Arts·Commotion

Country music star Randy Travis lost his voice to a stroke. AI helped him get it back

Music writer Steacy Easton talks about Travis's new song, how his emotional return has been received and why country music might be the genre to embrace AI.

Country music writer Steacy Easton talks about Travis's new song, Where That Came From

People stand and cheer on a stage.
Travis Tritt, from left, Randy Travis, Mary Travis and Ricky Traywick say goodnight at the "1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time.: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis" at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (Laura Roberts/Invision/Associated Press)

With 25 million records sold, seven Grammys and 16 number-one songs to his name, Randy Travis is a country music legend. Given his impact, it was devastating when he lost his voice to a stroke in 2013.

But now, Travis has returned to the world of music with the help of artificial intelligence. Earlier this month, Travis released a new song, titled Where That Came From, using AI to reproduce his singing voice.

While his music label, Warner, came up with the idea to use AI, the song was completed with Travis's blessing.

Country music writer Steacy Easton joined host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new song, why they feel AI and country music can work together, and how this pushes the conversation about disability and technology forward.

LISTEN | Today's episode on YouTube: 

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Steacy Easton produced by Jane van Koeverden.