Randy Travis is paying tribute to his good friend, Don Schlitz, who recently passed away. Both members of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, it’s Schlitz who is the writer of some of Travis’s biggest hits, including “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and “Deeper Than the Holler.”
Travis shares his thoughts in a lengthy post shared on social media, beginning with the humorous way the two met years ago.
“As I try to write a proper tribute to Don Schlitz, I’m reminded of the genius that came with him in writing—he was always there to fill in the blanks or toss a No. 1 idea across the table to complete a story,” Travis begins. “Our cherished friendship began early in my career when Don mentioned to the label that he didn’t really want such a great written song like ‘On The Other Hand’ going to the new guy, Randy Travis! Other much bigger names had passed on it, and I told him I would do my best with it…it all turned out okay, as did several others that followed. We laughed about that for years!”
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Randy Travis’s Friendship With Don Schlitz
“On the Other Hand” came out in 1985. It didn’t take long for Travis and Schlitz to form a close friendship, one that lasted for decades.
“Personally, Don was a dear and treasured friend,” Travis says. “Professionally, he was a great catalyst in my career. Don could turn an ordinary moment in life into a lyrical masterpiece that filled our hearts and souls with happiness, hope, and healing. His legacy will be etched into the sands of time as one of the greatest wordsmiths of all time. Over the last several years, as Don became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, I smiled knowing that so many were already there, including myself, because of Don Schlitz—his dash is filled with the hymns of country music.
“Mary and I keep Stacey, and the family, in prayers of peace, understanding, and strength as they send the greatest of all time to the writer’s round in heaven,” Travis concludes. “I love you, Don Schlitz—forever and ever, Amen! I’ll be seeing you ‘round the bend, my friend. And, remember there’s a cup full of dimes on top of the Coke machine!!”
Funeral Arrangements for Don Schlitz
Schlitz died on April 16 in a Nashville hospital, following a sudden illness. Schlitz was 73 years old when he died. In addition to songs for Travis, Schlitz penned many other hits, including Kenny Rogers‘ “The Gambler” and “The Greatest”, “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” by Mary Chapin Carpenter, “When You Say Nothing At All” by Keith Whitley, and many more.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Schlitz on April 25 at 2:30 PM CT in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. A reception will follow the service.