By Kayla DeKraker
James Dupré, friend and vocalist for country legend Randy Travis, opened up about what it’s like working and performing alongside the singer.
“It’s hard,” Dupré told Fox News Digital of Travis’ performances post-stroke. “Randy was one of my heroes growing up. So my style is already heavily influenced by Randy. But, you know, obviously I still have my own sound and my own style, but doing his songs every night, it’s kind of hard to separate my artistry from, trying to sound like Randy, you know what I mean?”
He added that although he is “not an impersonator,” “it is hard sometimes to separate myself from that.”
Related: Randy Travis Sings Again With Help of AI: ‘Everything I Prayed For’
In 2013, Travis experienced a near-fatal stroke. At the time, he was given a less than 1% chance of surviving. He did survive but developed aphasia, which the Mayo Clinic describes as “a disorder that affects how you communicate.”
Despite the enduring difficulties from the stroke, Travis remains in good spirits, Dupré said.
“Honestly, when we get on the tour bus, he gets excited,” Dupré explained. “I think he just doesn’t like to sit at home for too long. You know, he shows up every day to the shows and he’s always smiling.”
He continued, “He’s always happy to see his band. I’ve never seen him say ‘No’ to anyone who wanted a photo or wanted a signature. I mean, he just loves being out there, and it’s really fun to be on a tour with that kind of positivity.”
Even though Travis can’t sing like he used to, people still have a very emotional reaction when seeing him on stage.
“I see people already in tears, you know, because of, because they’re seeing him and obviously, for people who have loved him for so long, who haven’t seen him in person, in the shape that he’s in now, post stroke, I think it’s, it’s extra difficult for people to see him that way,” Dupré said.
He added, “You know, I can’t think of a more inspiring thing to be a part of, because to see what he’s had to endure, all the all the stuff that he’s had to endure over the last decade and more, for him to still be so positive… he doesn’t quit you know and that is so motivating and so inspiring to me and I try to carry that with me every day.”
For Travis, showing up for his fans really matters. In response to those wondering why the singer keeps touring, he shared a sweet video of him meeting fans.
“We get asked this question all the time and the answer is simple…it’s because of you, his fans that keep showing up and keep his voice alive,” Travis’ Instagram page posted.
Though touring looks a little different for Travis today, the love shown by Dupré and his fans will keep his musical legacy alive.
Read Next: How Carrie Underwood Honored Randy Travis
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