A country music icon, recognized at an iconic Hendersonville location.
Moby Dickys on Old Hickory Lake now has an official dedication to music legend and country music Hall of Famer, Randy Travis.
His marker not only celebrates the 40th anniversary of Travis’ debut album “Storms of Life,” which went triple-platinum, but also the music space—Morningstar Recording Studio—that was previously there.
Living Legend: Randy Travis
Travis becomes the seventh music icon to be immortalized in Sumner County, after the likes of Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Owen Bradley and others.
“Randy’s obviously a legend, so it was a matter of when do we get around to (doing this),” explained Mark Ezell, Commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development. “And the folks at Moby Dick’s made it possible to let a marker be done at a place where such music history was made.”
“Randy continues to be an advocate for the music industry, which is so critical for Tennessee. So this was a no-brainer,” Ezell added.
In attendance for Tuesday’s ceremony were local and state leaders, music executives, and the producers who first launched the music studio where 25 number-one hits were once recorded.
Meanwhile, Travis couldn’t seem to lose the big smile on his face.
“I don’t think that he had any idea that he would have that impact on music as a whole, especially country music,” said Mary Travis, Randy’s wife. “And not only that, but the inspiration that he has created since his stroke as far as just the will to live and to go on and to keep making a difference the way that he has in music.”
To cap the ceremony, songwriter Paul Overstreet—who wrote multiple singles for Travis—sang “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Travis himself added the final amen to the song, followed by a round of applause.
Additionally, Travis was surprised with a proclamation from Gov. Bill Lee: June 2nd is now officially “Randy Travis Day” in Tennessee.
“His music speaks volumes. People will ask me, what is Randy Travis like? I’d say, all you have to do is listen to the songs, because he sang his heart in his songs,” Mary told News 2.
In recent years, Travis has stayed active on Capitol Hill, becoming an advocate for musicians and songwriters against AI using their name, likeness, or voice.
Travis’ marker is now the fifth in Hendersonville alone.
