Johnny Prill

Early Life
Johnny Prill is a singer/songwriter from Bad Axe, Michigan who has been writing and recording songs for over 30 years. He started playing the accordion at the age of seven and loved to entertain at a very young age.
Bobby Vinton
Over the years Johnny’s songs have been recorded and performed by numerous artists. “The Polish Prince” Bobby Vinton has recorded a number of Johnny’s songs including “Polka Radio” which appears on Bobby Vinton’s Greatest Polka Hits Of All Time CD. Vinton also recorded Johnny’s “Proud To Be An American” and “A Birthday Wish.”
Bobby Vinton provided the following quote for one of Johnny's CDs:
"Johnny is one of the most creative songwriters of our time. His warmth and understanding blends itself into his lyrics and music. It's a pleasure to know Johnny as a friend and an equal pleasure to record his songs."
America, This Song's For You
Johnny wrote and recorded “America, This Song’s For You.” He was instrumental in bringing together many big name vocalists to perform with him on this song. Artists lending their vocal talents were Bobby Vinton, Frankie Yankovic, Lil Wally, Eddie Blazonczyk, Jimmy Sturr plus many more! "America, This Song's For You" became an instant hit with radio and music fans across the country. All the proceeds from the song were used to promote Polka Music in America.
The Polka Beat
Johnny has release many CDs in his career. His album "The Polka Beat" was reviewed in many major newspapers and magazines including The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, The Las Vegas Mercury, and Country Weekly Magazine.
The opening track of "The Polka Beat" talks about playing polkas on the road each night, while mixing in some Alan Jackson and Rolling Stone cover songs. This was a very popular song and fans could relate to enjoying polkas along with over types of music. The November 23, 2004 issue of Country Weekly Magazine featured and article on Johnny and his "Polka Beat" song. Writer CW. Larry Holden said, "In one of the songs, Johnny, who’s had five songs recorded by Bobby “Blue Velvet” Vinton, croons the line Tonight I’ll sing an Alan Jackson song while wailing away on his accordion. (OK, maybe wailing isn’t the right word.) After mentioning Alan, Johnny sings about playing Norah Jones’ music and some Rolling Stones. Then he adds, But first we’re gonna move your feet with a polka beat."
Martin Stein from The Las Vegas Weekly reviewed "The Polka Beat" and gave it a 5-star review. He especially enjoyed a song titled "Las Vegas." Stein wrote "Even though the singer can only stay one night, his love for our "pretty neon lights" shines through. And how can you not love a song with the chorus, "Las Vegas, you're the greatest, and I'll miss you when I go"? Truly the best polka song about our town ever recorded."
National Grandparents Day Song
Grandparents Day is a secular holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Johnny wrote a song about Grandparents and was awarded The National Songwriters Award from The National Grandparents Day Council out of Chula, Vista, California. The award was presented in recognition of Johnny’s highly popular composition ”A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” which is now the official song of National Grandparents Day.
United States Senator Debbie Stabenow said, "It is wonderful that “A Song For Grandma And Grandpa” was chosen as the official song of National Grandparents Day. What a special tribute to your talent as a songwriter. You have put into words the unique relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren."
Grandparents Day Concert
Johnny presents a free concert annually to honor grandparents every year on National Grandparents Day. The outdoor concert is held at Courtney Manor Nursing Home where Johnny is their longest running volunteer, entertaining residents once a month for over 23 years. Johnny always opens the show with a song he wrote about the history of National Grandparents Day in honor of its founder titled “Marian McQuade.”
The Huron Daily Tribune ran a story about the 2008 concert and stated, "State Rep. Terry Brown, opened the concert by giving a brief history of National Grandparents Day, and noted that this holiday was celebrating 30 years of honoring our nation’s grandparents. During the concert, Kay Peruski, Administrator of Courtney Manor, thanked Prill and then presented him with a plaque, honoring him for his dedication to entertaining their residents over the past 22 years."
Grandparents Day Concert Special Guests
*2008 - State Rep. Terry Brown
*2009 - Elvis Tribute Artist Greg Jaqua
Wayne Newton Tribute
Johnny wrote and recorded "The King of Las Vegas" a tribute song honoring Wayne Newton. Johnny had the opportunity to present Wayne with his composition titled "The King of Las Vegas" after Wayne’s performance at the Flamingo Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. “The King Of Las Vegas” was inspired by the book "Once Before I Go" the biography on Wayne Newton's life.
B.B. King Tribute
Johnny has always been a huge B.B. King fan and was inspired to write "House of Blues" after reading the biography on B.B. King's life. “House of Blues” is a love song about B.B. King and his famous guitar "Lucille."
Maria, My Sweet Rose
Johnny‘s recording of "Maria, My Sweet Rose" was promoted to International Pop and Country Radio. The songs unique sound became a hit with radio stations and charted on many Top 40 International Play Lists.
Frankie Yankovic Tribute
Johnny had the opportunity and pleasure to perform with the Frankie Yankovic Band and over the years the two became good friends. Johnny was inspired to write a tribute to Frankie titled “America’s Polka King” after Frankie gave him a copy of the biography on his life.
Current Life
Today, Johnny still resides in Bad Axe, Michigan where he grew up and continues to perform, write and record music. The Johnny Prill Band consists of Johnny on accordion, his dad John Prill Sr. on bass, his brother Daniel on drums and his brother Christopher playing the violin. His son Johnny, also a musician, runs all the sound equipment and is often featured as a special guest.

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