Brad Paisley Promises Randy Travis Tribute at the CMA Awards
Brad Paisley has revealed that he will pay tribute to Randy Travis at the 2017 CMA Awards.
Travis has been slowly regaining his health after suffering a debilitating stroke in July of 2013 that nearly took his life. He has been working hard to learn to walk and speak again, and has said that he hopes to one day be well enough to resume his career. The 57-year-old country icon was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday (Oct. 16) in Nashville, and he stunned the industry crowd during the ceremony by getting up at the podium to sing "Amazing Grace," which resulted in a joyful singalong.
Paisley also performed at the induction, singing "Forever and Ever, Amen" in tribute to Travis. The singer — who recently released a new single titled "Today" — was so inspired by Travis' performance that he turned to social media to gush about what he saw.
"I'm still reeling from what I witnessed Sunday night," he writes on Facebook. "The spirit of the song 'Today' was brought to life right before my eyes. Some of you have seen the video, and there's a moment where a man named Ralph Duquette rises from a wheelchair to walk his daughter down the aisle. Well Sunday, at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Randy Travis gave country music an equally inspiring moment. He very simply took the mic and led the room in 'Amazing Grace.' It was nothing short of miraculous. Randy has endured so much, battling back from viral cardiomyopathy and a stroke, and it speaks volumes about his spirit and faith."
"Although most of you weren't there for this, I can't wait to honor him again, this time in front of the nation at the CMAs in a few weeks," Paisley adds. "All of us are working to make this year the best it's ever been. Legends like Randy deserve it. God bless country music. I'm so proud to be a part of it."
The 2017 CMA Awards are set to take place on Nov. 2, airing live from Nashville. The ceremony will mark the 50th anniversary of the awards show, which is billed as 'Country Music's Biggest Night.'
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