Country music legend Randy Travis has released a new song called “Where That Came From” with the help of artificial intelligence, marking his first new song since a stroke in 2013 left him with severe aphasia. The AI version of Travis’ voice was trained using past audio tracks, allowing him to croon again. Travis expressed his gratitude for being able to create music again with the support of family, friends, fellow artists, and fans.
The new song showcases AI’s capability to unlock creative expression for individuals living with disabilities. Travis’ smooth, midtempo tune tells the story of a past love with lyrics describing her captivating eyes and sunny smile. Despite some concern from artists about the impact of generative AI on creativity, Travis’ fans have overwhelmingly embraced the song, expressing joy, praise, and appreciation for hearing his voice again.
Randy Travis, now 65 years old, achieved prominence in the 1980s with his best-selling debut album Storms of Life. He was the first debuting country artist to achieve multi-platinum status and was known as a leader in changing the course of country music’s evolution in the late 1980s. His traditional vocal style and square-jawed sex appeal endeared him to both loyal country music fans and a broader audience beyond the genre’s core boundaries.
The new song, “Where That Came From,” was produced by Kyle Lehning, Travis’ longtime musical collaborator, and Warner Music Nashville. Cris Lacy, co-chair and president of Warner Music Nashville, spoke about the positive impact of AI in giving Travis his voice back. The use of AI in music production has the potential to revolutionize how artists create and share their work, as demonstrated by Travis’ ability to record new music despite his speech difficulties.
Other artists like football hero Steve Gleason, who is paralyzed by ALS, have also used AI to continue creative expression despite physical limitations. Gleason created vibrant drawings with the help of AI trained on his pre-diagnosis artwork. This intersection of art and technology highlights the innovative ways AI can assist individuals living with disabilities to continue their creative endeavors.
The release of “Where That Came From” has been met with admiration and awe from fans, who appreciate the miracle of hearing Travis’ voice again through the power of AI. Despite the debate surrounding the use of AI in music creation, Travis’ return to the studio and the positive reception of his new song demonstrate the potential for technology to support artists in finding new ways to share their artistry with the world.
