Warner Bros Records confirmed the October 1, 2013 release of Randy Travis’ 21st studio album, Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am. With the seven-time Grammy winner’s new album, Travis looks back at the major influences that were instrumental in shaping his career.
“When I think of my musical heroes of yesteryear, or the younger stars of this year, I am reminded that it is true we learn from the ones ahead of us and teach the ones that follow. They are the reason I chose to make this album,” stated Randy Travis.
In addition to releasing the track list, Travis provided a little background on each song.
Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am Track List:
1. “Someday We’ll Look Back”
Influence: Merle Haggard
Songwriter: Merle Haggard
Original Performer: Merle Haggard
Originally Released: 1971
2. “Big Butter And Egg Man”
Influence: Merle Haggard (1985)
Songwriter: Percy Venable
Original Performer: Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five
Originally Released: 1926
3. “What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana”
Influence: Merle Haggard
Songwriter: Dave Kirby
Original Performer: Merle Haggard
Originally Released: 1976
4. “Ever Changing Woman”
Influence: Merle Haggard
Songwriters: David Kirby, Curly Putman
Original Performer: Merle Haggard
Originally Released: 1980
5. “Pennies From Heaven”
Influence: Merle Haggard (1986)
Songwriters: Arthur Johnston (music) Johnny Burke (lyrics)
Original Performer: Bing Crosby
Originally Released: 1936
6. “Thanks A Lot”
Influence: Ernest Tubb
Songwriters: Eddie Miller and Don Sessions
Original Performer: Ernest Tubb
Originally Released: 1964
7. “Trouble In Mind”
Influence: Merle Haggard (1996)
Songwriter: Richard M. Jones
Original Performer: Thelma La Vizzo
Originally Released: 1924
8. “My Mary”
Influence: Merle Haggard
Songwriters: Stuart Hamblen, Jimmie Davis
Original Performers: Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson
Originally Released: 1983
9. “Saginaw, Michigan”
Influence: Lefty Frizzell
Songwriters: Don Wayne
Original Performer: Lefty Frizzell
Year Released: 1964
10. “Always On A Mountain (When I Fall)”
Influence: Merle Haggard
Songwriter(s): D. Kerran & Chuck Howard
Original Performer: Merle Haggard
Year Released: 1978
11. “(Because) You Asked Me To”
Influence: Waylon Jennings
Songwriter(s): Billy Joe Shaver & Waylon Jennings
Original Performer: Waylon Jennings
Year Released: 1973
12. “Why Baby Why”
Influence: George Jones
Songwriters: Darrell Edwards & George Jones
Original Performer: George Jones
Year Released: 1955
13. “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum” (Duet With Joe Nichols)
Songwriters: Keith Gattis
Original Performer: Randy Travis
Year Released: 2013
