A Psalm of Gratitude: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Deliver a Soulful Farewell with “Lord, I’m Thankful”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
As the autumn leaves turn and the air chills, Billy Blue Records has gifted the bluegrass and Gospel community a timely masterpiece of devotion. “Lord, I’m Thankful,” the latest single from Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, is more than just a seasonal release; it is a poignant, prayerful summation of a legendary two-decade career.
Culled from their acclaimed all-Gospel album Thankful and Blessed, this track arrives as the band prepares to enter its final chapter, offering listeners a profound moment of reflection and worship.
The Artists: A Legacy of Faith and Fingerpicking
For twenty years, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers have stood as pillars of the bluegrass community. Since their formation in 2006, the band has achieved nearly every milestone possible in the genre:
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IBMA Entertainers of the Year: Crowned in 2019, cementing their status as premier live performers.
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Grand Ole Opry Regulars: Gracing the hallowed stage consistently since 2013.
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12 Acclaimed Albums: A discography that defines the “Industrial Strength Bluegrass” sound—hard-driving yet deeply soulful.
At the helm is Joe Mullins, a man whose influence extends far beyond the banjo. A celebrated broadcaster, his voice carries across the globe via Real Roots Radio and the syndicated Front Porch Fellowship. Mullins has spent over 40 years bridging the gap between the airwaves and the stage, earned through his “signature sincerity and conviction.”
The Song: “Lord, I’m Thankful”
Written by the powerhouse songwriting duo of Larry Cordle and Larry Shell, “Lord, I’m Thankful” avoids the clichés of generic gratitude. Instead, it plays out as a deeply personal conversation between a believer and the Creator.
A Personal Prayer Mullins himself views the song as a modern psalm. While the lyrics acknowledge the earthly blessings of family and friends, the core of the message is Christ-centered. Mullins delivers the lines with a vocal vulnerability that feels “very personal,” focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus and the security of eternal life. It is rare to hear a recording that feels so much like an invitation into a private moment of worship.
Musical Craftsmanship The Radio Ramblers have always been known for their “recognizable brand” of music—polished, professional, yet raw enough to feel authentic. On this track, the instrumentation serves the message. The playing is tasteful and restrained, allowing the lyrical weight of the “prayer of thanksgiving” to remain front and center.
“My friend Larry Cordle helped write a psalm, and delivering the lyrics vocally was very personal for me… I’m most thankful for the God of all creation.” — Joe Mullins
A Meaningful Close to a Remarkable Journey
The timing of this release adds a layer of bittersweet beauty to the listening experience. Earlier this year, Mullins announced his retirement from full-time touring, scheduled for just after the new year.
As Jerry Salley of Billy Blue Records noted, the label feels “thankful and blessed” to have represented the band during these final years. “Lord, I’m Thankful” serves as the perfect coda to their 20-year journey—a final bow that points away from the performers and toward the faith that sustained them.
For fans of traditional bluegrass and Southern Gospel, this single is a must-listen—a reminder to count one’s blessings and a fitting tribute to one of the most respected bands in the business.