Randy Travis & Wife Mary Give Details About New Gospel Album, “Precious Memories”
on Mar 27, 2020
Although Randy Travis isn’t able to sing in the way that he used to, he is still finding new ways to treat fans to his incredible music. On February 21, Travis released a gospel album titled Precious Memories, along with accompanying DVD called Worship & Faith.
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Travis hasn’t been able to sing or perform to his full capability since he suffered a massive stroke in 2013. Through lots of physical therapy, the country legend has continued to make strides in all facets of his recovery. Following the release of the album and DVD, Randy and Mary had a phone interview with Country Rebel.
When asked why he put this album of gospel songs out now, Mary said it was actually Bill Gaither’s idea.
Bill approached Randy and Mary and said, “Randy’s gospels need to be back there amongst us. This is the time in our history that those songs need to be brought back to life.”
Little did he know what the world would be going through come March 2020. Luckily now, we have this album and DVD to help us get through these uncertain times due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The songs were put together using footage filmed in 2003 at Calvary Assembly of God in Orlando, Florida.
Here’s what Mary had to say when asked how Randy narrowed down a seemingly endless list of incredible gospel songs into the handful he chose to perform that day back in 2003:
“Randy’s mom was very devout, she was an ‘angel on Earth,’ as Randy would say. His dad was a little tougher. It was a great contrast in the household.”
Mary added that growing up, Randy and his siblings would sometimes go to church with his mother, but not always. She also noted that Randy was baptized as an adult in 2001, just one year before Randy released “Three Wooden Crosses.”
“I think he chose a lot of these [songs for the album] based on what his mother loved, and the hymns that he would hear her sing,” she said. “They are songs that will go forward with us as we walk through this life and meet challenges.”
Mary also said that these songs are a reminder to lean into God during our worst challenges because He is the only one who will get us through.
Who better than Randy Travis to deliver that message? And Mary agreed.
She said, “He has been through lots of ups and downs, lots of storms of life, and it’s been such an honor and a privilege to get to walk beside this man and watch as he’s gone through so many things. To see the smile on his face and the kindness in his heart and the lack of bitterness, and the amount of faith is just so precious to me.”
Throughout the interview, Randy chimed in several times with his infectious laugh, agreeing “yeses” and “mhmms,” and we couldn’t help but sit back and marvel at all he has been through yet still living by the saying, “Be better, not bitter.”
Check out the track listing for the album and DVD below. And if you’d like to purchase them, you can do so here.
Precious Memories Track Listing:
1. “Blessed Assurance”
2. “How Great Thou Art”
3. “In The Garden”
4. “Softly And Tenderly”
5. “I’ll Fly Away”
6. “Peace In The Valley”
7. “Precious Memories”
8. “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
9. “The Unclouded Day”
10. “Sweet By And By”
11. “Are You Washed In The Blood?”
12. “Three Wooden Crosses”
“Worship & Faith” DVD Includes:
“Shall We Gather At The River?”
“You Are Worthy Of My Praise”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
“We Fall Down”
“Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”
‘He’s My Rock, My Sword, My Shield”
“Peace In The Valley”
“Sweet By And By”
“Open The Eyes Of My Heart”
“Turn Your Radio On”
“Above All”
“Love Lifted Me”
“I’ll Fly Away”
“Pray For The Fish”
“Three Wooden Crosses”
