Bubba McAllister – Raised Rowdy Contributor
“…On one hand I could stay and be your loving man, But the reason I must go is on the other hand” are lyrics to the 1986, #1 chart topper “On the Other Hand”. Randy Travis seemed to turn back the clock, and summon the spirit of an old love gone wrong with present day single “One In A Row”, which was co-written by Buddy Jewell (Sweet Southern Comfort) and Thom McHugh. In an astonishing, seemingly comeback fashion, Randy Travis has returned to his rightful place on the 2019 radio waves. The country music Hall of Famer recorded this new, sure to be hit before his almost life ending stroke in 2019.
This single, his traditional sound and distinguished baritone voice feel so much like seeing an old friend. Today’s artists, whether ruckus honky-tonk anthems, or mired in loss of devastating heart break have the legend to thank, in part for the path the walk today. For the better part of 20 years, Randy Travis has put on a clinic in churning out love gone awry, done me wrong, beer drinkin, certified jukebox bangers. If we’re lucky to get anymore content from former country crooner it won’t be soon enough. But if not, he has shaped our favorite genre, and in the words of a fan favorite, “I’ve found only two things that last to the end, One is your heroes and the others’ your friends”. And in 2019, on CMA week, ever adoring fans are lucky enough to count him as both.