Carrie Underwood’s Tribute to Randy Travis During the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry Left Viewers in ‘Tears’
“The song ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ is all about love. It’s a universal song. It’s a beautiful song. It’s like the national anthem of country music,” she said.
Travis has paved the path to success for talented artists such as Underwood. He is widely credited as a key figure in shaping modern country music. His breakthrough in the mid-1980s marked the rise of the “new country” era, introducing a fresh sound that resonated with fans.
Randy Travis on December 13, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
His 1986 debut album, “Storms of Life,” became a milestone in country music, achieving Platinum and Multi-Platinum status — a first for a debut country artist.
The album, featuring hits like “On the Other Hand,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” and “No Place Like Home,” sold over three million copies and earned a nomination for the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Randy Travis in the 1980s | Source: Getty Images
The album’s success earned Travis widespread recognition, leading to his induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 1986. His influence extended far beyond his music, inspiring future country superstars such as Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, and Toby Keith.
Over the years, Travis’s contributions to the genre have been celebrated with numerous honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004 and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
