Randy Travis

Randy Travis is alert and smiling, although he may be having mobility issues following the stroke he suffered last summer.

Every Wednesday we take a trip down memory lane to highlight a classic country artist. This week we're flashing back to the 1980's with Randy Travis.

Friday night's (Nov. 22) Playing Possum: The Final No Show concert was all about George Jones, except for a few minutes in the middle that were dedicated to beleaguered singer Randy Travis. Actor Jon Voight took the stage to ask fans to create a human chain of love for the 'Tonight I'm Playing Possum' singer, who was a longtime friend to Jones.

Over the summer, Randy Travis stared down a serious health scare. The country legend had congestive heart failure and suffered a stroke, and things were touch-and-go for a while -- he was even placed on life support.

Randy Travis' 'Tonight I'm Playin' Possum' video is incredibly simple, letting the lyrics speak for themselves.

Randy Travis' 'Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am' is a simple collection of covers from artists that inspired him. Merle Haggard is the most represented singer, with eight cuts influenced by or recorded by him at some point. Three of the first four are Haggard songs, with 'What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana' being the one to remember.

Randy Travis had a rough summer. He suffered a stoke, had emergency surgery to save his life and is currently in recovery. But despite his intense health issues, the singer will release his 21st studio effort, 'Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am,' this fall.

After several medical scares that included hospitalization due to congestive heart failure and a stroke (which required emergency surgery and found him in critical condition), singer Randy Travis has been released from the hospital.

Bad luck is partially to blame for Randy Travis' downward spiral after catching a virus. A respected cardiologist named Dr. Marc Klapholz says viruses are rare in the summertime, and most don't progress into the heart muscle. Travis was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with viral cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure which led to a stroke three days later.

While Randy Travis is in the hospital recovering from a heart problem and a stroke, his brother, David Traywick, is in the Union County (North Carolina) jail on charges of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and trafficking methamphetamine.

Randy Travis' heart troubles began with a viral infection, but at the root of his troubles is something more chronic. The singer has been hospitalized for eight days, much of which he's spent on life support.

Randy Travis -- who recently suffered a stroke after a complication due to a complication of congestive heart failure -- underwent surgery on Wednesday (July 10), and fans have been very concerned about his progress since. Finally, there has been an update -- and, most importantly, it's good news.