Randy Travis Still Can't Speak In Sentences After Near-Fatal Stroke, But Manages To Sing 'Amazing Grace' At Country Music Hall Of Fame Induction
Christian country singer Randy Travis nearly died when he suffered a stroke three years ago and the road to recovery has been a long one.
The singer, who was inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame on Sunday, still can't speak in complete sentences. Yet he stunned the audience when he managed to sing Christian classic 'Amazing Grace' during the ceremony.
It was an emotional moment as Travis clutched at the microphone to sing the popular hymn moments after being inducted into the Hall of Fame by Garth Brooks.
While the strength of his voice may not have been quite what it was before his 2013 stroke, the passion and feeling that have earned him his stripes as a country music veteran were all there. And he wasn't alone, as his wife Mary asked guests at the Hall of Fame's CMA Theater to stand and sing along with him.
It's a beautiful milestone for Travis as he continues to recover, having already managed to recover his ability to walk. He joins other country music stars in having his legacy honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame, among them Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.
Inducted alongside him at the ceremony on Sunday were Charlie Daniels and Fred Foster.
Fellow country music star Alan Jackson, who performed on the night, praised Travis from the stage: "You opened the door to a lot of guys and girls who wanted to sing real country music.
"He was like Elvis. When he sang, the women were screaming and fainting. And he was singing real country music. When I listen to country music today, I think it's time for a new Randy Travis to come along."
With a career spanning over a quarter of a century, Travis has sold millions of records and picked up numerous Grammy and Country Music Awards.
He made his debut in 1986 with the multi-platinum Storms of Life album and his Christian faith has often been reflected in his music, with "Three Wooden Crosses" and "He Walked on Water" being among his many hits.