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Randy Travis

Biography

Like the Beatles in rock, Randy Travis marks a generational shift in country music. When his Storms of Life came out in 1986, country music was still wallowing in the post-urban cowboy recession, chasing elusive crossover dreams. Travis brought the music back to its basics, sounding like nothing so much as a perfect blend of George Jones and Merle Haggard. He became the dominant male voice in country until the rise of "hat acts" like Garth Brooks and Clint Black, releasing seven consecutive number one singles during one stretch. He won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1986 and was the association's Male Vocalist of the Year in 1987 and 1988.

Travis (born Randy Bruce Traywick, May 4, 1959, Marshville, NC) was born and raised in North Carolina, in a small town outside of Charlotte. His father encouraged his children to pursue their musical inclinations, as he was a fan of honky tonkers like Hank Williams, Jones, and Lefty Frizzell. Randy began playing guitar at the age of eight, and within two years, he and his brother Ricky formed a duo called the Traywick Brothers. The duo played in local clubs and talent contests. Both of the brothers had a wild streak, which resulted in Ricky going to jail after a car chase and Randy running away to Charlotte at the age of 16. While he was in Charlotte, he won a talent contest at Country City U.S.A., a bar owned by Lib Hatcher. Hatcher was impressed by Travis and offered him a regular gig at her bar, as well as a job as a cook.

For several years, he sang and worked at Country City. He still had trouble with the law in his late teens. At his last run-in with the police, the judge told him if he saw Travis again he should be prepared to go to jail for a long time. Travis was released into the care of Hatcher. In a short time, Hatcher became Travis' manager, and the pair began to concentrate on his career. Joe Stampley helped Travis land a contract with Paula Records in 1978. The following year, Travis released two singles under his given name; one of them, "She's My Woman," scraped the bottom of the country charts. In 1982, Travis and Hatcher moved to Nashville, where she managed the Nashville Palace nightclub while he sang and cooked. Within a couple of years, the pair independently released his debut album under the name Randy Ray; the record was called Randy Ray Live and sold primarily in the Nashville Palace.

Thanks to Hatcher's persistent efforts and the Randy Ray Live album, Warner Bros. signed Travis in 1985 and suggested that he change his performing name to Randy Travis. "On the Other Hand," his first single for the label, was released in the summer of that year and climbed to number 67. Despite its lackluster performance, radio programmers were enthusiastic for Travis, as evidenced by the number six placing of "1982," which was released late in the year. "1982" was followed by a re-release of "On the Other Hand" in the spring of 1986. This time, the song hit number one.

Storms of Life, Travis' full-fledged debut album, was released in the summer of 1986 and became a huge success, eventually selling over three million copies. Travis was the first country artist to go multi-platinum; before his success, most country artists had difficulty achieving gold status. With his mass appeal, he set the stage for country music's crossover success in the early '90s. However, Travis dominated the late '80s. The last two singles from Storms of Life, "Diggin' Up Bones" and "No Place Like Home," hit number one and two, respectively. "Forever and Ever, Amen" -- the first single from his second album, 1987's Always & Forever -- began a streak of seven straight number one singles that ran through 1989. Always & Forever was more successful than his debut, reaching number 19 on the pop charts and going quadruple platinum; it also earned him the CMA's award for Male Vocalist of the Year. Old 8x10 (1988) and No Holdin' Back (1989) weren't quite as successful as their predecessors, but they still spawned number one singles and both went platinum.

Travis was still at the top of his form in the beginning of the '90s, starting the decade with his biggest hit, "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart." However, his hold at the top of the charts began to slip after Clint Black and, in particular, Garth Brooks. Nevertheless, Travis never fell away completely -- his albums continued to gold and he usually could crack the Top Ten. Wind in the Wire, a soundtrack to his television special released in 1992, marked his first unsuccessful album -- none of the singles broke the Top 40. This Is Me, released in 1994, was a successful comeback to the top of the charts, featuring "Whisper My Name," his first number one hit in two years. In August 1996, Travis released Full Circle, his last album for Warner Brothers. He left the label in 1997, signing with the fledgling "super" label Dreamworks. His first album for the label, You and You Alone, was released in the spring of 1998; Man Ain't Made of Stone followed a year later.

Traveling the familiar country route, he released an album of traditional and contemporary religious songs, Inspirational Journey, which hit the stores in late 2000. The album went on to win two awards at the Gospel Music Association's 32nd Annual Dove Awards in 2001; Inspirational Journey took home honors for Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year and Country Recorded Song of the Year for "Baptism." Selected songs from the album also made their way into the two-part finale for Touched by an Angel, which featured Travis in character. Two years later, Travis continued with his gospel fare with the release of Rise and Shine, followed by the similarly reverent Worship & Faith, Passing Through, and Glory Train. Around the Bend appeared in 2008. ~ Brian Mansfield & Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Continued…

Selected Discography

Around The Bend
2008

Glory Train
2005

The Very Best Of Randy Travis
2004

Passing Through
2004

Worship & Faith
2003

Rise And Shine
2002

Inspirational Journey
2000

You And You Alone
1998

Greatest Hits Volume 2
1992

Greatest Hits Vol 1
1992

Heroes & Friends
1990

Always & Forever
1987

Storms Of Life
1986

Similar Artists

George Strait
Alan Jackson
Garth Brooks
Alabama
Sammy Kershaw

hotshotgcl says:

11-03-2009

I grew up singing along with Randy Travis tapes. He defined country music for me.

rider_560 says:

10-27-2009

Randy Travis is a real country singer true to heart. Just like the good old days when country music was still country music not like all the "hip" country music nowadays. We need more like him REAL COUNTRY

dtvman2 says:

09-25-2009

Randy Travis is a product of what true american country music is all about.He defines the whole concept of country music through his vocals, lyrics, and guitar pickin. Gotta love him!

bridgeplayer s 2 says:

09-16-2009

I love Randy's music and his different voice. Please, Please play his song "Would I " with the lyrics. Your station plays my music for me at my hours and keeps me pleased. Keep up the excellent work.

bergybear2 says:

09-08-2009

super all time country singer

tbtg says:

08-28-2009

I love his duet with Kenny Chesney.

d_udey says:

08-27-2009

Yep! He's great!

etaimanglo says:

07-21-2009

Ed Taimanglo(Gu a m USA where America's day begins)
I love his voice, he always sings from the heart, great singer & my idol.

Wyanona Louise (Williams) Bigley says:

06-17-2009

I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYS RANDY TRAVIS FROM WAY BACK. THEY DON'T SING MUCH BETTER!!

cdomingue6 says:

06-11-2009

"I told you so" is the best song EVER!!!!!! This man is the best artist, hands down! AMAZING!!!

Jim says:

06-09-2009

He was the leader of the return to traditional country in the 80s.

geballard says:

05-05-2009

He walked on water is his BEST song ever. It reminds me of my PopPop.

Cameron Lee says:

edited on 04-07-2009

i love him because he's got christian singing background, but it's real country.
great singer.

elease_hamps o n says:

03-25-2009

Randy Randy Randy....... j u s t can't get enough of this N.C. Man. I too am from N.C. My oldest brother use to own a exxon station in Peachland, N.C. (next to Marshville). Randy use to go to his station to shot pool. My mother bought her first vehicle from Randy's uncle's car lot.....Traw i c k Motors. His music is great for listening to,dancing to, and yes making love to. Love that man.

laballard says:

02-18-2009

Makes me think me of my Pop Pop. Thank you Randy!!!!!

t_heath says:

02-15-2009

Voice is always strong on every song....he really puts a lot into his music....gre a t country...re a l country!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

cubsfan53 says:

01-22-2009

Starting with "Storms of Life", a great first album, what a phenomenal talent!

sparker112 says:

01-19-2009

NOT MANY AROUND LIKE THIS ONE .I REALLY LIKE RANDY TRAVIS.HE CARRIES ME BACK TO THE 50,S AND 60,S MUSIC .

hhayesfg1 says:

01-04-2009

brought counrty back when it was going via a new sound that no body would ever appreciate

bbj23 says:

edited on 12-11-2008

Randy Travis is one of my favorite male singers of all times. Each of his songs bring back a point in my past..

Patricia says:

11-18-2008

He is one of the very few vocalists that sound just as good if not better live as on his records. Sing on Randy!

krylonking20 0 8 2 says:

10-31-2008

Garth Brooks could not lace my boots, Randy Travis on the other hand brought country music back to it grass roots, true country music with heart and soul!

Mary says:

10-10-2008

Randy Travis became one of my most favorite artists of all time after the release of "On the Other Hand". I assumed he was a country icon, and it wasn't until I just read the bio that I realized that was his break-out single. My goodness, when you're hot, you're hot. I have always loved country music but it wasn't my first genre of choice (classic rock & soft rock). From the time I "met" Randy all that changed.

Darrin Chambers says:

edited on 10-06-2008

Great voice. love his stuff.

primusproduc t i o n s says:

09-24-2008

I Love Randy Travis, he is just awsome! Thank You.

awalzer says:

09-03-2008

He is the real deal. I grew up listening to him and he is by far my favorite artist. I can't say enough about him. His music and concerts are amazing

JAMES M DOUGLAS says:

edited on 09-17-2008

Got to see R. Travis in concert several years ago,he has recorded some great songs,puts a very good show,great voice..Sure like "Look Heart No Hands"he is no actor.anyhow the one`s I have seen,stick to singing Randy,your a super star with your voice..

lizziechet says:

08-06-2008

I just loves him.

lizziechet says:

08-06-2008

He is MORE than ALL THAT!!!

Dave~ says:

08-04-2008

Randy IS country!!! God bless his soul!

mcdrj83 says:

07-03-2008

I LIKE HIM.

mawood01 says:

07-03-2008

Thank you Randy -- my heart and spirit always feel better after one of your songs.

january1671 says:

06-26-2008

THE ALL TIME GREATEST COUNTRY ARTIST

Jim Tallon says:

06-26-2008

One of the all time GREATS.

csurvey3 says:

06-22-2008

randy travis songs touches the heart and soul of the every day people, I stop what ever i am doing when ever i hear his songs .

Dorothy Anne => D. Anne, Porphura,dee 9 9 7 0 9 , A u r o r a D e e says:

06-03-2008

My church plays one of his cd's before services. Last Sunday I wanted to get up and line dance to one of the songs!!!

m.carver says:

05-24-2008

Randy , Rich voice Quality sound.Needs to keep playing country,Man cannot stock two shelves.

robert0238 says:

edited on 05-21-2008

the best down home music i have ever heard

paul sanfilippo says:

05-08-2008

great music

MIKE says:

05-06-2008

randy travis is better than alvin and the chipmunks

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