Time Flies, But the Music Lingers: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Reflect on Two Decades with New Single
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For nearly two decades, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (JMRR) have been a vibrant force in the bluegrass world, their energetic performances and heartfelt music resonating with audiences far and wide. As they gracefully approach their 20th anniversary as a band, they’re offering a taste of what’s to come with their latest single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky).” This thoughtful track, their first bluegrass release since 2023, hints at the reflective nature of their upcoming album, set to drop this summer via Billy Blue Records.
The song opens with a signature burst of lively banjo from the celebrated Joe Mullins himself, immediately drawing listeners into their distinctive sound. Then comes Mullins’s warm and characterful tenor voice, delivering the opening line in Latin: Tempus Fugit. This simple phrase, meaning “time flies,” a sentiment penned by the talented songwriting duo of Tim Stafford and Missy Raines, immediately establishes the central theme of the song – the swift and often surprising passage of time.
Mullins, ever the engaging storyteller, shares the serendipitous origin of the song. “I didn’t know what Tempus Fugit meant until I got a wonderful new song from Tim Stafford and Missy Raines, both great artists, writers, and old friends,” he explains. A chance encounter with Missy Raines at AmericanaFest in Nashville in 2024 sparked the idea. Reflecting on their shared history within the bluegrass community, a conversation about the years gone by led Raines to mention a song she and Stafford had written on the very subject: “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky).”
Intrigued, Mullins listened to the track and was immediately captivated. “The lyrics were SO relatable for me at this phase of life,” he reflects. His own journey in music began over four decades ago, with a banjo in hand and a voice on the radio. Now, as he embraces the joy of being a grandfather, the sentiment of the song resonates deeply. “I’ve been on stage with a banjo and on radio in some capacity since 1982. Now, over four decades later, I have my first grandchild, and she’s gorgeous, by the way!” he shares with evident pride.
“Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky)” is more than just a nostalgic look backward. It beautifully weaves together a sense of appreciation for the present with an optimistic view of the future. The lyrics capture the essence of cherishing each moment, recognizing the inherent value in the years we are given. It’s a sentiment that likely resonates with anyone who has paused to consider the fleeting nature of life and the accumulation of experiences, both big and small.
Joe Mullins is a name synonymous with both exceptional banjo playing and insightful radio broadcasting. For over 40 years, he has seamlessly intertwined these two passions. Since 2006, he has led Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, a band that has not only toured extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe but has also produced an impressive catalog of 12 acclaimed albums. Their dedication and talent were recognized in 2019 when they were honored with the prestigious Entertainers of the Year award by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
Beyond their touring and recording success, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are celebrated figures in both bluegrass and gospel music charts. They have been regular performers on the legendary Grand Ole Opry since 2013, a testament to their enduring impact on the genre. Mullins’s influence extends beyond the stage through his award-winning broadcasting work. His voice reaches a global audience through Real Roots Radio, and his syndicated program, Front Porch Fellowship, airs on over 170 stations, further solidifying his role as a vital ambassador for bluegrass music.
Adding another layer to his contributions, Mullins produced the IBMA’s 2021 Album of the Year, Industrial Strength Bluegrass, showcasing his keen ear and understanding of the genre’s rich history and contemporary evolution. Furthermore, The Radio Ramblers host the award-winning Ohio bluegrass festivals of the same name, further cementing their commitment to fostering and celebrating the bluegrass community.
With the release of “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers offer a poignant reflection on the passage of time, delivered with their signature musical prowess. As they embark on their 20th anniversary, this new single serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish every moment and appreciate the journey, a sentiment that will undoubtedly resonate with their longtime fans and new listeners alike as they eagerly await their upcoming album.