On Wednesday (October 13th), country superstar Garth Brooks took to the stage of CMT’s 2021 Artist of the Year Awards to present Randy Travis with the Artist of a Lifetime Award.
During his speech, Brooks declared that Randy Travis single-handedly saved country music. Travis was all smiles while being presented with the award. Travis’ wife, Mary, spoke for him by saying, “As Randy would say, it’s a pretty good night for me.”
Mary also thanked all the other country artists for following in Randy Travis’ footsteps. “I expect to see you all up here one day [and] celebrating you.” She also reflected on CMT’s formation and the success that the network has had over the years.
As previously reported, Mary spoke to CMT about Garth Brooks presenting the country star with the Artist of a Lifetime award. “Randy never takes any of his accolades for granted,” she stated. “Being an Artist of a Lifetime means that you’re not just a great artist for a season or an album. Instead, your music has made a difference throughout your entire career.”
Randy Travis also recently spoke about being presented with the special award as well. “To think you receive a Lifetime Achievement award for sharing your heart with the world through music is beyond words of gratitude. CMT has been so good to me throughout my career. And I’m happy they believe I gave something in return.”
Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music and Talent of CMT, also declared that it is a privilege to announce Randy Travis as a recipient of the 2021 CMT Artist of a Lifetime award. “His historical career encompassing multiple genres illuminates his extraordinary talent, determination, and lasting influence on the country music and beyond.”
Fram goes on to add that Randy Travis’ “unmistakable, traditional” country sound has shared multiple generations. “And we’re honor to celebrate this deserved lifetime honor with him.”
Fellow Country Artists Share Their Excitement For Randy Travis’ Artist of a Lifetime Award
Also during the CMT’s 2021 Artist of the Year Awards event, fellow country artists shared their excitement for Randy Travis being presented with the Artist of a Lifetime Award. Luke Combs stated in a video, “Thank you for all the music, man. Thank you for all the inspiration. And I want to say congratulations on being CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime.”
Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Stapleton also congratulated Randy Travis for the achievement. Gabby Barrett recalled meeting Travis and “fan girling.” She also declared that she loved him. “Thank you for your music. You are an icon.”
Along with the presentation, Kane Brown also performed Randy Travis’ hit single Three Wooden Crosses. “I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you. It’s what you leave behind you when you go.”
Randy Travis fans also took to Twitter to congratulate the country legend. “@randytravis is a country music icon. You deserve this award,” one fan declared. Another admirer also tweeted, “He looks great!!! That moment with him on stage had me bawling that legendary smile. God Bless you @randytravis.”
