Anyone who loves some country music knows that Randy Travis has a voice like no other. Just like you cannot mistake the voices of Kenny Rogers or, Dolly Parton, Randy’s distinctive baritone is undeniably incomparable. After being away from the public due to his stroke, Randy has decided that his fans need to listen to his songs live. He, therefore, announced that he would treat his fans to The Music of Randy Travis Tour this fall. As you prepare for that golden opportunity to see the country music legend perform, here is everything you need to know about Randy and the tour.
Randy and his Storms of Life
Sometimes, life knocks us down to our feet, and the experience can be documented in a song, film, or memoir. Randy is one person who had had a rough journey, and just when he thought it was getting better, it got worse. In 1986, he released “Storms of Life” saying that the storms of life were washing him away, little did he know that they were beginning. The album was triple-platinum certified after selling 3 million copies. While it marked his success, it was more of a prediction of the challenges that he would undergo later in life, some of them even threatening his life. Travis married his manager Lib Hatcher in 1991, but they divorced in 2010, ending not only their marriage but their business partnership as well. From then on, Randy was on a downward trend.
In February 2012, Randy was arrested after being found outside of a church in his car, reeking of alcohol and a bottle of wine. A few months later in August Randy Travis had now turned into a petty criminal. He walked into a store naked demanding for cigarettes from the cashier but then walking out after realizing he had not carried any money. Later he crashed his car and authorities found his naked. Randy threatened the law enforcement officers and later after his arrest, posted a bail of $21,500. The incidences led to him being fined $2,000, serving 2-year probation as well as a suspended jail sentence of 180 days.
They say when it rains, it pours. Barely had Randy come out of court to receive his sentencing in January 2013 that in July, he suffered a critical viral respiratory infection. Three days later, he suffered a stroke and had to be operated. The condition was so severe that he flat-lined thrice and doctors had given up on him, saying he should be removed from life support. However, his wife prayed that despite Randy having 1-2% chances of survival that God would give him another chance.
A thread of hope
Randy Travis is now hanging by a thread of hope. The stroke has left him unable to move independently, and he can only rely on a wheelchair or cane to move for a long distance. He could not talk, but now Randy stammers, and has gone as far as terming himself “damaged.” Still, that has not stopped him from wanting other people to learn from his past experiences. Currently, his financial status is dire according to Taste of Country, and that has got Randy into thinking about how to improve it. Randy has a book warning other artists to be wary of placing their trust in everyone else but themselves. We are always advised to read the fine script. Unfortunately, Randy signed without giving much thought to what he was consenting to, which has led to his financial downfall. Through the book, Randy reflect on the highs and lows of his life. With the tour, book and maybe a movie since the man is multi-talented, his financial status might improve. Ticket sales for his tour are retailing at between $40 -$65. However, if you want to meet and greet Travis as well as watch the band perform while seated in the first five-row seats, it will cost you $250.
More about the tour
Randy celebrated his 60th birthday in May this year the best way he knows how. He went on stage at Grand Ole Opry, where he sang the final “Amen” to his song “Forever and Amen.” He has a hard time coming to terms with the inability to sing as he used to, and even for a few years, it was difficult for Randy to listen to his music. He has finally gathered the courage to do a show since suffering from the stroke through this tour. Since it is dubbed the Music of Randy Travis Tour, fans will listen to the music but not from Randy Travis himself. Instead, the songs will be sung by James Dupre backed by Travis band. Travis will make few special appearances perhaps singing a few words here and there. The tour will begin in October 16, at The Murat and end on November 2 at Weidner Center as published in Taste of Country.
Why James Dupré
Filling in the big shoes of a renowned musician is quite a task because the expectations are huge, and one small mistake can be disastrous for one’s career. However, James Dupré feels honored to be part of the tour because he always idolized Randy. James grew up listening to country music. The minute he heard Randy sing, he knew he wanted to be a singer having been drawn to the baritone vocals of Randy. So inspired by Randy was James that he started posting covers, including some of Randy Travis’s songs on YouTube. The music attracted Randy, and they later worked together in the movie “The Price” in which James played Travis’s son.
James Dupré will, therefore, perform all 16 of Randy’s no. 1 hits at the 12 stops. According to Mary Travis, Randy’s wife, James also is an excellent choice because his voice almost sounds like Randy’s. Randy once complimented James’s voice saying that it is so pure, so effortless, and so strong that he could listen to it all day long. We can only hope that Randy Travis finds his voice once again since we will never tire of listening to his music. As for the tour, it is a sign of better things to come since Randy is a fighter who has proven even death is not an option.Dolly Parton
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