A new album is coming from Randy Travis! The Grand Ole Opry member announces the release of a record of new material, his first in 18 years, since Around the Bend came out in 2008. Randy shared the good news while at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Randy’s visit to St. Jude coincidentally coincided with the 13th anniversary of when he was hospitalized with viral cardiomyopathy in 2013, also suffering a stroke.
“It’s a blessing,” Randy’s wife, Mary Travis, tells Everything Nash, speaking of his new record. “Things could have been so different, with the things that we went through 13 years ago. … Just to hear his voice again. I prayed so hard and so long. I just wanted to hear that voice again. And I listen to the old songs that we’ve all heard. That’s what I have playing in my car. And that’s what I play at home, because I love his voice so much.
“So it means the world to me to get to hear his voice on these new songs,” she adds. “‘Cause nobody did it like Randy Travis did it. I hope that the world will listen. I hope that the world will think that it’s worth the wait.”
A title or release date for Randy’s new record has not yet been announced. “Fish On,” the first track from the project, will be available on Friday, July 10.
Why Randy Travis Announced His New Album at St. Jude
Randy chose to announce the record of new material at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because of his love of the work of St. Jude. Located in Memphis, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers free medical care for children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, along with offering free housing and food for the families. It’s a cause Randy is passionate about supporting.
“Sharing the love of music for decades with listeners of all ages has been an honor of mine,” Randy says in a press release, with help from Mary. “I feel extremely blessed. Earlier this week, as we announced my new album and played some of the songs for the children and families at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, I was reminded of my reason for doing it.
“Gratitude and appreciation welled up as emotions I didn’t expect when stories were shared about a particular song’s impact on their lives,” he continues “I hope these dusted-off songs from the vault touch folks the same old way.”
Photo Courtesy of St. Jude
What Randy Travis Said About His Debut ‘Storms of Life’ Album
It’s been 40 years since Travis released Storms of Life, his debut album. The record changed everything for Travis, and for country music.
“It’s incredible, the success that that album found, being Randy’s first album,” Mary tells Everything Nash, in a joint interview with the two. “The number of hits that came off of it, the number of albums that sold.”
Considered one of the most influential country albums of all time, Storms of Life includes “On the Other Hand,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” and more. At the time, both Travis and Lehning just hoped he was able to sell enough to make a second record.
“When he and Kyle finished, they thought, ‘Well, if it’ll sell 40,000 albums, maybe Warner will let us make another one,’” Mary reveals. “And that was what they said when they walked out of the studio. When they completed it, of course, it went on to sell four million, I think. But it was a pivotal album in country music, not just for Randy, but all of country music. I think people wanted to hear that. Maybe the labels and the radio stations didn’t believe it, but Randy believed it. And we’re still listening to it, 40 years later.”