the development of language proficiency, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

My music residencies offer a comprehensive introduction to American folk music and instruments, rooted in cultural heritage and historical significance. Additionally, my instrument-making residency combines elements of craft art, such as design and painting, with musical theory, history, and creative composition, providing a well-rounded learning experience. My engaging virtual programs blend rich storytelling with toe-tapping music. These sessions bring the heart of Appalachian traditions, folktales, and old-time tunes right to your screen—perfect for classrooms, libraries, festivals, and community groups. These programs are performance based only. A full description of available virtual programs can be found at: www.johnnythomasfowler.com

Experienced with the following age groups

• Kindergarten -2nd Grade
• 3rd-5th Grade
• 6th-8th Grade
• Adults
• Creative Aging (Adults 60+)

Materials Provided to Schools or Organizations by Teaching Artist

I provide all necessary materials for an additional fee, depending on the residency selected. Flute-making and dulcimer-making programs include additional material costs. My storytelling and music residencies have no extra cost.

Physical and Technical Requirements of a School or Organization

The physical and technical needs vary depending on the residency selected. Some programs may require a small workspace, access to electricity, and occasionally a water source. In general, most classrooms are well-suited to my needs. Art rooms or similar creative spaces work especially well for instrument-making sessions such as dulcimer or flute building.