Randy Travis releases first new song since 2013 stroke inhibited his speech, singing voice

(NEXSTAR) – Country artist Randy Travis released a new song Friday — nearly 11 years after a stroke left him largely unable to speak or sing.

Travis had teased the release of “Where That Came From” earlier this week, previewing a snippet of the song along with a video featuring footage from what appeared to be the recording process. In it, Travis could be seen observing the studio musicians, though not actively singing.

“Eleven years ago I never thought I would be able to have a hand in music production of any kind,” Travis wrote in a Facebook post a day before the release. “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.”

Ahead of the song’s official debut on Friday, Travis shared additional videos in which he’s seen previewing the song for friends and family, some of whom appeared to become emotional.

A radio station in Dallas — New Country 96.3 KSCS — debuted the single on the “Hawkeye In the Morning” radio show Friday. When asked, host Mark “Hawkeye” Louis said he was not aware if the vocals had been recorded before the artist’s stroke or whether it was created using AI.

“We reached out to his family but haven’t heard anything yet,” Louis said.

Following the release, fans indicated they were thrilled to hear Travis’ “beautiful voice” once more, even if some weren’t sure how he pulled it off.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s AI, if it’s voice cloning, etc.,” wrote one fan on YouTube. “This is Randy’s voice in one form or another; you can hear the authenticity regardless of how this was created and I love it.”

Travis and his team have not revealed much about the background or recording of “Where That Came From.” But Travis indicated that the proverbial cat will be released from the bag eventually.

“You’ll hear much more about the special team of folks who came together to help make this magical moment in my career possible in the coming week,” wrote Travis. “In the meantime, just know that when it comes to me singing songs for you, there’s always more where that came from.”

A representative for Travis’ team added that some of these details will be revealed this coming weekend.

Travis, meanwhile, has released multiple albums since 2011 consisting of music recorded before his stroke as well as resurfaced singles and a never-before-heard demo. As he said on social media, though, Travis considers “Where That Came From” the only “new recording” he’s made since 2013.

Travis rose to prominence with songs such as “1982” and “On the Other Hand” in the 1980s.  His deep-rooted country style sparked a resurgence in a traditional style that spread throughout the country music world.

In 2013, Travis was hospitalized due to viral cardiomyopathy, a virus that attacks the heart, and then suffered a stroke. Travis had to relearn how to walk, spell and read in the years since his stroke, and he still struggles with aphasia. But in 2016, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and surprised the crowd by singing “Amazing Grace.”

“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,” said Travis.

Travis’s official website also lists 10 upcoming tour dates scheduled through November, with vocalist James Dupre and Travis’ backing band performing 16 of his hits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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