Patience for the Ride: The Art and Life of Will Johnson

by John Krajicek, Jason Isbell (Contributor), Jim James (Contributor)

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK...I need to be candid: Will Johnson is a friend. Before way he was a friend, he was the singer of a band called Centro-Matic, whose album, DISTANCE AND CLIME, I bought at a used CD store in San Antonio, Texas sometime in the very early part of the 21st century. I took one listen to "The Connection's Not So Civilized" and I immediately knew that I was into whatever he was putting out there. Hooked. Immediately. One minute and about fifteen seconds of a song. I knew. I saw him, and Centro-Matic several times so many times over the next decade or so. We were introduced at one of those SXSW things where only the fan remembers the occasion...and then a few years later, I contacted him about playing a show...a festival...at my house, and he remembered...he literally remembered our dumbass conversation and he said that they'd play. And they killed. And I swear: I became blood brothers with those guys that night. Since that day, I've called him (and Scotty, Pence, and Mark) friend. So much so that I'm confused why I wasn't interviewed for this book, DAMMIT! which is essentially a ton of amazing people (some of whom are also friends) explaining why they love him so much and laying out why it is that he is an amazing artist and human being...and I know how much he hates it...which make me love it a little bit more. All of this is to say, if you wanna take my five stars away because of my bias, that's okay...it's still a four star. And if you wanna argue with me, let's pick a show...meet up...and drinks are on me. Now excuse me while I go on a Will/Centro/South San Gabriel/Marie Lepanto/Monsters of Folk, etc bender.

[Benjamin Van Vliet · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s kinda difficult to properly rate this book. On the one hand, it gives pretty much none of the insight into Will Johnson’s work or methods, or information on how his records are made, that I, as a sometimes casual sometimes obsessive fan was hoping for. It’s just a collection of friends and colleagues of Will Johnson reminiscing on how they met him and what a funny, sweet guy he is - over and over, every essay the same. And yet it’s such a labour of love for the guy that it’s hard not to get inspired. Inspired to keep listening to Will Johnson’s music, and inspired to try and be as humble and gracious and hard working as Will Johnson seems to be.