Silke Jasso
Alan Jackson is another country superstar who might not have had a shot at success if not for Randy Travis. In 1986, Randy burst onto the country scene with “On the Other Hand” and went on to sell millions of albums with his traditional country sound.
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Alan performed “On the Other Hand” in honor of Randy’s induction into Country Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 16. Before he sang, Alan paid tribute to Randy saying, “He opened the door for a lot of guys and girls that want to sing real country music and made it easier for us. I appreciate that.”
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Randy actually invited Alan to be his opening act in 1990, and they co-wrote several hit songs on that tour, including Randy’s “Better Class of Losers” and Alan’s “She’s Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues).” Alan still remembers just how big a star Randy was at the time.
“If y’all weren’t around then, he was like Elvis!” Alan said. “He’d sold, like, 12 million records in four years or something. When he sang, the women were screaming and fainting. It was crazy! Somebody singing real country music and selling all those records, it just made me so happy. I was so proud to be on that tour.”
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In the three decades since Randy released his debut album, “Storms of Life,” Alan hasn’t heard another country artist that can match Randy’s authentic singing style.
Alan continued, “A lot of good ones come out, but nobody who really sang and had the soul in his voice. When I listen to country music today, I think it’s time for a new Randy Travis to come along.”
Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley also performed in honor of Randy at the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony. Randy shocked the invitation-only crowd by singing “Amazing Grace,” which marked the first time he’s sung in public since his stroke in 2013.
