CBS News Sunday Morning’s Exclusive Look at Making of Randy Travis’s New AI Single

Country music star Randy Travis has released his first new single in over a decade, “Where That Came From,” marking a significant moment in his career. The song, which was crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), holds a special meaning for Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013 that left him with speech and language impairments.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News Sunday Morning’s Lee Cowan, Travis and his wife, Mary, shared their journey since the stroke. They were joined by Travis’s longtime producer, Kyle Lehning, who, with Travis’s blessing, crafted the song using AI technology.

Lehning explained the process of creating the song, saying, “It’s not about how it sounds. It’s about how it feels. Him being here and being able to be a vital part of the decision-making process makes all the difference to me.” The song was created using Travis’s past audio tracks as a foundation, with another singer’s vocals overlaid with Travis’s voice using a special AI program.

Cris Lacy, co-chair and president of Warner Music Nashville, reflected on the decision to use AI, saying, “There’s just so much chatter about all the negative sides of AI… And the first thing that came to mind… was we would give Randy Travis his voice back.”

The impact of the song extends beyond Travis’s fans, as it sparks a broader discussion about the role of AI in music and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. While some fans expressed mixed reactions to the use of AI, the song’s release highlights the potential for AI to enhance artistic expression when used ethically and with the artist’s involvement.

“Where That Came From” is a testament to Travis’s resilience and his enduring impact on country music. With the support of his team and the power of AI, Travis has found a way to continue sharing his music with the world.

CBS News Sunday Morning airs Sunday May 5, at 9.00am on CBS.

Image Credit: CBS News / (L-R) Kyle Lehning and Randy Travis