For well over two decades, Randall Hylton had the distinction of being heralded as the most prolific songwriter in bluegrass. Nearly every top band in the business – Ralph Stanley, Doyle Lawson, Country Gentlemen, Lewis Family, Bluegrass Cardinals, and Lost & Found to name a few – has made use of Randall’s material. He had the rare ability to write in a variety of styles that fit the most traditional to the most contemporary bands. Some of his best-known compositions include “The Likes You,” “Gonna Be Movin’,” and “Room At The Top Of The Stairs.” In addition to Randall Hylton the songwriter, there was an equally appealing – and entertaining – talent that remained a secret to many bluegrass aficionados: Randall Hylton the performer. He was one of the few musicians in bluegrass to successfully front a solo act. His concert and festival appearances were a delightful mix of Hylton originals – that ranged from tender ballads to hilarious comic ditties – choice bluegrass classics and romping Merle Travis-style guitar instrumentals. As other artists were quick to make use of his original compositions, Randall showcased his own renditions on several recorded projects. Most notable among these are Tall Tales, True Stories…and Lies, The Singer and the Songster (a collection with Charlie Waller) and Pickin’ In The Parlor, an enjoyable set that was recorded live at the Bluegrass Parlor in Tampa, Florida.

Randall described this project as follows: “Several years ago, I noticed that I no longer enjoyed the new love songs that I was hearing. It seemed that the element of romance that had been so prevalent in the older tunes was somehow missing in the new ones. I decided to try and write some songs that I could identify with. Writing about love comes easiest for me when the person I am in love with inspires me, so I call this album Love Songs For Patricia – it’s named for my wife who inspired so many of these songs.” On the project, Randall covered some of his own tunes that were made famous by other bluegrass personalities: “Don’t Stop Being You” (Country Gentlemen) and “My Heart Is Yours” (Doyle Lawson). He also gives a wonderful re-working to the old Charlie Monroe song “Sweetheart, I Love You Best.”