When Garth Brooks performed “Three Wooden Crosses” at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony on October 16, 2016, Randy Travis was there to hear it. Three years after a stroke had left him struggling to speak, Randy was being welcomed into country music’s highest circle of honor.
Garth had another responsibility that evening, too. After singing, he would officially induct Randy into the Hall. Having a tribute performer also conduct the induction was unusual, but Randy had specifically requested him.
Before the ceremony, Garth told The Boot how much he owed to Randy’s influence. He credited Randy with helping make his own life in Nashville possible. That evening, he stood before the singer whose records had helped open the way for his generation.
The Singing Mary Shared With the Room
There were four steps up to the stage. Randy climbed them with help from his wife, Mary Travis, and Brad Paisley, who came out from backstage to assist. At the podium, Mary stood beside her husband and read the words he wanted to say.
She described the devastating illness of 2013 and the long recovery that followed. Everyday speech remained difficult. Yet she also shared a detail about their life together: she and Randy sang every day. Among the songs they sang was “Amazing Grace.”
On this night, Mary invited the people gathered to honor Randy to sing it with them.
The Voices That Had Come to Honor His
Earlier, Alan Jackson had performed “On the Other Hand.” He remembered arriving in Nashville in 1985, hoping to sing traditional country music, and then hearing Randy on the radio. Alan credited him with making room for other singers who wanted to follow that direction.
Brad sang “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Garth followed with “Three Wooden Crosses.” Their selections reached across Randy’s recording career, from the songs that established him in the 1980s to a later hit that brought his voice to another generation of listeners.
For these artists, the evening was also a chance to acknowledge a debt. Randy’s success had helped demonstrate how much an audience still wanted the kind of country music they loved.
Randy Sang the First Verse
After Mary’s invitation, Randy leaned toward the microphone and began “Amazing Grace.” His voice carried the effects of the stroke, and he faltered on some words. The familiar baritone was still recognizable.
The Associated Press reported silence and tears as the room listened. Randy sang the first verse, with the artists who had performed his songs that night nearby.
When he finished, he worked to speak a few words of his own.
“Thank you,” Randy said. He paused for breath, then continued: “for everything you’ve done.”
The audience stood. The ovation lasted for minutes.