I still remember the first time I heard Randy Travis’ voice—it was a warm summer evening, and my father had his old radio tuned to a country station. That deep, soulful tone cut through the static, carrying a timeless quality that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Years later, when I stumbled across “Where That Came From,” I was struck by how it marked a remarkable chapter in Travis’ story: a return to music after a devastating stroke, made possible by the wonders of artificial intelligence. This isn’t just a song—it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of art.
About The Composition
- Title: Where That Came From
- Composer: Scotty Emerick and John Scott Sherrill (songwriters)
- Premiere Date: May 3, 2024
- Album/Opus/Collection: Released as a single by Warner Music Nashville
- Genre: Country (Ballad)
Background
“Where That Came From” is a ballad penned by Scotty Emerick and John Scott Sherrill, brought to life by the iconic country artist Randy Travis. Its inception is a story of triumph over adversity. In 2013, Travis suffered a debilitating stroke that left him unable to speak or sing, silencing a voice that had defined country music for decades. For years, it seemed his recording career might be over—until Warner Music Nashville co-president Cris Lacy proposed an audacious idea: recreate Travis’ voice using AI. With the blessing of Travis and his wife Mary, developers in London crafted a proprietary AI model, drawing from vocal stems spanning Travis’ career (1985–2013). The result was this poignant single, released on May 3, 2024.
What’s unique here is the technology itself—a fusion of human creativity and artificial precision. The AI doesn’t just mimic Travis; it channels his essence, delivering a performance that feels organic despite its digital origins. This interplay amplifies the song’s impact, marrying tradition with modernity in a way that resonates deeply.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Where That Came From” are a tender reflection on love’s unexpected origins, weaving a narrative of wonder and gratitude. Lines like “Where that came from, I don’t know / But it’s flowing like a river through my soul” speak to the mystery and magic of connection—themes that mirror Travis’ own journey back to music. The words, penned by Emerick and Sherrill, are straightforward yet poetic, perfectly complementing the ballad’s gentle melody. They evoke a sense of rediscovery, aligning with the song’s backstory of reclaiming a lost voice, making the emotional resonance all the more profound.
