Randy Travis photo by Eric Swanson, courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.
Dec. 17, 2008 — When Randy Travis took part in celebrating George Jones’ legacy during the Kennedy Center Honors this month, he was shocked at the material that some of his fellow artists chose to perform.
Brad Paisley selected "Bartender’s Blues," a song that James Taylor wrote and sang background vocals on when George cut it in 1977.
"The vocals George did on that record are just a masterpiece," Randy told The Tennessean. "I said, 'Boy, you didn't pick an easy one, did you?'"
Randy was even more stunned when Alan Jackson settled on "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
"I would have had to pass on that particular song," Randy said. "There are just certain vocal performances you don't even want to attempt. But I tell you what: Alan went out and sang that song so well, quite possibly one of the better vocals I've ever heard Alan do live."
Randy joined Alan, Brad and Garth Brooks to sing "Amazing Grace" with Shelby Lynne at the close of the tribute to the Possum.
The Kennedy Center Honors will air on CBS on Dec. 30.
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