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.

This duets album includes the obvious influences (George Jones, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette) as well as a few surprises (B.B. King, Clint Eastwood). The Jones song, "A Few Ole Country Boys," and the title track were hit singles. ~ Brian Mansfield minimize