Growing up in Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood was not only a huge fan of Randy Travis but she was also greatly influenced by his music.
In the first episode of Underwood’s Apple Music Country’s XO Radio show, the country superstar gushed over her love for Travis’ music and how thankful she is to have him as part of her life and as such an inspiration on her music.
“Randy Travis means so much to me and I feel like personally and musically our paths have crossed a trillion times and I am a better performer, musician, writer and person for it,” Underwood boasted of Travis during the almost 2-hour radio show.
She told listeners that she used to steal her sister’s cassette tapes to listen to Travis when she was younger as she just adored his music. Underwood also recalled the first time she met him, saying that she “totally embarrassed” herself.
“The first time I met him, I totally embarrassed myself, I cried and he was the nicest guy ever,” the “Cry Pretty” singer added. “I went on to cover one of his songs on my album [Carnival Ride], it was a hit for him twice in that sense and I also got to sing with him on a song called ‘Is It Still Over.’
In 2008 Underwood’s childhood hero, Travis, invited Underwood to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. “I sang his song ‘I Told You So,’ it’s just been one of the biggest blessings in my life, and he invited me to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” the superstar gushed.
Recently, Underwood had the opportunity to sing her favorite song of his titled “Promises” to him at the ASCAP Awards in November 2019. She says that that was one of her most nerve-wracking moments of her entire life as the song was so magical to her even as a child.
“I recently got to sing my absolute favorite song of his to him, it’s called ‘Promises’ at the ASCAP Awards this past November and I was crazy nervous,” Underwood recalled. “I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been doing anything in my entire life because that song was magic to me, even as a child but it was such an incredible moment.”
You can watch the aforementioned performance of Underwood’s below.
Underwood’s XO Radio will have a new episode monthly, and the country superstar is expected to sit down with friends and peers from across the entertainment spectrum to catch up, share stories, and play the music that inspires them. Consider each episode a love letter from the global superstar to her favorite musicians, soundtracked by the songs that mean the most.
