Today, CMT announced that they will honor Randy Travis at their upcoming CMT Artists of the Year event. Travis will receive the Artist of a Lifetime Award, presented by The Ram Truck Brand, according to a press release.
It’s hard to think of another living artist in country music more deserving of such an award. Randy Travis is more than just a great singer, performer, and songwriter. When he released his debut album Storms of Life, he made a statement. That album, and his subsequent output, helped to push country music away from pop sensibilities back toward its traditional roots. He along with giants like Alan Jackson and George Strait spearheaded the neotraditional country movement in the late eighties through the nineties. On top of that, Travis has raked in several other awards and sold millions of albums.
Past honorees include Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, and Merle Haggard. They’re all icons of the genre for one reason or another. Randy Travis’ name fits perfectly on that list of elite country music stars.
Thoughts on the Artist of a Lifetime Award from Both Sides
Randy Travis spoke a little about how it feels to receive the Artist of a Lifetime Award. “To think you receive a Lifetime Achievement award for sharing your heart with the world through music is really beyond words of gratitude,” he said.
Then, he spoke a little about the network that plans to honor him with the award. “CMT has been so good to me throughout my career and I’m happy they believe I gave something in return.”
Overall, the country icon feels, “blessed and most thankful.”
Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music & Talent at CMT talked a little about giving Travis the award. “It is a privilege to announce Randy Travis as the recipient of this year’s CMT Artist of a Lifetime award. His historic career encompassing multiple genres illuminates his extraordinary talent, determination, and lasting influence on country music and beyond,” Fram said.
Additionally, Fram said Travis’ “unmistakable, traditional country sound has shaped multiple generations and we’re honored to celebrate this deserved lifetime honor with him.”
Watch Randy Travis Receive the Award
CMT’s Artists of the Year broadcast will air live on CMT. Tune in at 9p/8c on Wednesday, October 13 to catch all the action. The event takes place at Nashville, Tennessee’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It will include performances by some of country music’s biggest stars.
If you need a reminder of what makes Randy Travis one of the greatest living country music artists, go give the deluxe edition of Storms of Life a listen. The original ten songs are classics and the three bonus tracks are immaculate representations of country music.