1972 Willis Alan Ramsey – Willis Alan Ramsey

Willis Alan Ramsey is the solo studio release by the Texas songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey. The album’s genre is hard to categorize with touches of country, country rock, folk, and folk rock. The tunes range from the reflection and regret of “The Ballad of Spider John” to a heartfelt tribute to Woody Guthrie on “Boy from Oklahoma”. It was recorded on Leon Russell’s Shelter label in 1972, and Leon sat in on piano, keyboards, vibraphone. Other guest musicians include: Leland Sklar, Carl Radle, Jim Keltner, Red Rhodes and Russ Kunkel. The song “Muskrat Candlelight” was later covered by the band America in 1973 and then by Captain & Tennille in 1976, both using the title “Muskrat Love.” “Ballad of Spider John” was covered by Jimmy Buffett on his 1974 album Living & Dying in 3/4 Time. The Song “Satin Sheets” was covered by The Bellamy Brothers. The songs “Geraldine and the Honeybee” and “Wishbone” have been covered live several times by Widespread Panic.