While Paramore‘s Hayley Williams shines as the rock star of her family, her 78-year-old grandfather, Rusty Williams, is stepping into the spotlight with the release of his very first album. This unexpected journey has unfolded beautifully and showcases the rich musical heritage within the family.

Rusty Williams’ debut album, titled Grand Man, is a heartfelt tribute to family and collaboration. The album release is a family affair, orchestrated by Hayley’s bandmate Zac Farro, who decided to publish the album under his Congrats Records label. After listening to some of Rusty?s recordings from the early ’70s, Zac was inspired to share this treasure with the world.

Featuring a total of 13 nostalgic tracks, the album is a collection of songs that Rusty recorded with his dear friend Frank Morris during their youth. Although some of these songs echoed through the Williams household over the years, the original recordings remained hidden until they were rediscovered last year, creating a wave of excitement among family members.

“I had only ever heard him play a couple of things he had written on the piano,” shared Hayley in a conversation with Garden and Gun, expressing her delight in finally hearing the recordings.

Discover the Journey Behind Rusty Williams’ Album Release

In a captivating featurette that chronicles the history behind the album, it is revealed that Rusty began his songwriting journey back in 1972, fueled by his aspirations to release his music one day. He drew inspiration from legendary acts like Bread, the Shondells, Elvis Presley, and Kenny Rogers, which shaped his musical style during that era.

Rusty fondly recalled, “I had two songs I had written – ‘Joey’ and ‘Sail on By’ – and during discussions with Frank, we found ourselves writing more together.” Although Frank suggested infusing a country vibe into their music, Rusty preferred a different direction. After a period of searching for a common ground, they eventually parted ways, with Rusty last hearing their original recordings in 1974.

The songs continued to resonate with Rusty over the years, transforming into cherished memories within the Williams household. “I remember him playing ‘Angel Eyes’ and ‘Riverboat Gambler’ at home, always expressing his creativity on the piano,” Hayley recalled. “By the time I arrived, he didn’t have a guitar around anymore, but he taught me how to play drums, and we frequently shared conversations about music. My musical education was greatly influenced by Grandad’s teachings.”

Upon uncovering the long-lost recordings, Hayley was excited to share them with Zac, who recognized their potential and wanted to introduce them to a broader audience.

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<p"It was essentially Zac's desire to hear everything compiled together. At one point, [to Rusty] it seemed like he wanted to reminisce, but then he began searching for all these songs, which led him to ask Taylor York, also from Paramore, to organize them into a format he could enjoy in his car. Once we all heard what he was listening to, we realized this was something truly special. It?s like a time capsule that captures the essence of where they were creatively, and there?s genuine magic within it,” Hayley explained.

According to Zac, Rusty received a test pressing of his album as a birthday gift on his 78th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his life.

Insights from Rusty Williams on His Music’s Release

In a teaser feature for the album, Rusty Williams shared inspiring words for anyone pursuing their dreams: “Keep chasing, don’t quit,” he advised. “When you have an idea and don?t see it through, you waste your time, and that’s not beneficial for anyone.”

“Everything connects if you approach it correctly, and I hope we did it right. At night, I find myself reflecting on all that’s happening,” he said, becoming emotional as he spoke about the experience of seeing his music finally released.

This momentous occasion also touched Hayley deeply, as she expressed, “Grandad wrote these songs with his friend Frank, and it’s akin to them being in a band, even if they never officially were. I understand the significance of that feeling, whether I was singing in church or forming a band when I moved to Nashville.”

Behind the Scenes of Rusty Williams’ Album Grand Man

Hayley Williams’ Heartfelt Reflections on Her Grandfather’s Musical Journey

Hayley Williams shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a photo with her grandfather, reflecting on their relationship and the journey they have shared.

“My grandparents have been together since they were 12, and they are the only couple in my immediate family who have stayed together. I have learned so much about love from them?yet I am learning even more now, at 36, as I watch them experience Grandad’s music being shared with the world for the first time. Witnessing their joy over the songs’ reception is unparalleled. These songs have withstood the test of time, much like Granny and Grandad?s enduring love,” she shared.

She added, “Zac took this picture of Grandad and me enjoying a little smoke in the backyard. While I don?t recommend smoking to aspiring singers (and neither does Grandad!), sharing a moment with him like this is a unique kind of romance. But goodness, those Marlboros are strong!?

Hayley concluded with an invitation to listeners, stating, “Stream GRAND MAN by Rusty Williams wherever you enjoy music. To get a vinyl copy, visit congratsrecords.com.” The album, Grand Man, is currently available on various platforms.