Willis Alan Ramsey - Ballad of Spider John

[@helenramsey5719]

So so so much talent ❤ my dad is my inspiration!

[@johnnydrumbone]

Helen Ramsey Makes me tear up! Make people cry. Your sure to be famous!

[@user-iw4gz7vh4w]

Your dad is a legend. still waiting on the follow up album ✌

[@rkimball6]

Your father significantly inspired my early musical career. He is legendary in many circles.

[@carricknagavna7659]

Kid. You have no idea.

[@petertoles8790]

I lived and worked in Austin in the late 70's. He was one of the main reasons I sought out Texas. W.A.R is still a huge inspiration!

[@cynthiabustamante2884]

Texas Monthly 06-2022 brought me here. I never heard of this singer. I really like this song.❤

[@fellini2011]

Listening to WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY on a warm Sunday morning before Memorial Day...memories from long long ago...bittersweet and fine.

[@garystevens1532]

First heard this song under pretty unique conditions. I &was a staff photographer at one of the early 70s Kerrville Folk Festivals and one of the perks was access to the only hot showers on the grounds, but you had to get there early or there was a line and no hot water. It must have been about nine and as I approached the showers I heard someone singing a song I had never heard before. Turned out to be WAR singing Spider John so I may have heard one of the first semi public performances of the song. Still love, still perform it. That’s the only song I ever heard Townes Van Zandt (no mean songsmith himself) say he wished he’d written. Thanks for posting.

[@TakeTheRide]

I grew up listening to this album; I'm 60 now and still listening to it. Thank you Willis, for giving me such a deep seated Love for song writing. I play my cello along with your music and have enjoyed seeing you play, every chance I got. With Love always.

[@danielreece3384]

I had the pleasure to meet Willis in 1974, when he was playing at the old Oxford Hotel in Denver. Spider John moved me to tears. I introduced myself to him at the break. He was so very warm and personable that the memory of that brief moment has stayed with me all these years.

[@twopoms]

I am embarrased to say how late I am to this party...but better late than never......

[@JessAnderson-vt6sc]

Been a fan for 45 years

[@firebass4]

My buddy Champ Hood on violin. Miss him.

[@loeserlegal]

LOVE that Champ Hood is playing violin on this. Brings back great memories of closing down Corky's listening to Uncle Walt's Band. Sure do miss them but now go see his son, when he comes to town.

[@Cheree1968]

I was good friends with Michael Hedges (pre-fame) in Enid, OK and I introduced him to Willis Alan Ramsey's album and he really loved it! Willis was playing in Oklahoma City one time so we drove down to hear him perform. Really amazing! If it matters to Willis to know that Michael Hedges was a fan, then I hope to get that message to him. I still listen to his album. As a cellist, I particularly love Angel Eyes.

[@jerrystigall5280]

Angel Eyes!!! Roger on that point! Love Spider John. First Willis song I ever learned on acoustic. It's a 'have to' for a gtr player.

[@katheywhearley8074]

I love him! Just saw him in Austin at The Saxton Pub and he’s so awesome! Also finally putting out a new album! I grew up listening to him on repeat!❤️

[@danielmarket9225]

Sat around a couple houses and friend's backyard swapping songs with Willis. Went to a cool Christmas party at his house years ago. He was always gracious, nice to me and had a lot of great songs.

[@TheKintners]

This makes me tear up every time I watch it. From a songwriter.

[@curtisleeloesch1]

I heard this recording by W.A.Ramsey a couple weeks ago on a SD Public Radio show called "on cue." It was so familiar though I hadn't heard it in years. Now I remember Jimmy Buffet covered it on "Living and Dying...". Love this song. It was so good to hear the actual songwriter's voice and interpretation.

[@rosieadsett6328]

I'm still so in love with the songs of Willis Alan Ramsey after a half a century of listening to them. True love I guess!

[@katheywhearley8074]

Me too!❤

[@bbqtom1400]

I woke up from a nap at the Armadillo to Willis singing this song I think in 1977 or 78. I think I wore out two of his vinyl albums. Great performance and Stayed awake for the whole set.

[@RICKdavis-fm8yn]

this song is aa magic with the move and consistency of thought/youth anddd life.....great stuff

[@jilkat25]

I had literally not heard this song for forty years until I listened to it just now and all the words came back to me as if by magic. I must have listened to it a lot back in the day! Beautiful melody and haunting lyrics. Thank you for posting!

[@ChristineWagner]

He made one astonishingly good album in the 70's then he disappears . I saw him recently at a small venue in Niwot, Colorado . Willis could have played stadiums, but he chose a private life with royalty payments, I guess.

[@micksoiseth2652]

+Christine Wagner I was introduced to his album in the 70's and I recognized how exceptionately good it was. Then he disappeared as far as I know until I found out these KZbin things. I think he only did the one album as far as I know, but, it was a good one that's for sure.

[@larsenart6678]

He said he had creative differences with Leon Russell he told an audience on night at the blue door in Oklahoma city.

[@lwardell700]

He opened for Loggins and Messina in Cameron Indoor Stadium in the mid-70s.Tough sell because no one had heard of him. Nicest guy, though - met him at the after-party.

[@steveoneill8100]

4/28/24, Saxon Pub, Austin, Tx I was so Honored to see and Hear Willis. Last time was 98? or so in Wimberley at the now burned down, Cypress Creek Cafe. He Captivated us, both times. He is also funny as hell. A much loved Artist and a really nice Man. Blessings

[@annmoore6655]

this album defined life in the Summer of 1974

[@RicksTastyLicks]

In the end of the Summer and beginning of the Fall of '74, I was playing guitar with Willis, and you're right - it sure did define the times in TX. Thanks for remembering, Ann.

[@leecrowell3198]

Saw him at Liberty Hall in Houston way back in 74?. He kind of disappeared from performing for many years until I caught him at Old Settlers 15-20 years ago. The reverence in the air for him and his music was palpable. You could hear a pin drop in that outdoor setting.

[@edlegette9753]

RIP Champ ,it was a pleasure to know you.

[@PaulGoodeK]

Greatness. I remember seeing him in 1974 with Michael Murphy and Jerry Jeff Walker at Trinity University in San Antonio. Thanks for posting.

[@kipdale3307]

I was at that show!! Greatness personified.

[@PaulGoodeK]

@@kipdale3307 I remember you, Kip! Great to see your name-hope you are well.

[@47RozUFO]

Made a great first album , didn't need a second to prove how important he was to Americana. Thanks, Mr. Ramsey. Been listening to your music for the past 45 years.

[@CatherineSTodd]

What a story-teller, songwriter, and heart throb crush "back in the day." Wow. New album coming out 2018.

[@douglascarr8045]

I am a parrothead so, it was jimmy that turned me onto the Texas legend..and others Murphy, jerry jeff walker...and Gary p Nunn too. I was floored by the music. There always seems to be one songwriter or performer that leads me to music I've never heard before. All part of growing as a lover of good tunes. Good stories. Townes Van Zant was another that was fantastic. A Texan to boot too if not mistaken.

[@christopherpohl8743]

Northeast Texas Women. Muskrats. Great album. Dallas boy.

[@katheywhearley8074]

Just saw him in April 2024 at The Saxton Pub!

[@netw52]

Indeed. The green album provided the soundtrack to my life. Love this clip. Love WAR. Always have. Always wil.

[@ClarkAndersonArt]

I used to see Uncle Walt's Band at The Cheatham St. Warehouse in San Marcos in the 70's....always had a great time!

[@metapamster]

I had his album and absolutely love his sound, the lyrics and melodies. Best kept secret that I wish I could have heard more of.

[@marthastephens2179]

He's scheduled to come to Memphis end of May. Ive listened to him 40 years. Corona must GO!! I MUST SEE HIS SHOW FINALLY 🌹♥️

[@catdaddy3302]

Martha Stephens this year, 2020? I might go back to Memphis for that! Oh, it’s July. Never mind. 🤠

[@davehoganmusic]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@TheBach2rock]

I saw him back in the early '70s Talented and I still listen to him

[@sinnombre-xs9ub]

Amazing, haunting, beautiful

[@joeyankee1141]

I just discovered him at 58 thanks to a recent Tod Snider binge. I had heard buffet sing spider John and Bromberg do NETW. But to see and here the man himself has been educating and humbling. Legend

[@wkbcgb]

My husband had that album that he brought back from San Antone when he played out there back in '76, but loaned it to a friend and never got it back. He still plays about half the songs on it in his live show, and people in Alabama instantly become Willis Alan fans.

[@integral]

When asked where the new album is, he often responds, "What's wrong with the first one?" ~ from Wikipedia Now that's funny.

[@bronwynmairead6498]

He wrote his best album first. Peaked early.

[@williamfloyd1585]

Hey, when you get it right the first time....

[@Otisthelesser]

There is an answer to his question: Nothing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the first one. One of the best albums ever recorded.

[@shsscar]

Champ's brother says thanks for post

[@billj4524]

His tribute to Woody Guthrie “Boy from Oklahoma” is incredible. Sweet, moving, simple and deep at the same time. Maybe he was channeling Woody when he wrote this. A masterpiece.

[@timmartin8191]

This song was from one of the best albums ever recorded.

[@carl_d_music]

What an amazing tune

[@MediaCentralFilms]

There is no Lyle Lovett, Mike Nesmith and many others without Willis. Just a genius. I have all his greatest hits which means I have his album. :-)

[@swinneas]

TX Connection was a thirty minute production usually with two artists. The other two songs from this show, Coyote and Sleep Walking, are posted too.

[@bill3979]

Thanks for posting. Amazing to think this was 18 years after the one and only record . Saw him about a dozen times in the '70s. Good times.

[@takujikato9746]

Splendid! I watched his picture for the first time. Thank you very much.

[@traildoggy]

Lovely. I first heard this song from a Shawn Colvin cover version. Thanks much for this.

[@stevenking7352]

The album got play on WHFS in the DC area, I was lucky to find it in a local store. I think everyone who heard it wanted more. I played this song sincerely, poorly, but to the best of my limited ability at a party, and all the women swooned. I got a phone number and a date. 30 years ago. 'HFS and WAR fans, all. The album was a huge influence in many people's appreciation of the country/rock/balladier fusion of the 60's and 70's. Jerry Jeff, New Riders, on and on.

[@mookee32]

Great song...great musician!

[@mikemorgan8588]

I agree that this is a near perfect album. And yes, I did buy it when it came out. So that makes me old. This music doesn't sound old to my ears, how about you? It is unpretentious country rock that makes your foot tap and your soul feel a little better.

[@YukonJohnify]

It's as good today as 40 years ago!!!

[@brookdalebill]

Haunting!

[@redshaftedflicker]

His voice is much different than the earlier days but still amazing--thanks so much for the post!!!

[@claylaird2986]

40+ years still waiting on follow-up LP.

[@dennistarpein1653]

Thank you for uploading this song. I had a Friend name Randy turned me on to this song and guy. Love it

[@jessanderson2354]

Been following him for a long time, saw him in San Antonio in the 70s

[@razorsharpe3371]

Texas Legend !

[@kristofferhjelmaassivertse4736]

I discovered Willis thanks to a fantastic lesson with Allen Hinds, just wow!

[@-louie9728]

i landed here at 59 yrs old, not knowing of Willis. The disappointment came over me like a waterfall. Why did I have to be so damn late? Sonofabitch!

[@TheLawlessland]

The BEST!

[@clappzzz]

He was something back then. Great accompaniment, too.

[@ScottyWig]

A friend named Joe had a big 'ol record collection back in the 80's and I picked Willis's out of the pile and gave it a spin and thought well this WHOLE THING IS SIMPLY AWESOME! Ok this is where America found "Muskrat Love" but this song "Spider John" wow, it's the crown jewel among others, "Angel Eyes" is another big fav. What a great unique voice Willis has and also I love the tone of his D18 Martin throughout the record, this one along with "Home Free" by Dan, "Saturate" by Jackson Blissness

[@04washere]

Willis Alan Ramsey w/special guest Alison Rogers at Honey Creek House Concerts, Nov. 8, 2014 in Celina, Texas. For information and RSVP email [e-mail]

[@scottsmith2393]

available on amazon if you hurry. very rare to see any copies left.

[@AO-ip6yx]

RIP Lilly Chace. I will always remember you and the time we shared. You were an amazing woman and I thought of you often and I still will. If I had known my last trip was the last time I'd see you, I would have rode a whole lot faster. Sorry jerk😉. I'll miss you. Sincerely, Your Friend in the Minnesota boonies.

[@almaginnes8207]

The album was released on CD in the 90s but it may be out of print now.

[@ibdoda]

thanks

[@Willardribeiro]

beauty!

[@jimyoung8193]

My favorite WAR story was when people would ask when his next album would come out he would simply respond, "What was wrong with the last one?"

[@pofoto1950]

Of course!

[@63ritchie]

Lyle Lovett? said that this album is one of the best ever made. I would agree.

[@strumpick]

This is priceless... is this entire show available anywhere? I opened for Willis at the Rome Inn in Austin, way back in the day. He had a profound and lasting effect on my own music.

[@ClarkAndersonArt]

Never saw him there...that I remember lol but I do remember watching SRV there !

[@jessanderson2354]

That is cool

[@tomvarley1020]

I remember reading an alleged interview back in the day asking Willis why he didn't make another album. "What was wrong with the first one" was his answer apparently. Urban legend or not, that's always stuck with me.

[@JimHeller-ol7dw]

❤

[@trainerzone]

I swear I first saw him at a small room in the student center at SMU back in the early 70s. No chairs, just big pillows to sit on. Does anyone else remember those times?

[@neildavies3624]

Yes, I certainly do...Saw Michael Murphey there...

[@auzdrums]

Started listening to this album out of my folks collection when I was 14 or 15 in the late 90s. Has remained in my upper echelon of favorites ever since. Was lucky enough to see Willis in Austin and Oklahoma City in recent years. Any guitar-transcribing virtuosos out there? I know the chord progressions of the song, just wondering if someone has/can transcribe the actual notes he's picking. I know some of it is mostly Travis-picking, and other parts are different. If so that'd be awesome!

[@lukewschneider]

Love this song! but.... Someone gotta ask, what you talkin' bout Willis!?? Motor bank stool pigeon?? legendary song

[@StarBucklee01]

stool pigeon is an old word for a rat - like an informant who helps police arrest organized crime members. A motor bank is an old word for a bank that you can drive up to do transactions. So I think spider john ratted out some bank robbers and had to go on the run ...

[@highdesertmountainmomma]

yo anchove I'm wit da ranch lol. willis took me down some roads.

[@geeter68]

has this album been formatted for DVR ? want this album badly.

[@MediaCentralFilms]

Nesmith does pre-date Willis in the music business this is true. But in terms of this style of music it was really Willis who put his signature on it.

[@bpm5403]

I recently saw Willis at The Blue Door in Oklahoma City and the show was disappointing. Just didn't play enough of his songs and the time between songs was extreme. But he was nice enough to talk with us for a long time. Our family knew Willis' family in Dallas, TX and also from a summer camp named Hy-Lake Camp in Tennessee. I can remember listening to Willis play guitar in the counselors cabin near the waterfront at Hy-Lake and he was pretty sorry. But to his credit, he stayed after it and I'm so glad he did. Way back in the 1970's our cousin gave us WAR's album as a Christmas present just because we knew him and the first few times I heard it, I didn't much care for it. But I kept listening and it began to grow on me. Now, it's one of my absolute favorite albums. He really is a craftsman and the album is so well done with one excellent song after another. 30+ years since that album came out and I still love it.

[@YukonJohnify]

Might be the best album ever!

[@KenBrownSoloClassicCountry]

Did Willis Allen Ramsey write all of these songs? Has it been almost 40 years? Why did he spend so much time in England? Did he end up marrying that pretty singer he was engaged to back in the 80's? When is his next show in Dallas? :)

[@apolloguide]

when asked years later why he didn't do another album he said, "What was wrong with the first one?"

[@estebanembroglio6371]

strings section didnt really get it lol

[@jessanderson2354]

Jerry jeff and Micheal murphy

[@skipperwiech1950]

the first time I heard this song oh what a beautiful play on chords and words . sorry jimmy buffett I dearly respect you but willis has it in a royal flush.

[@davehoganmusic]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@saltygh0st124]

One of the greatest songs ever written.