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On September 21, 2011 the Grammy Museum welcomed legendary country artist Randy Travis to the very intimate Clive Davis Theater. With seating for only 200 people this show was a sell out. The museum launched its “An Evening With….” Program in 2009 and has since welcomed many stars to the stage including Ringo Starr, and Dwight Yoakam, just to name a few. On this particular evening however, the night was all about honoring Randy Travis’s 25-year career in the country music business. These types of shows are unique. The fans learn more about the artist and hear the stories behind the songs they know and love.

The evening began with the Grammy Foundation’s Vice President Scott Goldman interviewing Randy Travis about his career. Randy and Scott sat up on the stage very relaxed, making the audience feel as though they were watching 2 friends having a conversation. Randy began by briefly reminiscing about his early years. He grew up in North Carolina listening to Hank Williams Sr. and Lefty Frizzell. It seemed music was always a part of his life and by the age of 17 he knew it was destined to be his career. He also alluded to the fact that he was a precocious young child. He gave the crowd a big laugh talking about an incident he had that resulted in a 7 year old, Randy and a 70 year old, his grandfather, throwing rocks at one another.

As the night went on the audience learned more about the career of this legend. Randy kept the audience’s attention with his quick wit and ability to be personable as he took them on a trip down memory lane. Scott talked to Randy about “Storms of Life” Randy’s debut album that really put him on the map. This album let fans and critics alike know that Randy would be sticking around in Nashville. That album had many singles that found there way to the top of charts. “On the Other Hand”, “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “1982” all came from this ground breaking recording. Randy discussed some of the people he has worked with in his career. Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz have both written for Randy and not only influenced in his career, but have been great friends as well. He shared a great memory he had with Don when they wrote “Heroes and Friends” together. Randy also discussed what makes a great song. He explained how you need a great artist and a great melody, but sometimes a song that hits close to home is the one that will stand out.

Randy’s latest CD, the 25th Anniversary Celebration, is an array of songs featuring duets with Randy and many famous friends. Scott played some excerpts from this CD and talked to Randy about the experience he had working with these various artists. The song “Road to Surrender” features Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Travis. He said he loved the relationship he saw in Kris and Willie while working with them. Scott described the trio as “The singing Mt. Rushmore.” Randy also talked about working with Carrie Underwood on “Is It Still Over?” He said when she chose the song he asked her if she was sure that was “the one.” Then he heard her sing it and thought, “Yep, that will work!” Randy spoke about how immensely talented she is. He said she could sing absolutely anything and it would sound good. He also talked about Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Jamey Johnson and how he was humbled by all of these artists coming out to work on this project with him. As he spoke there was clearly a true reverence for everyone involved.

As the audience had been promised, Scott called on a few people to ask Randy a question. One person congratulated Randy on his upcoming 25 year Grand Ole Opry anniversary and asked him about his favorite Opry moment. Randy smiled and shared 3 that particularly stood out in his mind. The first was being the one to invite Carrie Underwood to join the Opry family live on stage. The next was being on stage for the first time with one of his heroes, Little Jimmy Dickens, and lastly an unforgettable moment he shared with Roy Acuff once backstage in the dressing room. Randy noted those were just a few, but he has shared many memorable moments at the Opry, on and off the stage.

The last part of the evening Randy played the audience a few songs. He asked for a show of hands as to who had never seen him perform live before. As people raised their hand, he jokingly quipped, “Well we have only been out on the road for 25 years, I see how you must have missed us.”, the audience cracked up! Someone from the crowd yelled out “Three Wooden Crosses”, Randy’s very popular gospel/country crossover hit. Randy obliged and started playing the guitar. Next he did a snippet of “On the Other Hand” and his classic “Forever and Ever, Amen”. As Randy Travis finished playing he smiled as he looked out at the crowd to find everyone standing up and applauding for him, a true gentlemen and a true country legend.

——Krissie Humphrey