Country Star Kay Covers Travis Classic, Earns Legend’s Praise

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rising country artist Kay, 33, captured the attention of country music legend Randy Travis with her heartfelt cover of his 1988 classic “Deeper Than the Holler.” The performance, shared on social media, led to a memorable interaction between the two artists, highlighting the enduring influence of Travis’s music.

Kay, known for her viral covers of country hits, performed the ballad as part of her growing online presence. The song, originally featured on Travis’s album *Old 8×10*, remains one of his most beloved tracks. Travis, who has faced significant health challenges since a 2013 stroke, expressed his admiration for Kay’s rendition, calling it “incredible.”

In a heartfelt message to Travis, Kay wrote, “You have been such an inspiration to me! Thank you for doing this! You are a legend!” The interaction culminated in a playful moment when Travis tested Kay’s knowledge of his greatest hits during a recent meeting.

Travis’s career has been marked by timeless hits like “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “On the Other Hand.” Despite his health struggles, he made a triumphant return to music in May 2024 with an AI-assisted single, his first studio recording in over a decade. Kay, meanwhile, has toured with country heavyweights like Tim McGraw, solidifying her place in the genre.

Kay’s cover of “Deeper Than the Holler” has resonated with fans, further cementing the song’s legacy. Travis’s reaction to her performance underscores the power of music to bridge generations and inspire new artists.