Nearly 40 years after the smash success of Storms of Life, Randy Travis continues to find ways to squeeze more out of life.
The distinctive baritone voice from the man who paved the way for the “New Country” movement of the mid-80’s is still heard and felt in the hearts and minds of his fans on his “More Life Tour.” The tour made a stop Saturday in Newark, OH at the historic Midland Theatre and wowed a sell out crowd proving that Travis’ music continues to hold the appeal it has over these many, many years.
Born in 1959 and raised in rural North Carolina, Travis left school early and began singing country music, reminiscent of the Hank Williams and George Jones records he listed to in his youth. He moved to Nashville and sang in earnest at the famed Nashville Palace until eventually he was discovered by a Warner talent scout in 1985. The rest is history for this multi-platinum, multi grammy winning country legend.
Fans know that in 2013 Travis suffered a debilitating stroke leaving him unable to sing. Despite this tragic setback, Randy persevered and was subsequently initiated into the Country Music Hall of Fame and co-authored an autobiography about the ups and downs of his life. To this day he engages in numerous charitable causes, and continues to tour with his music.
Although unable to perform the songs himself, Travis joined the band on stage seated next to his loving wife Mary and engaged with the addoring crowd while the band played his greatest hits. The pride he must feel when hearing his songs, including “Digging Up Bones,” “Deeper Than A Holler,” and “If I Didn’t Have You” was readily apparent from the smile on his face throughout the evening. The nearly two hour set, of course, included fan favorites “Three Wooden Crosses” and his new AI-produced single, “Where That Came From.”
Sunday’s lineup, which included several of Travis’ long-time backers, was made up of James Dupre’, Vocals and Guitar; Bill Cook, Bass; Lance Dary, Acoustic Guitar; Herb Schuber, Drums; Joe Van Dyke, Keyboards; William Rigby, Guitar; Steve Hinson, Pedal Steel; and David Johnson, Fiddle. Ohio native and friend of Randy and Mary Travis, Jacob Tolliver, also made a special appearance on Keyboards singing Randy’s upbeat “Honky Tonk Side of Town.”
Nearly every fan I spoke with over the course of the evening reflected with fondness the impact that Travis’ music has had on their lives, most having seen him perform many times over the years. I’m certain that for them to hear Randy himself sing “Amen” to close out his smash hit “Forever And Ever, Amen” was a fitting and poignant finish to a great night of music and celebration.
Midwest Riff Review 
Gre
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