By Kat Carson

And so he burst on the scene in 1986 and changed the face of country music. Some may claim a handful turned the music around, but we consider it more accurate to say it was Randy Travis who did it all. How else could anyone explain the power of his voice that drew crowds to his concerts- crowds that had never before even seen the slender, southern gentleman?

Who can describe Randy Travis? He is the star who does not fit the role. Pride and vanity are absent from his being. And yet he is so identifiable to the regular Joe that a fan finds himself at perfect ease in his presence.

Rare gems are true musical legends. They are not those that adapt their techniques to tickle the ears of the fickle public. They are those who use music as a channel to express their innermost feelings. Just like an artist uses the paintbrush and the canvas to capture the soft, warm glow of a sunset, so the musician uses the tools of the voice or instruments to communicate the most intimate feelings shared by all mankind.

And what better instrument can exist aside from the human voice? Where instruments can convey and support emotional dynamics, the human voice can actually speak to the heart. Those who use the voice merely as a tool to make money or impress an audience are utter fools. As Paul himself stated in 1 Corinthians 13: 1: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

Randy Travis has been given a voice that reaches deep inside the human heart. It bypasses the pomp and show that make so many popular stars a hit with the masses. It is a voice to be contemplated and truly “listened to” because it has much to say. But you have to be ready to be quiet to truly hear its message. And if you cannot be quiet, you will miss it.

Randy began his superb deliveries on a massive scale in 1986 with the release of his debut album, “Storms of Life.” He never made a music video off the album, and many fans had never once beheld the chiseled face that is now synonymous with his name. Still people came from all corners of the country to hear him sing because his voice alone was enough to reach the heart. And Randy enjoyed his own share of platinum albums and astonishing popularity- kudos, in fact, that cannot be equally matched by any other artist in any other genre.

Randy’s best musical years did not happen in the late eighties and early nineties. Randy’s voice, like a good wine, sweetened with age as the man himself also grew in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His finest works are undeniable in albums such as Rise and Shine, Worship and Faith, and Glory Train. He reached millions with the message of his last no. 1 single “Three Wooden Crosses.” No chart statistic can compare to the personal stories we found in internet blogs about people who were reached by that song.

Randy’s voice now has a deep maturity that was at first absent. As before he was singing- and that beautifully- now he is actually speaking. And what a conversationalist he is! One reviewer said his voice “deepened and darkened”. But mixed with this mystery is a subtle brokenness and tenderness all kept under control by a driving need to complete the message for the listener without losing touch. It is quiet power in its most potent form, and a pure reflection of his love for his craft.

Randy’s fine, quality albums have not gained him popularity in recent years. Even the Grammy Awards they have won have been kept silent. And yet a light so bright as his can never be snuffed out by those who have a insatiable hunger for sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. There are still some of us who long to be spoken to when life takes us to the highs, lows, and the places in between where we cannot sing.

And so Travis Troopers sends deep thanks to Randy Travis for the marvelous music. Your music changed our lives, brought us closer to the Lord, and continues to walk with us down life’s long journey. Old or young, on heaven or on earth, we will always love your music and appreciate what you give us more than we could express.