Todd Snider - "Ballad Of Spider John" (Willis Alan Ramsey)

Todd Snider performs Willis Alan Ramsey's "Ballad Of Spider John" on his live streaming series, What It Is - Live with Todd Snider. Watch live on Sundays at 11am CT at purplebuilding....

[@robertmcmanus9185]

I have no idea who Todd Snider is. I'm going to find out. This gentleman describes Willis Alan Ramsey perfectly. It's a shame that people who have stumbled upon Willis's music haven't spread it farther. I came to the man too late.... Love this cover. Thanks Mr. Snider.

[@MCJaccard4music]

I'm 36 years old and have been listening to this album for almost 25 years. It is in fact one of the finest albums of all time. Damn near perfect. Lyle Lovett said it was the greatest album of all time.

[@55rossrob]

It’s a perfect record. Willis is The Dude.

[@netw52]

WAR is my favorite singer/songwriter. Since 1972, I’ve loved his music. Great cover.

[@annalefebre8448]

Todd Snider Rules!!

[@coastdweller]

I remember seeing a quote from him when they asked why he hadn't done another album. He said "what was wrong with the first one?" Awesome wit

[@bigmax4564]

Absolutely brilliant rendition of an amazing song. Thanks Todd, I've recently got Ramsey's album. It's like a time capsule that still resonates today. Thanx

[@aquariuswithfire]

Brilliantly done my friend. kudos

[@bc78260]

Well done Mr. Snider.

[@bobhasselle1264]

Todd, you did that song justise. I bought this LP in '73 just because the pic on the front looked like a friend of mine. What a surprise to take it home and listen. I agree the GREATEST Americama record ever made!

[@marthastephens2179]

I still have that lp! I was a junior in high school 1972. Greatest music decade ever. Love this classic ❤️ great cover Todd!🔥💥👍

[@razorsharpe3371]

Willis became a legend off of that one album and deservedly so. Muskrat Love was a huge hit for The Captain and Tennille and Jimmy Buffett did cover Spider John also. My favorite along with Spider John was Northeast Texas Women one of the greatest feel good songs ever made. It never feels to cheer me up. Loved this cover, you put the proper amount of emotion needed for this sad tune. Well done!

[@55rossrob]

WAR called his composition “Muskrat Candlelight” and to compare it to the monstrosity recorded by Cap & Tennile is a crying shame.

[@robertjprince1]

nice, very nice.. Willis Alan Ramsey, I believe, lives in Loveland, Colorado these days. He showed up at concert of the Swallow Hill Music Association a couple of years back and sang a song although he wasn't on the program... The audience was appreciative, very much so.

[@jl5464]

I wish I could have been there to see that!

[@jefffrost6227]

Todd, you're great man. Keep doing what you do. You're reaching us. You keep me going man. Thank you

[@jimt902]

Love this song and w.a. Ramsey. Great job bro.

[@patriciawilson3130]

Have listen to this Album since it came out. Willis Allan Ramsey was great.

[@bc78260]

He is still alive and doing well...

[@ansleydougherty4730]

Ugh I love this song so much. Would love to see you do this one live sometime!

[@Deuce_Allan]

Indeed a great album, nice job Todd

[@JL-fg7dv]

Like a fine wine, Snider. Keep leading the way

[@futureman7587]

Been a minute. This is beautiful. Sundays at noon is my favorite thing

[@mu2freighter]

Always glad to see new content from you, Todd, thanks!

[@chop1040]

Seeing Willis tomorrow at the Blue Door in OKC…the day after surgery. When legends come to town you go. Todd you need to check out the Blue Door if you ever want to go back to an intimate listening room environment.

[@mikeybayer45]

man i was just bout to see if he was touring. blue door is cool and i would’ve drove from tulsa to see willis.

[@BrownCLM]

Well done. Thank you for you

[@capntripps9]

Thanks

[@colin6829]

I learned about Willis from Charlie starr (from BlackBerry smoke). He played satin sheets at an acoustic show and I had to hear more. Feel in love with the album. A year went by and I was in a small record shop and for 3 bucks there it was. It was in perfect condition......dare I say best 3 bucks I've ever spent

[@urbangorilla33]

Well done, Todd. I know this from Buffett's record. I've been listening to it for over 40 years and I still don't know what a motor bank stool pigeon is!

[@BarneysBullit]

the actual lyric is "a roll-the-bank, a stool pigeon". a "roll-the-bank" is someone who'll bet ALL his money on one roll of the dice. but everyone (buffett, snider, even ramsey) says "motorbank"....??? go figger.

[@fittrad3r687]

The Master of Space & Time does not get his due for producing and arranging skills. Damn shame Shelter did not last longer. Also wish Ramsey wrote more lol. One of the greatest debut albums EVER.

[@sharpenflat6002]

Do yourself a favor-- You Tube Willis Alan Ramsey, Spider John.

[@NJ-gb2iv]

Awww oldie but always a Goody man willie and jimmy Buffett our masters of music creations, with Sam Cutler👅Hunter, so many Carlos Santana my hubby, just haven't inform him yet😜yes imma assbucket😂

[@sharpenflat6002]

I can tell by the smell.

[@alurbanec714]

Great rendition, I liked Northeast Texas Women better!