Willis Alan Ramsey's Perfect Record

Examining the living legend that is Willis Alan Ramsey, whose lone album is considered one of the all-time greats by some of the all-time greats. But despite this stunning achievement at just 21 years old, Ramsey never released an album again. So this should be the story of a one-hit wonder,. But nearly 50 years after the album some have called the "greatest Americana record ever" was released, is his long-awaited follow-up nearly upon us?
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(This story uses archival footage and recreations.)
Thanks to the great Paul Leslie radio hour.
#willisalanramsey #lylelovett #americana

[@gregjones3671]

A fine northeast Texas woman from Fort Worth, a love of my life, told me about Willis Alan Ramsey around 1974. I bought the green album in vinyl and, having grown up in Dallas and Fort Worth (and moved to Los Angeles when my dad got a job there), I was blown away. By then I was in college in San Diego and listening to Jackson Browne, Greg Allman’s Laid Back album, Boz Scaggs, Fleetwood Mac, etc. But the album, “Willis Alan Ramsey,” the work of an old soul, touched me deeply. This same fine young woman and I attended a live performance by Willis the summer of 1974, at a bar on Berry Street in Fort Worth. We were so fn excited. But the bar, which sat on the outskirts of the TCU campus, was full of drunken fraternity and sorority kids, who didn’t have a clue who Willis was. We were the only one’s listening, over the loud, drunken banter of the crowded bar. I wanted to fight someone, but nothing could be done. We waited outside, feeling so bad for Willis, hoping he might step out for a smoke, and we could tell him how much we loved his songs. But he never showed; probably out back packing up his shit, just another night on the road for an unappreciated, genius troubadour. So, Willis, 50 years late, from me and a strapping, whip-smart, spirited, northeast Texas woman, who sadly passed on before her time, much love and appreciation, brother. I picked up a fresh copy of the green album on CD recently, and after my wife goes to bed at night, I spin that timeless record and it still stirs the emotions-tears of joy and a life lived, and still to be lived . . .

[@bitfenix90]

It remains, to this day.

[@RodFraserMusician]

I was fortunate enough to open up a show of his at Jensen's Guitar Shop in Longmont, Colorado a few years back...now located in Loveland I believe. It was the gig of a lifetime for me. I had played all over the country for over 25+ years and had been through some crazy adventures but had never opened up for a songwriting hero of mine until this. It was a wonderful night. Thanks again Don and Sandy Jensen and Willis! Until we meet again....:)

[@jessacuna]

All the songs are brilliant ... such lyrical imagery and stories that come alive with his singing, his delivery. Great production and great arrangements ... I love the humor of "Northeast Texas Women" recording - they was having a good time, ... his stories have so much character - & he was only 21! Get out! Can't hardly wait till his next album ... should it come about. His singing has so much soul and emotion as he relates the stories and times of days gone by. Since 1972 when I bought this record at Tower Records in Hollywood, CA, it's been the only record I own that never gets old upon repeated listening. Great music Willis, great music!

[@pamelaspooner7183]

It’s a little jewel.

[@tommyhendrix2173]

Always loved this album

[@keithcarper8809]

I am a proud owner of this album. It's nice to know it is as highly regarded by others as it is by me. One of my favorite albums. ☮❤🎶

[@TommyZadick]

So damn bummed that Willis never followed up to this album. Got to see him in Memphis in 1977 at Overton Square. I was 16 and my mother dropped me off. I got to play pinball with Willis before the show. He was probably 24 or 25.

[@UpInSmokeHq]

This record is one of the best finds i have come across. Its sheer perfection. If i could create one album thats half as good as this i would hang my at up afterwards.

[@netw52]

My all-time favorite artist. The green album has been the soundtrack of my life since 1972. ❤❤❤

[@johnlangley6449]

Leon Russell was producer Willis was great writer and singer the two great energetic forces collaborated with album that could never be replaced 😊

[@moranpro]

Actually... produced by Denny Cordell (Leon's partner at Shelter) and Willis. Leon did play vibes on Muskrat Candlelight. Mixed by none other than the legendary Al Schmitt.

[@kenowen571]

Fall 1976, fresh into UT-Austin, I saw him playing for free in the hallway of Dobie Tower. Amazing.

[@antstep1030]

Great record and great video. Found a copy last year out in the wild and have been intrigued to hear anything else he puts out since

[@sybilgregg1250]

saw Willis in Houston at 17yrs old.mesmerizing❤

[@deniseelalahoho50]

Oh damn this is a damn good record. No shit.

[@kevintillman7862]

Simply gifted musician. What a great story. Thanks to KLOL Houston and cosmic cowboy Sundays I've been hooked for 50 years.

[@ronbo11]

I owe KNON's Texas Renegade Radio and KHYI The Range for introducing me to this awesome album. I've seen Ramsey in concert and I know he has more quality music that has yet to be waxed. I hope "Gentilly" sees the light of day soon!

[@mechcavandy986]

Once you’ve achieved perfection, where else is there to go?

[@robertcooper7471]

Not one bad track. I was lucky enough to find it in a second hand record shop in Soho London in 1976 or 77

[@terryblankenshipmusic1322]

I see Bob Livingston