Randy Travis is receiving a huge honor this year. The Grand Ole Opry member, along with longtime Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito, will both receive the Nashville Symphony’s 2024 Harmony Award. The two will be honored together during the Nashville Symphony’s 40th annual Symphony Ball, held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
“My passion for music brought me to Nashville and my love for Nashville kept me here — they are my lifeline,” Travis says. “The opportunities and challenges found in music changed my direction in life in such a positive way. I’m honored to receive the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony, joining them in sharing our passions of today to create avenues in music for our generations of tomorrow.”
The two musical icons are being honored as a tribute to the legacy they created in country music, both as an artist and as one of the music industry’s most pioneering figures.
“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Symphony Ball, we are thrilled to recognize two remarkable figures in Nashville’s music community,” said Symphony Ball co-chairs Bradshaw and Deal. “Each in his own way, Randy Travis and John Esposito have revolutionized and reinvigorated country music, and their talents are matched only by their commitment to raising up the next generation of music makers.”
Esposito is credited with launching and furthering the careers of artists like Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay and more.
“Music saved my life and then became my life,” Esposito says. “It was music education that gave me my voice. I am honored to be chosen for the Harmony Award and proud to be part of a fun night that will raise funds that help music education.”
A stroke in 2013 took Travis’ ability to sing and perform, but thanks to technology, he was recently able to release new music again. Earlier this year, the 65-year-old was able to release “Where That Came From,” using his voice from other songs, with the help of AI.
“Releasing new music fills a void in my heart that has been missing for over a decade,” Travis said at the time, sharing the video of him playing the song for artists like Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Cole Swindell, Clay Walker and more.
“Celebrating this moment reminds me of how fortunate I am to have new ways of sharing a voice missed by so many of you,” he remarked. “I am thankful to have endless support from my family, friends, and fans. The ability to share new music in ways never thought possible is the gift of a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful.”
Previous recipients of the Harmony Award include Lady A, Toby Keith, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Underwood, Taylor Swift and more.
Proceeds from the Symphony Ball will go towards educational initiatives and student programs. Tickets are $1000 and are available at NashvilleSymphony.org.
Find “Where That Came From,” and find all of Travis’ music at RandyTravis.com.
Photo Credit: Marisa Taylor