CMT News

With the success of his latest album, Down the Road I Go, Travis Tritt has made an impressive comeback. The disc is his seventh to go platinum or better, and it achieved that success after Tritt's hit-making prowess appeared to be in decline.

"I wasn't sure a couple of years ago that I would have this opportunity again ... to be able to come back and have platinum albums to celebrate and No. 1 singles to celebrate and sold-out performances to celebrate, all those things, it's truly a gift. ... I truly am more appreciative of that now than I've ever been in my career," Tritt said Wednesday (Nov. 14) before celebrating with friends and colleagues at the Havana Lounge in downtown Nashville.

Released just over a year ago, Down the Road I Go has yielded the hits "Best of Intentions," "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" and his current single, "Love of a Woman." Tuesday (Nov. 12) he picked up an American Music Awards nomination for favorite male artist in the country field.

Michael Peterson, Chad Brock, Monte Warden, CMT's Lance Smith and Greg Martin and comedian Cledus T. Judd were among the well-wishers on hand for the ceremonial presentation of his plaque Wednesday night.

"When you see both ends of the spectrum, you see the top, and then you see what it's like to be on the bottom," Tritt said, "you wonder whether or not you'll ever have a chance to come back, and you don't take anything for granted."