Zach Top’s Memorable Billy Bob’s Texas Debut Includes Surprise Appearance From Country Music Icon Randy Travis

Every artist’s debut at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth is special, but when Zach Top stepped on that iconic stage for the first time on Friday, Oct. 11, he raised the bar for anyone who follows him. The night became even more memorable thanks to a surprise appearance from country music legend Randy Travis.

The Sunnyside, WA native has been working hard to build a career on his unique sound that aims to revive traditional country music. He’s made it clear that his influences include many of the country music greats, like Randy Travis, who will forever be viewed as royalty in the genre. So, it’s safe to say that having Travis be a part of an already bucket list night was the icing on the cake for Top.

During his sold-out show, the “Sounds Like The Radio” singer welcomed Travis on stage and then announced that he would be performing a cover of his Top 10 hit, “1982.” The track was penned by James H. Blackmon and Carl J. Vipperman. It was released in December of 1985 as the second single from Randy Travis’ debut album, Storms of Life. 

“Well, I’m trying to do as good as justice as I can to one of this man’s songs. It’s one of my favorites and a whole bunch of his are all my favorites. So I hope you all enjoy this tonight,” Top told the audience before beginning the steel-guitar-soaked tune. 

@jesdawson7 Zach Top singing to Randy Travis at Billy Bobs! #billybobstexas #zachtop #randytravis #fortworth ♬ original sound – JesDawson

It’s safe to say he indeed did the song justice as his twangy vocals filled the speakers and effortlessly delivered the story of a heartbroken man who wishes he could go back in time and get the girl he’s since lost. 

Top sings, “They say hindsight’s 20/20/ But I’m nearly going blind/ From staring at her photograph/ And wishing she was mine/ It’s that same old, lost love story/ It’s sad but it’s true/ There was a time when she was mine/ In 1982.”

Travis sat on the side of the stage in his wheelchair and gave his approval of the performance by dancing and nodding along to the talented rising act before him. 

Top kept his focus on the country music icon nearly the entire time while singing the classic tune right to him. Once he finished out the song, Top gave Travis a hug and a handshake and bowed his head while the crowd hooted and hollered. 

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In a new Instagram post, the 27-year-old shared a slideshow of photos from that special moment in the night and wrote, “Honored to get to meet Mr Randy Travis and sing one of his songs for him. Living legend.”

This weekend, Zach Top will return to the road as an opening act for Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again Tour. He will remain on the run through November, hitting cities such as Oklahoma City, OK, Pittsburgh, PA, Omaha, NE, and more.