Honoring one of the legends.
Randy Travis is one of the most iconic voices in country music. And though he’s not able to sing much anymore, there’s no denying the impact he had on country music.
There aren’t many people who we can truly say are credited with changing an entire genre of music. But that’s just what Randy Travis did when he burst onto the country music scene with his debut single “On the Other Hand” in 1985.
Randy got his start as a cook at the Nashville Palace, where he’d also take the stage to entertain the crowd. He’d been rejected by all of the major record labels for being “too country” at a time when country music featured the slick, production-heavy sounds of the 1970s.
But Randy was more of a traditional country guy, and his deep baritone voice and southern twang was undeniably country – and didn’t sound like anything on the radio at the time.
Undeterred, Randy recorded an independent album Live At The Nashville Palace, which ultimately helped him get a record deal with Warner Bros. Records.
And though his first single didn’t do much on the charts, his next single “1982” was so much of a smash that Warner decided to re-release “On the Other Hand” and give it another chance on the charts. And this time, it shot to the top.
Randy’s neo-traditional sound helped usher in a new class of country music, with artists like Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence and Travis Tritt following Randy and his classic sound that was undeniably country.
Unfortunately Randy suffered a stroke in 2013 that’s largely left him unable to sing, though he’s still active as an ambassador in the country music community, championing new artists and traditional country music.
He’s undeniably cemented his place as a legend in country music – and now that legend is going to be honored in an epic concert paying tribute to the music and legacy of Randy Travis.
A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis – 1 Night, 1 Place, 1 Time is coming to Huntsville, Alabama on October 24. The one night only event will feature an all-star lineup paying tribute to the country music legend with many of his 23 #1 hits, and a portion of the proceeds with benefit the Randy Travis Foundation and its mission of supporting not only stroke and aphasia awareness but also music education in schools.
Performers for the event haven’t been announced yet, but during a press conference Randy and his wife Mary said they’re excited to be joined by some of Randy’s best friends to pay tribute to the legend.
Tickets for the event will go on sale this coming Friday, and if past tribute concerts to artists like George Jones and Lee Greenwood are any indication, this one’s going to sell out quick.
