In a heartwarming collaboration, Paramore’s Hayley Williams and Zac Farro are bringing a slice of music history to life by releasing her grandfather Rusty Williams’ lost album from the 1970s. Titled Grand Man, the album features 13 tracks recorded decades ago that have never been formally released—until now.
Set to drop on February 14 via Farro’s Congrats Records, Grand Man kicks off with its first single, “Knocking (At Your Door).” The track delivers a lush blend of pop tones inspired by legends like Herb Alpert and Burt Bacharach.
A Family Legacy Revived
Williams, 36, shared her admiration for her grandfather’s straightforward and heartfelt approach to songwriting. “Grandat has a way of cutting to the core of a feeling, and not overcomplicating it,” she said in a statement. “It’s nice when you can hear something plain and simple and know that it is true.”
Zac Farro, 34, echoed the sentiment, calling it “a crime” that Rusty’s music had remained hidden for so long.
For Rusty, now in his 80s, the release is less about fame and more about connection. “I just want to know someone liked what I did, and to be touched by whatever the hell they are listening to,” he shared. “I want people to see how it felt when things were real.”
A Journey Unearthed
The rediscovery of Grand Man was serendipitous. Rusty’s old production partner unearthed the recordings, surprising the Williams family. Though Rusty had dabbled in music as a child and even wrote songs for local businesses, the existence of this album was largely a mystery until recently.
Rusty isn’t entirely new to modern audiences. He contributed vocals to “Crystal Clear,” a track on Hayley Williams’ 2020 solo album Petals for Armor.
A Trend of Nepo (Grand)Parents
The release of Grand Man comes on the heels of another musical patriarch’s debut. In June 2023, Lana Del Rey’s father, Rob Grant, released his album Lost at Sea. Much like Rusty, Grant embraced the opportunity to share his music later in life, calling it “a very unique experience.”
With Grand Man, Rusty Williams joins the growing ranks of musical elders proving it’s never too late to make an impact.
A Valentine’s Day Treat
As fans await the album’s February 14 release, the project serves as both a tribute to Rusty’s legacy and a testament to the timeless nature of heartfelt music. For Rusty, Hayley, and Zac, Grand Man represents more than just an album—it’s a connection across generations, celebrating the purity of music and its power to touch hearts.
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