For nearly two decades, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers have been a pillar of bluegrass, blending tight harmonies, masterful playing, and a deep-rooted love for gospel music. Now the band is doubling down on that foundation with Thankful And Blessed, an all-gospel record that reaffirms their spiritual and musical convictions.

Mullins and company have long made faith-infused bluegrass a signature part of their sound, earning them a devoted following among fans and industry alike. Their gospel recordings aren’t just a side note, they’re the heartbeat of their discography. With two IBMA Gospel Recorded Performance awards for “All Dressed Up” and “Sacred Memories,” the band has proven time and again that their gospel songs strike a powerful chord.

Leading the charge on Thankful And Blessed were two standout singles, “One Breath Away” and “Even Better When You Listen.” The former, written by bluegrass legend Paul Williams, leans into the band’s classic approach with straightforward, heart-swelling harmonies backed by the warmth of mandolin and rhythmic guitar. It’s a song that feels like it’s been in the bluegrass hymnbook for generations. Then there’s “Even Better When You Listen,” a blues-infused number co-written by Rick Lang and Mark Bon Durant. It shifts gears, showcasing the band’s versatility while delivering a message about faith in action. “I have a friend who used to say, ‘God ain’t no big Santa Claus!’” Mullins shares. “We shouldn’t pray with a wish list. If we praise God in prayer and seek His will, we can find it and follow it easier - if we look for Him in every situation and listen with our heads and hearts.” And that’s exactly what the song encourages - a faith that listens, not just asks.

With Thankful And Blessed, Mullins and his Ramblers don’t just honor tradition, they bring it forward. The album features contributions from some of gospel and bluegrass’ most treasured songwriters, coming up with familiar spirituals and fresh takes in a way that feels timeless and modern. And it’s a reminder that bluegrass and gospel have always been intertwined, lifting spirits and preserving stories of faith through melody and harmony. If you’ve been searching for an album that marries tradition with passion, Thankful And Blessed is that record. It’s bluegrass gospel at its finest - played with conviction, sung with devotion, and delivered straight from the heart.