He released the critically acclaimed album, Willis Alan Ramsey, in 1972 on the Shelter label. The album included "Muskrat Candlelight" which was covered (under the title "Muskrat Love") by America in 1973 and by Captain & Tennille in 1976. Ramsey's debut in 1972 earned scores of accolades from artists ranging from The Allman Brothers to Shawn Colvin. The album was mined by many artists for their own projects and performances, including Jimmy Buffett ("Ballad of Spider John"), Jimmie Dale Gilmore ("Goodbye Old Missoula"), Shawn Colvin ("Satin Sheets"), Captain & Tennille ("Muskrat Love/Candlelight"), Jerry Jeff Walker ("Northeast Texas Women"), Waylon Jennings ("Satin Sheets"), New Grass Revival ("Watermelon Man"), and many more.