SOME 25 years ago, I received a vinyl album featuring an artist called Randy Ray. It was entitled Randy Ray at the Nashville Palace.

For a virtual unknown artist it was a great release and some two months later I received a single called On the Other Hand.

By that time, Randy Travis had changed his name from Ray and was moving up the country music ladder. His latest album is entitled Randy Travis 25th Anniversary Collection.

On each track he has enlisted an all-star cast, including artists like Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Brad Paisley.

Kenny Chesney joins him on the rendition of He Walked On Water; Digging Up Bones features John Anderson while Alan Jackson performs a medley of their respective hits.

Didn’t We Shine brings together George Jones, Lorries Morgan, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Joe Stampley and Gene Watson.

It’s a great release from an artist who has stood the test of time. It is a testament to his impact on country music that his friends have joined him to celebrate his legacy.

It is also worthy of a place in any country music fan’s collection and I’ll be featuring three tracks on the American Connection Show this Saturday on euvue.co.uk.