Randy Travis was as essential to Daryle Singletary‘s success as the Georgia-raised singer’s deep, traditional country voice. Upon learning of the 46-year-old’s death, Travis took time to reflect on their relationship.
“I love Daryle Singletary’s heart and soul,” Travis says, “for life, for others and for true country music … He is one of the best and made me a better artist.”
Travis co-produced Singletary’s self-titled debut album on Giant Records, an album that would include two of his biggest hits: “I Let Her Lie” and “Too Much Fun.” The story goes that Singletary wrote to all of his favorite country singers upon moving to Nashville in the early ’90s, including his all-time favorite, Travis. A couple of Travis’ bandmates saw Singletary play at the Broken Spoke in Nashville one night and urged their boss to come listen.
“Co-producing his first LP was a highlight of my career,” Travis says in a statement made available by his publicist. “My love and prayers are sent to Holly and the family. Thanks for the memories, brother.”
Travis was hardly the only country legend to partner with Singletary. While his radio success dried up after two albums he’d continue to record and collaborate with legends like Dwight Yoakam, George Jones and Merle Haggard. Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Daniels were two more he worked with on later releases.
Singletary is remembered as a traditionalist, and throughout his career he went above and beyond to pay tribute to those who influenced him. In 2017 Singletary partnered with Mark Chesnutt to pay homage to Travis by singing “A Few Ole Country Boys” during a concert honoring the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.
The Next Generation Reflects on Daryle Singletary’s Influence
This Article Was Originally Posted at www.TasteofCountry.com
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