the grand tour randy travis

Randy Travis Says He and George Jones Had a Lot in Common

Randy Travis delivered one of the standout performances at George Jones ' funeral, and he's just released a new single, 'Tonight I'm Playin' Possum,' as a tribute to the iconic singer. In a new interview, Travis says he had a lot in common with Jones, both musically and otherwise.

“Both of us are obviously just country boys who came up through years of playing at nightclubs before actually having a record deal,' Travis tells the Chicago Sun-Times . "We were both, no doubt, traditionalists all the way through. And I learned so much about singing from George Jones just by listening to him. There was a stretch of years where every hit he had, I was learning them to sing in clubs."

That's not all they had in common. Jones' penchant for alcohol and erratic behavior was almost as much a part of his legend as his music, earning him headlines again and again over the course of decades. Travis has often admitted to a troubled youth that included drugs and alcohol, arrests and fights, and after decades of sobriety he slipped in recent years, resulting in a series of arrests and public embarrassments that trace back to alcohol.

Travis feels he's headed in the right direction again. “I think that we all have to deal with certain setbacks and issues throughout our lives,” he states. “But, despite the challenges, I’m making my way back to where I want to be.”

That journey back includes a new album that Travis will release later this year. 'Tonight I'm Playin' Possum' is the advance single from that project.

“I had a request through Warner Brothers to record the song as a tribute to George Jones, and after listening to it, I wanted to very much,” Travis says. “It’s just a wonderful piece of writing. And what I wanted to accomplish by doing it is simply what it is — a tribute to George. Many people in this business will say that he’s the greatest country singer that ever lived, and I agree. I thought a lot of him.”

Randy Travis Through the Years

7 Unforgettable Randy Travis Moments

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“During a 25-year recording career, Travis became known as the epitome of what country music should sound like.”

With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time and a recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors: “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2002). To date, he has 23 No. 1 singles, 31 Top-10 smashes and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit.

Four of his albums are Gold Records. Four are Platinum. One has gone Double Platinum. One is Triple Platinum and another is Quintuple Platinum. In 2004, Randy was honored with his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is honored on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, TN. He has been a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry since 1986. In 2017, Randy was honored with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds™ Nashville. Since his near fatal stroke in 2013, with the help of his wife Mary and rigorous physical therapy, Randy continues to make improvements in his speaking, walking, and yes, singing. With the help of author Ken Abraham, he released his critically-acclaimed memoir in 2019, Forever and Ever, Amen.

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PBS to Air ‘Still Playin’ Possum’ George Jones Tribute Special Featuring Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley & Tanya Tucker

April 26 marks 10 years since the Country Music Hall of Fame member's death.

By Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson

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Jones, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient for lifetime achievement in 2008, was known for his unique baritone and catalog of hits that included “She Thinks I Still Care,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “A Good Year for the Roses,” “The Race is On” and “Tender Years.” The Texas native earned his first top 10 with the Starday-released single “Why Baby Why,” in 1955, and recorded over 160 charting singles. His first chart-topper on Billboard ‘s Hot Country Songs chart came in 1959 with the five-week No. 1 “White Lightnin,'” which he released via Mercury Records. He then joined United Artists and later Musicor, adding “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race is On” and more to his catalog of hits.

He inked a deal with Epic Records in 1971, working with producer Billy Sherrill to record songs including “The Grand Tour” and “Bartenders Blues,” as well as duets between Jones and his then-wife, fellow country artist Tammy Wynette. Their electrifying, vulnerable vocal entwinement led to numerous hits in the 1970s including “We’re Gonna Hold On” and “Golden Ring.” Jones and Wynette divorced in 1975, and Jones’ music career hit a rough patch until he returned with the 1980 hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which earned a CMA Awards honor for single of the year, and earned Jones CMA male vocalist of the year wins in 1980 and 1981. His recording of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” also earned Jones a Grammy for best country vocal performance, male, in 1981.

During his career, Jones would earn 13 No. 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs hits. His final top 20 hit on the chart came with his guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me,” which won a CMA Award for vocal event of the year in 1998.

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The More Life Tour Starring Randy Travis & the Original Randy Travis Band

With guest vocalist james dupré.

• Date July 22 , 2023
• Event Starts 8:00 PM
• Availability On Sale Now

Event Details

The More Life Tour featuring legendary country singer Randy Travis alongside the original Randy Travis Band and guest vocalist James Dupré will be live at the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Ind., on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Randy Travis will make a special appearance. 

The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer and his co-star in The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis. 

Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard and more. The book is available at most online retailers as well as Barnes and Noble, Cracker Barrel, Books-a-Million and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.” 

For more information about the More Life Tour, the Forever and Ever, Amen memoir and everything Randy Travis, please visit www.RandyTravis.com .

The Randy Travis: More Life Tour

• Randy Travis will be at this show and very much a part of the show but will not be singing. Our special guest vocalist James Dupré will be singing in Randy’s place.
• Nov. 2, 2024 at 8 PM
• Tickets: $89 - $59 (does not include fees)
• Buy Tickets Online or call 740.345.5483

The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer and his co-star in The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Randy Travis will make a special appearance and VIP passes are available in most markets that include a meet and greet with the country icon, himself. Tickets for the shows will be listed at RandyTravis.com as they go on sale.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis. Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard and more. The book is available at most online retailers as well as Barnes and Noble, Cracker Barrel, Books-a-Million and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.”

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Box Office: 724-836-8000

THE MORE LIFE TOUR Starring Randy Travis

The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Randy Travis will make a special appearance and VIP passes are available in most markets that include a meet and greet with the country icon himself. Tickets for the shows will be listed at RandyTravis.com as they go on sale.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis.

Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard, and more. The book is available at most online retailers as well as Barnes and Noble, Cracker Barrel, Books-a-Million, and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before-heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.”

For more information about the More Life Tour, the Forever and Ever, Amen memoir, and everything.

MEET & GREET PACKAGE: $129

• premium seating in the first 2 rows
• meet & greet with Randy Travis

Tickets: $49, $69, $79, $129

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Share this event, ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges unless the show is canceled. in the event of a cancellation or postponement, certain service and historic preservation charges are not refundable., ticket guidelines, the palace theatre 21 west otterman street greensburg, pa 15601, • westmoreland    cultural trust • greensburg garden   & civic center.

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The Palace Theatre has been a major force in Westmoreland County’s cultural scene for generations. Opened September 2, 1926, as the Manos Theatre, The Palace Theatre today hosts the widest variety of live entertainment in the area in a beautifully renovated 1369-seat facility, located across from the county courthouse.

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The Randy Travis: More Life Tour

Tickets are on sale now!

The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer and his co-star in The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Randy Travis will make a special appearance and VIP passes are available in most markets that include a meet and greet with the country icon, himself.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis.

Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard and more. The book is available at most online retailers as well as Barnes and Noble, Cracker Barrel, Books-a-Million and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.”

For more information about the More Life Tour, the Forever and Ever, Amen memoir and everything Randy Travis, please visit www.RandyTravis.com .

VIP Includes:  Meet Randy Travis in Person prior to concert and take a photo, plus receive a discount coupon for official Randy Travis Merch sold at the show.

Saturday June 8 - 7:30 pm

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Scotty mccreery becomes the newest member of the grand ole opry.

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Singer/songwriter Scotty McCreery is now the newest member of the Grand Ole Opy

Scotty McCreery was 16 years old when he won the 10 th season of American Idol. Back then, he stunned the judges with his deep, resonant voice so perfectly suited for country music. The North Carolina-native would go on to pursue his dream of not only becoming a successful country artist but a member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Singer Scotty McCreery is announced the season's 2011 American Idol winner on May 25, 2011 in Los ... [+] Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/American Idol 2011/Getty Images)

“If you’ve ever listened to any of my interviews over the last 15 years of doing this, they’d say, ‘what is your biggest goal?’ and I’d always say, ‘One day I want to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said McCreery.

In December, he got the surprise invitation from Garth Brooks, and on Saturday night Scotty McCreery’s dream came true.

Before the presentation, the 30-year old walked out to a rousing welcome from the sold-out crowd.

Singer/songwriter Scotty McCreery looks out at the sold out crowd on the night he's welcomed as the ... [+] newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. (Nashville, TN - April 20, 2024)

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He performed two songs from his upcoming new album. Then, McCreery spoke for a few minutes noting that while most people discovered him on American Idol , he began singing before that for audiences at the community college, coffee shops, and other local spots near his hometown. One of the songs he remembers covering was the Randy Travis classic “Three Wooden Crosses.” McCreery said he hadn’t sang it since he was 15 years old, then launched into a beautiful rendition of it.

When the song ended, surprise guest Randy Travis walked on stage, escorted by Josh Turner. It was Turner who officially welcomed McCreery as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Josh Turner officially welcomes Scotty McCreery as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry with ... [+] Randy Travis as surprise guest.

They’re friends now, but at one time Turner was one of McCreery’s musical heroes. Many recall McCreery singing Turner’s “Your Man” on American Idol .

Turner referenced the George Jones song “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” in talking about McCreery’s ability to carry country music forward in the future.

“Scotty’s not only a great singer and songwriter, but he’s a great husband and now father,” Turner said. Then, getting emotional, Turner continued, “I’m proud of him, I’m proud to know him, and with artists like him - country music is in great shape.”

McCreery, too, was clearly affected by the emotion of the evening. Saying he was both honored and humbled, he explained why it all means so much.

“My Mama came to the Opry in 1978, Whispering Bill (Anderson) was playing that night. And I heard stories of the Opry, and listened to the Opry, and have such a deep respect for the tradition and the history of the Opry.”

(Interestingly, the legendary Bill Anderson performed earlier in the evening, just as he did when McCreery’s mother visited nearly 50 years.)

McCreery thanked his family, friends, the fans, and the strong and supportive team that surrounds him. In an especially poignant moment, he referenced his 18-month-old son, Avery, saying, “He might not be able to understand tonight, but one day I’ll be able to tell him, ‘Hey buddy, this was your daddy’s dream, and it all came true.”

As he celebrates his new status as an Opry member, McCreery was also touched to discover he has the mailbox previously owned by Loretta Lynn.

Before wrapping up the evening, McCreery did one more song that marked the grand finale in a series of full-circle moments throughout the night. He sang his first No. 1 hit “Five More Minutes. He explained how he debuted that song on the Opry stage in 2016, five years after winning American Idol at a time he still didn’t have a record deal. That night changed the trajectory of his career.

“It was my very first standing ovation I’d ever received at the Grand Ole Opry, and I thought to myself that night we might be on to something with this song. And we ended up putting it out there independently, as we didn’t have a label at the time. And I’m proud to say, because of y’all’s reaction “Five More Minutes” was the first song to chart in country music history without the backing of a label.”

McCreery joins the Opry as he gears up for the release of his latest album Rise and Fall on May 10 th . He wrote 12 of the 13 tracks including his current hit “Cab in a Solo.” He has a busy tour schedule in the months ahead as he promotes the new album.

Scotty McCreery adds his plaque to the Opry member wall.

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Randy Travis: The More Life Tour

presented by Graystone Promotions

• Buy Tickets
• Friday, June 7

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The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer and his co-star in The Price , James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Randy Travis will make a special appearance and VIP passes are available in most markets that include a meet and greet with the country icon, himself. Tickets for the shows will be listed at RandyTravis.com as they go on sale.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis.

Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard and more. The book is available at most online retailers as well as Barnes and Noble, Cracker Barrel, Books-a-Million and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.”

For more information about the More Life Tour , the Forever and Ever, Amen memoir and everything Randy Travis, please visit www.RandyTravis.com .

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***VIP Includes: Meet Randy Travis in person prior to concert, and take a photo plus receive a discount coupon for official Randy Travis Merch sold at the show.

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Scotty McCreery inducted into Grand Ole Opry by Randy Travis, Josh Turner

On April 20, 2024, North Carolina native Scotty McCreery was inducted as the 227th cast member of the Grand Ole Opry.

It was a moment in country music's century-long history that allowed for multi-generational perfection.

It was also the moment when McCreery's career began as a mature steward of the genre's legacy of crooners with voices so tough yet smooth that the bridge between faith-borne humility, family-made joy, and fun of observing the unique, timeless charisma required to allow women's hearts to go aflutter and grown men to cry occurs.

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Onstage for his Opry member trophy presentation were two artists and Opry members age-separated by 18 years, 64-year-old Randy Travis and 46-year-old Josh Turner.

A history re-defining moment

Note that McCreery, 30, could've easily been an Opry member two years ago at 28 (a perfect 18-year swing aligned with Travis and Turner) had COVID-19's quarantine not occurred.

However, the timing of his induction couldn't be more ideal. 

His current top-five radio hit "Cab in a Solo" could be the best-written song of his career. It's undoubtedly the fastest-moving single he's ever released.

Amid the genre's broadest and deepest pool of diverse chart-toppers ever, his single started with 120 first-week adds at country radio and maintained steady growth for eight months.

Until Saturday night's Opry presentation, McCreery always appeared to be missing something specific, though his voice carried strength and his performances had the earmarks of country's steadfast traditional style.

That specific something arrived by receiving the power of the total, simultaneous co-sign of country music's 100-year history, which his career thoroughly embodies.

A multi-generational legacy

Watching Travis, even still while slowed by the effects of a 2013 stroke and Turner, one of the genre's most outstanding baritone performers ever, stare at McCreery onstage was fascinating.

It was as if they, too, realized the power of the moment they were required to deliver.

Turner even wrote an entire speech, which he pulled out as a typed, thoughtful statement onstage.

Thirteen years ago, it was as if McCreery had been gifted—on some level by divine provenance, yet another by success—the wild confluence of Western charm and Southern grit. It's the genre's oldest and biggest metaphorical shoes to fit.

They're the kind of shoes that a father gives to his son. His son doesn't stuff their toes so they can accompany his prom tuxedo. Instead, he wears them when he requires them as a fully grown man.

Travis never entirely passed down Turner the shoes. To wit, McCreery's "American Idol" performance of Turner's "Your Man" involved McCreery adding a plural to one of the song's key lines, singing, "Lock your doors and turn your lights down low."

Onstage before he performed the 2005 classic, Turner joked, "Scotty, I still don't know how many doors you have in your bedroom, but I just have one."

A legacy, now defined, continues

McCreery became a genre star at 17 after winning American Idol in 2011. Five years later, he sang his tear-jerking ballad ode to his grandfather's legacy, "Five More Minutes," onstage during a 2016 Opry appearance . At that time, the former Idol winner was without a label.

In a two-year swing following that performance, he was signed to Thirty Tigers Records and "Five More Minutes" was a No. 1 hit on country radio.

"I stand here tonight proud of the fact that I bridged the gap between the generation of Randy Travis and Scotty McCreery," shared Turner. "Only time will tell who will be inspired by Scotty."

Turner then mentioned George Jones's "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes."

The song, released in 1985, is a lament that predates the entrenchment of the neo-traditional country movement in the genre, wondering who will replace the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard as artists capable of "standing tall" onstage and singing country classics on barn dance-style stages.

And yes, to continue the earlier mathematical equation, had "The Possum" (who passed in 2013) been at The Opry on April 20, 2024, he would've been 92 years old—28 years older than Randy Travis.

A perception of perfection that felt altogether too real permeated the evening.

"Scotty is not only a fine singer and a songwriter but he's a great man, husband, and now father," Turner continued.

"I'm proud of him and I'm proud that he is filling the shoes of the artists before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape."

'I gotta go home and start writing a new bucket list'

"If you've listened to any of my interviews over the last 15 years of doing this, they'd say, 'what is your biggest goal?' and I'd always say, 'One day I wanna be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,'" shared McCreery. "I gotta go home and start writing a new bucket list."

Pointing to his 18-month-old son Avery in the audience and holding back tears, McCreery added, "He might not understand tonight but one day I'll be able to tell him, 'Hey buddy, this was your daddy's dream and it came true.'"

McCreery capped the night by moving not just himself but many in the crowd to tears with a performance of the previously-mentioned "Five More Mintues."

On a night that saw 100 years of artists and four decades of iconic country hits' legacies recalled, revived, restored and installed—like an Opry membership nameplate—into the memories of those in attendance, it offered a sense of a critical piece of country's traditions refined for the modern era and beyond.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Scotty McCreery inducted into Grand Ole Opry by Randy Travis, Josh Turner