Introduction
Rediscovering Randy Travis through Technology: “Where That Came From”
After more than a decade away from new music due to a devastating stroke in 2013 that drastically limited his ability to speak and sing, country music legend Randy Travis made a groundbreaking return with the single “Where That Came From,” released on May 3, 2024—just before his 65th birthday.
Written by Scotty Emerick and John Scott Sherrill, and produced by Kyle Lehning alongside Jerry Douglas, the song marks Travis’s first newly recorded track in a decade. What makes it extraordinary is its vocal: synthesized using artificial intelligence, drawing upon two proprietary AI models built from archival vocal samples across Travis’s career (1985–2013), blended with a vocal performance by country artist James DuPré.
The result is a deeply human and emotionally resonant recording. Kyle Lehning and Mary Travis (Randy’s wife) were both intimately involved, ensuring the AI-rendered vocals not only sounded like Randy but felt like him. When he heard the final version, Travis responded with a “Cheshire grin,” while Mary was moved to tears—underscoring the song’s emotional impact.
The official music video—which debuted on May 6, 2024—offers a heartfelt behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the song. It features footage of Travis, his production team, and reactions from fellow country stars such as Carrie Underwood, Cole Swindell, and Clay Walker as they first hear the track.
Upon its release, “Where That Came From” debuted on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking Travis’s first charting solo single since 2005 . More than a comeback, the song stands as a testament to enduring artistry—and a pioneer example of how AI can be used ethically and artistically to reconnect artists with their voice and fans.