This video captures Randy Travis’s extremely emotional performance in honor of another great country music legend, George Jones.
The memorial was held at the Grand Ole Opry, a venue where many a country musician has had the opportunity to shine. Travis began his song of “Amazing Grace,” seated alone on stage in front of a subdued audience.
Except for the gentle, purple and blue-hued stage lighting that illuminated the lone performer, everything lighting was low. The focus fell on Travis, who stood alone in the almost eerie calm. Travis began to sing with just a soft strum of his guitar.
The song was delivered in the singer’s trademark rich, deep tones, unhurried and respectfully. The emotional recital enveloped the auditorium and hugged those who had the luxury of being there that night, with hardly a sound from the audience disturbing it.
Many of the country music industry’s biggest names attended the tribute to pay their respects to George Jones, including Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, and, of course, Randy Travis.
Randy had suffered a major stroke three years prior, putting his future in jeopardy. His wife Mary says it’s been a difficult path with many emotional ups and downs, but they are appreciative for Randy’s fans’ prayers and support.
“We’re blessed. We’re happy to be where we are. We don’t know what God has in store for us at the end of this recovery. Right now, we’re just thankful to be where we are, and we’re singing a different song,” she says while holding back a tear. “We’re happy to serve a purpose wherever there is a purpose for us to serve. Of course, one day he would love to be back up on that stage. Right now, we’re just enjoying life, and are very blessed to be where we are.”
This performance was 3 years after the stroke. It took Mr. Travis many more years of therapy to get his voice and guitar-playing skills back. God Bless you, Randy. You still got it.
If you are touched by Randy Travis’s deeply moving tribute to George Jones, please share his performance with a good friend.