Randy Travis forever and ever amen (photos)

You may have never heard of Randy Traywick.

Or Randy Ray.

But right as rain you've heard of Randy Travis.

The multi-award winning artist who ushered in a new era of traditional country music in the late 80s played to an enthusiastic packed house at Kewadin Casino Friday night.

The career spanning performance included Diggin' Up Bones, Too Gone Too Long, Deeper Than the Holler, Honky Tonk Moon, Raise Him Up, 3 Wooden Crosses and Forever and Ever Amen.

Roger Miller's King of the Road was thrown in for good measure as well as a beautifully simple, yet passionate rendition of the Beatle's Nowhere Man.

Throughout the performance, Travis paused to tell tall tales and jokes, often connecting with audience members through wide smiles, friendly waves and handshakes.

Although it was obvious he was experiencing issues with his signature deep resonating voice by the end of the set, Travis returned to the stage for a two-song encore.

No one seemed to care.

The majority of the DreamMakers Theatre audience had moved towards the stage, eagerly accepting the greetings, autographs and guitar picks Travis handed out during the entire encore.

For many, Travis had given them the thrill of a lifetime.