Randy Travis recently released his first new song in over a decade, with “Where That Came From.” The song, recorded with the help of AI since Travis’ stroke took his ability to sing, makes Travis the first artist to regain his voice with the aid of AI to release new music, an irony that isn’t lost on Travis’ wife, Mary.
“Coming from people who are sixty-five who don’t know that much about technology, it has been fascinating,” Mary tells Nashville Lifestyles. “When I think back on Randy’s career and when he started way back in the ’80s, he was a pioneer with music videos and was on the front end of that. Now, fast forward forty years and he’s doing AI to bring his voice back to the world. We giggle because here’s a man who doesn’t even carry a cell phone and doesn’t like technology at all, and he’s the leading edge!”
Although Travis cannot sing, at least for now, Mary insists he was still very much a part of the process, and had a say in every part of the new song.
“This one was done with so much knowledge and so much heart from the artist. It has the blessing of the artist and he was right there on top of it throughout the process,” says Mary. “It’s wonderful that we get to hear Randy’s songs with such perfection and it gives a good name to AI when it is used in the right way.”
When Travis recorded the song, he surprised several of his fellow artists, sharing their reaction in a video.
“Releasing new music fills a void in my heart that has been missing for over a decade,” Travis says on social media, posting the video of him playing the song for artists like Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Cole Swindell, Clay Walker and more.
Sharing new music for the first time in over a decade is a blessing, and I’m thankful for God’s grace, family, friends, fellow artists, and fans for making this possible. Watch the music video for “Where That Came From,” available now!
Watch Now: https://t.co/80UmQn0CmV pic.twitter.com/LSXtHZywWV
— Randy Travis (@randytravis) May 6, 2024
For Travis, the gift of being able to make music again is one he doesn’t take lightly.
“Eleven years ago I never thought I would be able to have a hand in music production of any kind, but by God’s grace and the support of family, friends, fellow artists, and fans, I’m able to create the music I so dearly love,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member wrote on social media.
“Working with [producer] Kyle Lehning and Warner Music Nashville again has been so special and nostalgic, and I’m so excited to share my new song ‘Where That Came From’ with you today,” he continued. “Many thanks to my wonderful team and the best fans in the world for putting me back in the saddle again! I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”
Travis will appear at the Ryman Auditorium on June 5, as part of his More Life Tour, with singer James Dupré, backed by Travis’ original touring band, performing all 16 of Travis’ No. 1 hits, including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses” and more. Find “Where That Came From” and all of Travis’ music, at RandyTravis.com.
