New Posthumous Album From Country Legend Don Williams Announced

Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes will feature 12 previously unheard tracks from the late singer-songwriter's archives.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:08am

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An abstract close-up photograph of the textured surface of a vintage vinyl record, capturing the worn grooves and subtle imperfections in dramatic high-contrast lighting to convey a sense of musical nostalgia and discovery.The rediscovered master tapes that inspired this posthumous album offer a rare glimpse into the creative process of a country legend.Today in Tulsa

In a major announcement for country music fans, a new posthumous album from the late Don Williams, titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes, will be released on May 29th. The 12-track collection features previously unheard recordings from Williams' most successful years between 1979-1984, discovered in his family's home. The album was produced by Williams' longtime collaborator Garth Fundis, who says the singer would be 'thrilled' for these lost recordings to finally see the light of day.

Why it matters

Don Williams was one of the most successful and influential country artists of the 1970s and 80s, known for his smooth baritone voice and a string of hits like 'Tulsa Time' and 'I Believe In You.' Despite his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Williams' legacy has sometimes been overshadowed by other stars of the era. This new album provides a rare opportunity for fans to discover unreleased material from the country legend's prime.

The details

Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes was compiled from a trove of old work tapes found in Williams' family home, still in playable condition. The 12 songs were recorded between 1979-1984, a period where Williams scored many of his biggest hits. Producer Garth Fundis, who collaborated with Williams for over 40 years, says the singer loved all the tracks but they simply didn't fit on the albums he released at the time. Williams' son Tim is also involved as an executive producer, with the goal of preserving the essence of his father's original compositions.

  • Don Williams passed away in 2017 due to emphysema.
  • Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes will be released on May 29, 2026.

The players

Don Williams

A legendary country singer-songwriter who charted 56 singles, including 50 Top 20 hits, 45 Top 10s, and 17 No. 1s over his five-decade career. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Garth Fundis

Williams' longtime co-producer who collaborated with him for more than four decades. Fundis produced Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes.

Tim Williams

Don Williams' son and a fellow musician, who is serving as an executive producer on the new album.

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What they’re saying

“Don liked every one of these songs. I remember recording all of them... He was very particular about the songs he recorded and the sound we created for each of them. But, if a song didn't make in to an album, it wasn't necessarily because he didn't like it. Moreover, it was because of how songs fit together to create an album. I think he'd be thrilled to know that people could hear him sing these new songs they didn't know existed. I'm certain Don would be proud of this album.”

— Garth Fundis, Producer

“These songs Dad recorded are—as music can be—a time machine. Obviously, I grew up always hearing what he was doing. He'd bring home three to four songs at a time from the album he was working on at different stages. In working on this project, we tried above all to stay true to how Dad approached production, made much easier for me with Garth's involvement, and then just to stay out of the way of the music.”

— Tim Williams, Executive Producer, Don Williams' Son

What’s next

Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes is available for pre-order now and will be released on all streaming platforms on May 29, 2026.

The takeaway

This new album provides a rare opportunity for fans to discover previously unheard material from one of country music's most respected and influential artists, helping to cement Don Williams' enduring legacy as a smooth-voiced crooner who left an indelible mark on the genre.