A Q&A with Randy Travis: 'First and foremost, I'm a singer'

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RANDY TRAVIS' VIDEO OF "THIS IS ME."

There are times when an anniversary requires a lot more than silver key chain.

So, after more than 20 albums, 30 singles, multiple awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Randy Travis marks his latest with a new album, “25th Anniversary Celebration.” It features collaborations with a wide ranging group of artists, including country legend George Jones, Eagles alum Don Henley, Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and Irish tenor Eamonn McCrystal.

Travis plays the Pikes Peak Center on Friday, Feb. 17.

Here, Travis talks about the album, his acting career, how he sustains himself in this tough business, but not his highly publicized arrest on Superbowl Sunday for suspicion of public intoxication. Although we asked about what the ripple effect might be, his management reportedly removed the question from our emailed list of queries.

The Gazette: It’s tempting to make changes at life milestones, and 25 years is special for just about anyone, regardless of their career. Is slowing your pace a little or signing up for a music talent show like NBC’s “The Voice” attractive?
Randy Travis: I don’t have plans to slow down, but I’d like to do a television talent show similar to “The Voice.” I did something short-term with “American Idol” and had a wonderful time.

Gazette: I’m curious about your acting career. It seems like there was a time when you were quite a few things, including A-list films like “The Rainmaker.” What’s compelling about acting and are there any projects on the horizon?
Travis: I really do enjoy the acting side of things. But first and foremost, I’m a singer.
I have a new project that I’m scheduled to begin working on April 1 until around April 18. The movie is called, “16 South,” and it covers nearly a 100-year period. I look forward to it, and hope to continue acting every chance that I get.But, for me, the biggest difference between music and being in front of a camera is something that Barbara Mandrell said, “There’s an exchange between you and a live audience that you’ll never experience anywhere.” There’s an automatic feedback that you don’t get while filming, but I still enjoy doing both.

Gazette: A lot of performers flag after only a few years in the business. What has sustained you, beyond the adoring fans?
Travis: I’ve always believed that the songs sustain themselves. I just want to stay out there, continue singing and getting to do what I really love. When I first started in the music business, I only wanted to sing and write songs. When I look back over the past 25 years, I’m truly thankful and amazed by what has taken place. I really can’t imagine doing anything else for a living, and I’m still shocked that I can continue doing this.

Gazette: You know, a lot of singer/songwriters are pretty possessive about their work. Was there any question that adding new voices, as you did in the anniversary album, might actually create a cut that would supplant the original?
Travis: I had no worries about what impact the new versions might have on the original recordings. It was such a thrill being in the studio with so many amazing artists. I was extremely honored that they came and worked on the project. So either way, I like both versions of the songs.