Kane Brown is paying tribute to legendary singer Randy Travis in the best way possible.
The “Heaven” singer was honored at the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year event tonight (October 13) at the Schermerhorn Center in Downtown Nashville — but instead of performing one of his hits before accepting his award, he performed Randy’s 2002 hit, “Three Wooden Crosses.”
Travis, along with his wife Mary, was in attendance to see Brown’s touching tribute, as he was honored with the prestigious “Artist of a Lifetime” Award later in the show. In the emotional moment, Brown accepted his own 2021 honor, thanking the fans and remembering his bandmate and drummer who passed away in 2019, days before Brown’s first “Artists of the Year” distinction.
Brown said that he chose to perform one of Travis’ songs because he’s a big influence in his life, and he continues to be a good role model. He also admitted that the performance was not only a way to show his love and appreciation for the country star, but also redeem himself from when they first met.
Back in 2016, Brown was performing a set at the NASH Country Daily offices, which included the song “Three Wooden Crosses.” But to his surprise — halfway through the performance — the America’s Morning Show team surprised Brown with a visit from Travis himself.
“I’ve done it before by surprise, It was the first time I met him, he came up behind me at a radio station while I was singing it,” Brown said with a laugh. “And then I couldn’t finish the song afterwards, so I guess this is a chance to redeem myself.”
Travis released the song in Nov. 2002, and since then has earned 16 number 1 Hits, 30 songs in the top 10 list and released a total of 51 Songs.
Like many of the other talented artists said during the event, Travis has shaped country music and artists since the start of his career.
“I would just say it’s his storytelling, and it’s how many people can resonate with him and I love what he’s doing right now with all the newer artists,” Brown said. “I see him everywhere, I mean, he’s even on TikTok with new artists and just encouraging them, and you just want to see those types of people succeed, and he’s just way ahead of that. I think he’s just an amazing person all around.”
Fellow country artists like Chris Stapleton, Gabby Barrett, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Mickey Guyton also were honored at the event. To see all of our coverage from CMT Artists of the Year, click here.
What did you think of Kane’s CMT Artists of the Year performance? Let us know by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet @celebsecrets.
https://youtu.be/HCqu9yOITDk
For more Country news, visit CelebSecretsCountry.com; you can view all of our coverage from CMT Artists of the Year here.
