Johnny Western, born Johnny Westerlund on October 28, 1934, in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is a celebrated American country singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and radio show host. Raised primarily in Northfield, Minnesota, Western was inspired to become a singing cowboy after watching the film "Guns and Guitars" featuring Gene Autry at the age of five. He received his first guitar at 12 and began performing professionally within a year.

Western's early career included performing with a collegiate singing trio and working as a radio disc jockey at the age of 13, earning him recognition as the youngest disc jockey and singer on American radio by Billboard magazine. By 16, he was performing with the legendary western vocal group, The Sons of the Pioneers.

His career took a significant turn when he moved to Hollywood in 1954, where he eventually joined Gene Autry's band, thus launching his acting career. Western became known for writing and performing "The Ballad of Paladin" for the television series "Have Gun – Will Travel," a song that became synonymous with his name.

Western's musical journey included recording seven singles and an album with Columbia Records, and later working with the Philips label. He collaborated closely with Johnny Cash, playing lead guitar on Cash's albums between 1959 and 1963, and performed with Cash for nearly 40 years.

In addition to his music career, Western appeared in numerous television Western episodes and feature films. He later transitioned to radio, hosting a successful show that maintained high ratings.

Western's contributions to music and entertainment have been recognized with his induction into the Western Music Association Hall of Fame and the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. He has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, and even on the Great Wall of China. Johnny Western's legacy as a singing cowboy and entertainer continues to be celebrated.