Introduction:
A decade after a debilitating stroke silenced his iconic voice, country legend Randy Travis is back, delivering a powerful new single, “Where That Came From.” His triumphant return, which he humbly attributes to both “God’s grace” and cutting-edge artificial intelligence, marks a significant moment in music. While his journey of recovery from the 2013 stroke — which left him unable to walk or speak — continues, his enduring love for music has found a new avenue, as recently shared by “CBS Sunday Morning.”
The story behind this comeback is as compelling as Travis’s career itself. As artificial intelligence emerged as a major force in the music industry in early 2023, raising critical questions about artist rights and ethical applications, Warner Music Group sought to define “AI for good.” The answer came from Cris Lacy, Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville, who declared, “AI for good would be giving Randy Travis his voice back.”
The innovative use of AI allowed for “Where That Came From” — a song written by Scotty Emerick and John Scott Sherrill, and originally recorded (though never released) by James Dupre — to feature Travis’s distinct vocals. Technology seamlessly integrated his voice from an existing recording, laying it over Dupre’s performance.
In a heartfelt statement, Travis shared his excitement: “Eleven years ago I never thought I would be able to have a hand in music production of any kind. But by God’s grace and the support of family, friends, fellow artists and fans, I’m able to create the music I so dearly love. Working with Kyle Lehning and Warner Music Nashville again has been so special and nostalgic, and I’m so excited to share my new song ‘Where That Came From’ with you today. Many thanks to my wonderful team and the best fans in the world for putting me back in the saddle again! I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”
This Grammy-winning artist, renowned for classics like “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Diggin’ Up Bones,” continues to inspire with his resilience and enduring artistry.