Country music legend Randy Travis has regained his voice with the help of artificial intelligence after suffering a stroke in 2013. His new single, “Where That Came From,” released last Friday, showcases his iconic vocal style. Travis’ longtime producer, Kyle Lehning, utilized AI to recreate Travis’ voice using vocal stems from his previous works. The result was a stunning representation of Travis’ unique vocal quality.
The AI model created for Travis analyzed 12 vocal stems from his songs and an additional 42 stems collected across his career spanning from 1985 to 2013. Using a demo vocal input, the model produced a version of “Where That Came From” that was nearly 75% accurate to Travis’ original voice. With some editing and adjustments, the final recording captured the essence of Travis’ soulful singing style. This innovative use of AI technology has allowed Travis to once again share his music with the world.
Mary Travis, Randy’s wife, emphasized the emotional impact of hearing his voice again after so many years. The project has highlighted the positive potential of AI in the music industry, focusing on preserving artists’ rights and control over their work. Over 200 artists, including Stevie Wonder and Miranda Lambert, have signed an open letter calling for responsible use of AI to protect human artists’ rights. This project with Randy Travis serves as a positive example of AI being used to empower artists rather than devalue their work.
The release of “Where That Came From” has sparked interest in potential future projects featuring Randy Travis’ recreated voice. While there may be more tracks in the future, the focus remains on ensuring each song is worthy of Travis’ talent and legacy. Warner Music Nashville, the label behind the single, is being selective in its approach to showcasing Travis’ voice. This collaboration between AI and human expertise has opened new possibilities for Travis, offering hope for more music in the future.
Randy Travis’ return to the music scene with the help of AI represents a significant milestone in his road to recovery. The project’s success in capturing Travis’ essence in “Where That Came From” demonstrates the potential of AI to assist artists in preserving their musical legacies. As the music industry continues to evolve with technology, Travis’ story serves as an inspiration for artists seeking to overcome challenges and continue sharing their talents with the world. The impact of this collaboration goes beyond music, showcasing the transformative power of technology in the creative process.
