A Beginning Rooted in Kindness Johnny Prill’s commitment to serving others began at age 12, when he first brought his accordion to local nursing homes to share music with residents. What started as a simple act of kindness grew into a lifelong mission. For more than three decades, Johnny has volunteered monthly at Courtney Manor Nursing Home in Bad Axe, Michigan, offering comfort, joy, and companionship through music.
Early Recognition and Community Support In 2008, Courtney Manor honored Johnny for 22 years of volunteer service. That same year, he hosted his first free outdoor Grandparents Day concert, receiving warm encouragement from beloved entertainers Betty White and Phyllis Diller. In 2010, American folk icon Pete Seeger praised Johnny for 24 years of monthly volunteer performances and for using his music to honor grandparents. Country music legend Barbara Mandrell also commended his remarkable dedication and service. Johnny’s Grandparents Day concerts continued to draw support from well‑known public figures, including Alex Trebek and Olympic champion Misty May‑Treanor, who celebrated his efforts to honor grandparents and strengthen family bonds.
Statewide and National Recognition In 2011, the Health Care Association of Michigan named Johnny their Volunteer of the Year, recognizing his 25 years of musical service to Courtney Manor residents. By 2013, the Johnny Prill Band celebrated 27 years of volunteer performances, receiving special recognition from:
State Senator Mike Green
Governor Rick Snyder
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow
U.S. Representative Candice Miller
Senator Stabenow later praised Johnny for using his musical gifts to honor seniors, veterans, and the beauty of Michigan. Milestones of Service In 2016, Johnny was honored with a commemorative watch for 30 years of volunteer service at Courtney Manor. In 2017, U.S. Senator Gary Peters recognized his more than three decades of outstanding community service, and Congressman Paul Mitchell presented a special congressional certificate celebrating the Prill family’s long-standing tradition of bringing music to Courtney Manor. In 2018, international recording artist Daniel O’Donnell applauded the Prill family’s charitable work, and country legend Charlie Daniels thanked them for bringing joy to those “so often forgotten about.”
A Legacy of Music, Family, and Compassion While traditions evolve over time, Johnny’s heart for service has never changed. His lifelong dedication to Courtney Manor — supported through the years by his family — continues to touch lives and strengthen the bonds between generations. His volunteer work remains a shining example of how music and compassion can make a lasting difference.
Volunteer of the Year – Health Care Association of Michigan Featuring Johnny Prill receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award, The Johnny Prill Band, and Johnny with Courtney Manor administrator Kay Peruski.
Certificates of Recognition from Government Officials Featuring certificates of recognition from State Senator Mike Green (also signed by Governor Rick Snyder), U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Candice Miller.
Messages From Beloved Entertainers and Public Figures Featuring messages of encouragement and appreciation from Betty White, Barbara Mandrell, and Olympic champion Misty May‑Treanor, each celebrating Johnny’s music, volunteer work, and love for grandparents.
Johnny Prill is a Grammy‑nominated songwriter and the creator of “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” the official anthem of National Grandparents Day. His music has been featured in major publications and praised by Bobby Vinton as “one of the most creative songwriters of our time.”