Artist: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Hometown: Xenia, Ohio
Song: “Big City”
Release Date: July 29, 2022
Label: Billy Blue Records
In Their Words: “Paul Williams wrote and recorded some of the most requested songs in bluegrass history alongside Jimmy Martin with the Sunny Mountain Boys. Their show was in great demand in the early 1960’s, nationwide, from Nashville to Las Vegas and throughout Canada. Paul signed on as a staff writer for Sure Fire Music and Decca Records. Many of his songs were recorded by country artists, including ‘Big City.’ I found the original version on an Ernest Tubb album from 1965. Paul’s given last name is Humphrey. He began his career as a radio performer in the early 1950’s with a duo known as the Williams Brothers and kept the stage name. His brother, Sam Humphrey, was a frequent co-writer. Coincidentally, I recorded several albums with an all-star band, Longview. The first hit single that band released in the 1990s was written by Sam Humphrey, ‘I’ve Never Been So Lonesome In My Life.’ Paul is a wonderful mentor to The Radio Ramblers and so many other artists inspired by his fantastic voice and songs, and his sweet spirit. Old or new, it’s always a good choice to record a Paul Williams song!” — Joe Mullins
Photo Credit: Amy Richmond
