Posted on 05/04/2024 11:29:50 AM PDT by Deadeye Division
(NEXSTAR) – Country artist Randy Travis released a new song Friday — nearly 11 years after a stroke left him largely unable to speak or sing.
Travis had teased the release of “Where That Came From” earlier this week, previewing a snippet of the song along with a video featuring footage from what appeared to be the recording process. In it, Travis could be seen observing the studio musicians, though not actively singing.
“Eleven years ago I never thought I would be able to have a hand in music production of any kind,” Travis wrote in a Facebook post a day before the release. “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.”
Ahead of the song’s official debut on Friday, Travis shared additional videos in which he’s seen previewing the song for friends and family, some of whom appeared to become emotional.
A radio station in Dallas — New Country 96.3 KSCS — debuted the single on the “Hawkeye In the Morning” radio show Friday. When asked, host Mark “Hawkeye” Louis said he was not aware if the vocals had been recorded before the artist’s stroke or whether it was created using AI.
“We reached out to his family but haven’t heard anything yet,” Louis said.
Following the release, fans indicated they were thrilled to hear Travis’ “beautiful voice” once more, even if some weren’t sure how he pulled it off.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s AI, if it’s voice cloning, etc.,” wrote one fan on YouTube. “This is Randy’s voice in one form or another; you can hear the authenticity regardless of how this was created and I love it.
Travis and his team have not revealed much about the background or recording of “Where That Came From.” But Travis indicated that the proverbial cat will be released from the bag eventually.
“You’ll hear much more about the special team of folks who came together to help make this magical moment in my career possible in the coming week,” wrote Travis. “In the meantime, just know that when it comes to me singing songs for you, there’s always more where that came from.”
A representative for Travis’ team added that some of these details will be revealed this coming weekend.
Travis, meanwhile, has released multiple albums since 2011 consisting of music recorded before his stroke as well as resurfaced singles and a never-before-heard demo. As he said on social media, though, Travis considers “Where That Came From” the only “new recording” he’s made since 2013.
Travis rose to prominence with songs such as “1982” and “On the Other Hand” in the 1980s. His deep-rooted country style sparked a resurgence in a traditional style that spread throughout the country music world.
In 2013, Travis was hospitalized due to viral cardiomyopathy, a virus that attacks the heart, and then suffered a stroke. Travis had to relearn how to walk, spell and read in the years since his stroke, and he still struggles with aphasia. But in 2016, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and surprised the crowd by singing “Amazing Grace.”
“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,” said Travis.
Travis’s official website also lists 10 upcoming tour dates scheduled through November, with vocalist James Dupre and Travis’ backing band performing 16 of his hits.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh8-g8seeig&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fcountry.iheart.com%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt
I have always thought Randy Travis’s songs were so special and deeply moving. I’m so glad to hear he’s doing better
I hope and pray it is his current genuine voice, restored. But either way, I admire him for returning to the stage. It takes guts, courage to recover (with or without technology) after a stroke. Good for him!
Beautiful song BTW, thanks for bringing it to our attention. I wonder what caused him to suffer a stroke at such a young age of 54.
Hypertension, blood-clot, aneurism, heart-condition, or one of the other causes including family history?
Hard life. I hope he’s doing better.
I don’t know his family history, but it sounds like afib. I got it.
My grandfather was dead at 53 (my age). Mom was dead at 60.
My grandfather had 3 strokes and 4 heart attacks by 53. Last one got him. Never knew him.
I’m on meds. I hate it.
I actually think I was starting to have one. I became somewhat disoriented when I laid down to collect myself, and it only seemed to make me feel worse. When I sat back up, I could feel my jaw start to freeze up or at least it felt like it was trying to, I should say. I immediately jumped to my feet, and even though it was difficult, balance wise, I forced myself to walk around as I was opening & closing my jaw. I have no clue how long I did so, but it seemed long to me at the time. In other words, it didn't clear up within a few seconds. Fortunately, if it was a stroke, I suffered no lasting damage. I've had no repeat episode either thankfully. I do have high blood pressure that I take medicine for.
You need to go see your doctor. Asap. Man it’s rough and hurts. Go. Had a small one.. God be With You. Go!
If you think you’re having one you probably are. Your arm hurts, chest hurts. Get dizzy and fall down. Not good.
That’s when you get hurt. Be safe.
You start feeling bad, tell someone.
Love it!I I know what he means and how it feels to lose someone
that can’t be replaced.
Actually neither my arm or chest hurt, I just felt ill & disoriented, which was why I decided to lay down. But that only made it worse.
Yes, I thought it was a very good song. 🙂👍
If your jaw freezes up , that’s a stroke. Worse than heart attack. Hope you got some one to help you.
I’m gonna fix myself when my jaw gets crazy. Lost my wife. She got messed up. I’m following her.
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