Willis Alan Ramsey in Iowa City

Willis Alan Ramsey is an American country and folk singer-songwriter, born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1951 and raised in Texas. His self-titled 1972 album introduced songs including “Muskrat Candlelight,” later recorded as “Muskrat Love” by America and Captain & Tennille, “Ballad of Spider John,” recorded by Jimmy Buffett, and “Northeast Texas Women,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker. Austin City Limits featured Ramsey during the program’s early years, documenting his songs in a solo television performance. After long periods away from public performance, he returned for occasional songwriter concerts and appearances at events including the Kerrville Folk Festival.