Paramore’s Hayley Williams may be the rock star of her family, but she’s not the only one making waves in the music world. Her 78-year-old grandfather, Rusty Williams, has just released his debut album, marking a remarkable milestone in his musical journey.
Rusty Williams’ new album, Grand Man, is a heartfelt family project, with Hayley’s bandmate Zac Farro releasing it through his Congrats Records imprint after discovering some of Rusty’s recordings dating back to the early ’70s. The album comprises 13 tracks that Rusty recorded with his longtime friend Frank Morris, capturing the spirit of their youthful creativity.
While some of these songs were familiar to the Williams family over the years, the actual recordings remained hidden until they resurfaced last year. Hayley reflected on her limited exposure to her grandfather’s music, stating, “I had only ever heard him play on piano a couple of things he had written,” in an interview with Garden and Gun.
How Did Rusty Williams’ Songs Become an Album Release?
The backstory of Grand Man is filled with nostalgia and determination. Rusty began crafting music in 1972, inspired by iconic artists like Bread, the Shondells, Elvis Presley, and Kenny Rogers. He reminisced, “I had two songs I had written – ‘Joey’ and ‘Sail on By’ – and we got to talking and the next thing I know we just started writing.” His collaboration with Frank Morris aimed to infuse their songs with a country flair, though Rusty was initially resistant to the idea, resulting in a creative impasse that led to their sessions ending. The last time he heard their original recordings was in 1974.
Nonetheless, the songs lingered in Rusty’s memory, becoming cherished stories within the family. Hayley recalls, “I remember him playing ‘Angel Eyes’ and ‘Riverboat Gambler’ around the house.” Even after the guitar left the home, Rusty introduced Hayley to music, teaching her drums and nurturing her passion. When the long-lost recordings were rediscovered, Hayley shared them with Zac Farro, who recognized their potential for a wider audience.
“Really it was Zac wanting to hear everything as a collection,” Hayley explained. “But once we all heard what he was listening to, we were like, hold on, this is kind of a big deal. It’s such a time capsule. You can hear exactly where they were at, and there really is a magic to it.” Farro even presented Rusty with a test pressing of his album on his 78th birthday, celebrating a beautiful moment in their family history.
What Rusty Williams Shared About Seeing His Music Released?
In a touching teaser for the album, Rusty Williams offered inspiring words for others chasing their dreams: “Keep chasing, don’t quit. You get an idea, and if you don’t take it to the end, you’ve wasted your time and that’s not helping anybody.” He expressed a profound sense of fulfillment seeing his music finally reach the public, saying, “I go to bed at night and think, ‘Look at what’s happening.’”
Hayley, too, was moved by the release of her grandfather’s music. “Grandat wrote all these songs with his friend Frank, and it’s like they were a band even though they weren’t,” she said. “I feel like I got my musical education as a kid from Grandat showing me.” The emotional connection to music and family resonated deeply with her, mirroring her own artistic journey.
Rusty Williams, Grand Man (Behind the Album)
What Hayley Williams Said About Her Grandfather Finally Releasing His Music
In a heartfelt Instagram post alongside a photo with her grandfather, Hayley shared her reflections on their family bond. “My grandparents have been together since they were 12, and they are the only people in my immediate family who’ve stayed together. I have learned a lot about love from them—but I’m learning more than ever now, at 36, while watching them both experience Grandat putting his music into the world for the first time.”
She added, “There is nothing better than seeing both of them light up over everyone’s reaction to these songs. These songs have stood the test of time, just like Granny & Grandat’s love.” Hayley also shared a candid moment, saying, “Zac took this picture of Grandat and I going for a lil smoke in the backyard. No, I don’t recommend smoking to aspiring singers (and neither does Grandat!)… but having half a cig with him every now and then is a special kind of romance.”
She concluded her post by encouraging fans to stream GRAND MAN by Rusty Williams, noting its availability on various platforms and through vinyl at congratsrecords.com.
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Conclusion
Rusty Williams’ journey from a passionate songwriter in the ’70s to the release of his first album in 2023 is a testament to the enduring power of music and the familial bonds that inspire it. With Hayley Williams and Zac Farro championing his work, Rusty’s Grand Man not only showcases his talent but also enriches the legacy of music within the Williams family.
FAQs
1. What inspired Rusty Williams to start writing music?
Rusty Williams began writing music in 1972, inspired by iconic acts such as Bread, the Shondells, Elvis Presley, and Kenny Rogers.
2. How did the album Grand Man come to be released?
The album was released through Zac Farro’s Congrats Records after he discovered Rusty’s long-lost recordings from the early ’70s.
3. What is the significance of the album to Hayley Williams?
The album represents a deep connection to her family’s musical history and a tribute to her grandfather’s lifelong passion for music.
4. Where can fans listen to Grand Man?
Fans can stream Grand Man on various platforms, and it is available on vinyl through congratsrecords.com.
