Randy Travis

Country music legend Randy Travis has been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (LMHOF), adding yet another accolade to his extraordinary list of career achievements.

Travis was officially inducted by LMHOF President Mike Shepard during a special ceremony on May 27, 2023 as part of the Cajun Country Jam’s Memorial Day Festival in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The country icon recorded his first studio recordings under the name “Randy Ray” at Paula Records in Shreveport, La. Travis joins a “sacred group” of LMHOF inductees that includes Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Louis Armstrong, Lucinda Wiliams, Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Tim McGraw and countless others. 

“Over the years Randy Travis has made many stops and new fans along the way in the great state of Louisiana,” said Cajun Country Jam promoter Scott Innes, adding, “we are delighted and honored to have had Randy on our stage!”

The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame was formed to preserve and present the heritage of the music and the music business of the State of Louisiana by honoring achievement in talent, performance, writing and technical and business aspects of the industry; providing educational materials and educational assistance on Louisiana Music and Artists to libraries, schools and other interested parties, and, additionally, to perpetuate the music and music business of Louisiana and its legacy of excellence by presenting and aiding selected new talent.

Inductees are considered from artists and music business men and women who have contributed by deed and talent to create the outstanding music of the State of Louisiana and are selected for the LMHOF or Regional Halls in three categories: Native Artists (born in Louisiana), In-residence Artists (live or lived in Louisiana) and Contributing Artists (contributed greatly to the Louisiana musical business or influence).

Artist Name: Ro Myra
Hometown: Kimball, NE

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I’m working on releasing my debut album, “Nowhere, Nebraska,” on August 6th. This collection of songs was inspired by my experience growing up in my one-stoplight hometown.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I started writing songs before I was able to read and write. My mom would record me singing them on her dual cassette player. I never considered being a professional musician as a viable career option, because I felt the pressure of needing college degrees, acronyms attached to my name, and some sort of “real” job. I felt like music has been chasing me this entire time; I finally decided to stop running from it for good when I moved to Nashville in 2015.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I would probably still be working in education reform and teaching in less-resourced schools.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

This summer, I’ve been spending a lot of time back in Montana where I went to grad school. Montana is gorgeous, so I tend to make any excuse to be outside. I love rock climbing, floating the river, trail running, and hiking in these beautiful mountains.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

I’m not sure that I have one. I tend to get most excited about the authors of my favorite books, but most of them have passed away.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I haven’t really followed any teams since university

What is the last movie that you watched?

The last movie I watched was the documentary made in 2005 about Bob Dylan – “No Direction Home.”

What is the last album you listened to?

Right now, Harry Nilsson’s “Nilsson Schmilsson” is on my turntable.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Possibly Carole King’s “Tapestry.”

What is the greatest country song of all time?

There are too many great country songs, but I would have to say “The Dance” written by Tony Arata and performed by Garth Brooks. When I was a kid, that country song inspired me the most.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

One of my favorite places to play is Boston. The folk scene there is great, and similarly to Nashville, it seems like people value a well-crafted song.

What is your favorite meal?

Anything that is Thai food. A friend recently taught me how to make Tom Kha Gai soup and that turned out really well.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Lucinda Williams. I love her voice.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Jason Isbell.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

I just want to continue to write and record songs that resonate with people and make them feel something.

Lady Antebellum

Here are today’s country music videos!

• Live Audio:  “Bigger” by Sugarland
• Music Video:  “Easy To Love” by Will Banister
• Live Video:  “Ocean” by Lady Antebellum
• Lyric Video:  “Hole in the Bottle” by Kelsea Ballerini
• Video:  “Me and the Boys in the Band” by Zac Brown Band
• Cover Video:  “Skinny Love” by LeAnn Rimes
• CMT Video:  Stars Talk About Meeting Stars
• Tim McGraw Talks About Midland and Ingrid Andress
• Video:  “You Can’t Rule Me” by Lucinda Williams
• Cover Video:  “Homesick” by Whitney Duncan
• Brantley Gilbert Tour Update
• TGIF-isode 162 by Deana Carter
• Live Video:  “The World Keeps Spinning” by Kalie Shorr
• Video Flashback:  “The Games People Play” by Ray Stevens

Happy Birthday to today’s Country Music Birthdays!

• Lucinda Williams