Rusty Williams, Hayley Williams’ grandfather, is about to release his debut album recorded decades ago. The announcement was made through Congrats Records, founded by Paramore drummer Zac Farro.
“A special announcement from our friend Rusty is coming tomorrow,” the label posted on January 14, along with a classic photo of Rusty strumming his guitar.
The comments section was flooded with enthusiastic responses, happy to see Hayley’s “Grandat” on the page. The female leader Paramore herself also spoke up and said: “It’s wonderful.”
This was followed by a new post on January 15, when the label uploaded the cover of Rusty’s debut album, titled “Grand Man”. According to the company’s statement, the album will hit shelves on February 14.
“Rusty Williams, grandfather of @yelyahwilliams, will release his debut album of previously unreleased music recorded from 1972-1983 on February 14,” it shared.
Congratulations Records also released the official lyric video of the digital single, “Knocking (At Your Door).”
In a statement from Rolling Stone, Rusty shared that he doesn’t expect anything big after releasing the album and that he’s “too old to be famous.” However, he simply hopes that at least his work will be appreciated.
“I want people to know what it feels like when things are true,” Rusty said.
Paramore’s lead guitarist, Taylor York, is also said to have been responsible for porting Rusty’s music to digital platforms.
To share more thoughts on her grandfather’s work, Hayley mentioned that Rusty has “a way of getting to the core of feeling.”
“It’s great when you can hear something simple and raw and know that it’s true,” commented the “Still Into You” singer.
Tags Paramore, Hayley Williams