Don Williams’ ‘Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes’ is out now via Craft Recordings, and the story behind it is as compelling as the music. Twelve previously unheard recordings from Williams’ celebrated 1979-1984 era, discovered in the cellar of the Williams family’s rural Tennessee home after more than 30 years in storage, have been restored and released as a complete album. Available now on digital platforms, CD, and vinyl. Listen here.
The tapes required extensive restoration. Many multitrack elements had deteriorated significantly, requiring musical parts to be carefully reconstructed from deteriorated sources. Williams’ original vocals, the heart of every recording, remained intact throughout, anchoring the entire project in his original performances. Longtime co-producer Garth Fundis, who worked alongside Williams for more than 4 decades, led the restoration alongside Williams’ son Tim, recruiting musicians who had toured with Williams to help reassemble the missing parts of his signature sound.
The assembled cast behind the restoration reflects the depth of Williams’ musical world. Joe Allen on bass and Kenny Malone on drums and congas provide the understated groove at the album’s core. Charles Cochran handles subtle string arrangements alongside piano and organ. Lloyd Green plays steel guitar, with guitarists Jimmy Colvard, Dave Kirby, Billy Sanford, and Tim Williams rounding out the sessions.
“Don liked every one of these songs,” says Fundis. “I remember recording all of them, too. He was very particular about the songs he recorded. I think he’d be really proud of this record.”
The recordings capture the warm baritone and understated charm that defined Williams across 56 charted singles, including 50 Top 20 hits, 45 Top 10s, and 17 No. 1s. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and an Opry member since 1976, Williams built one of the most consistent careers in country music history before his passing in 2017. ‘Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes’ adds a remarkable final chapter to that legacy.
On June 10, Opry 100 Honors: Don Williams spotlights his legacy at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with performances by Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Brandy Clark, Rodney Crowell, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, John Foster, and more. Tickets are available now.
Track Listing:
- Try Me Again
- You Came True
- I’m The One (Alternate Version)
- Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight
- I Wish I Was Crazy Again
- I’m In Love For My Last Time
- Spinning Around
- A Matter Of Time
- I’m The One (Original Version)
- How Can I Miss What I Never Had
- Goldy’s Gone From Golden
- Growing On Me