Heroes and Friends (CD - 1990)

Personnel includes: Randy Travis, Willie Nelson, B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tammy Wynette, Clint Eastwood, Conway Twitty, Roy Rogers (vocals); Chet Atkins (gut-string guitar, background vocals); Mark O'Connor (fiddle); Jerry Douglas (piano); David Hungate (bass); Carlos Vega (drums).

As the most prominent "New Traditionalist," Randy Travis had the foresight to see that country music's future required looking into its past. On HEROES & FRIENDS the North Carolina native pays tribute to his influences with a set of duets. Some choices are obvious and fit like a glove (George Jones, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin), while others are a bit more surprising. Luckily, even B.B. King and Clint Eastwood slide easily into Travis's warm, inviting, musical niche. Throughout, the sound is quintessential Travis: a spare rhythm section, weeping steel, tinkling piano, all providing the perfect bed for the singer's rich vocals. minimize