Randy Travis
Encyclopedia
Randy Travis is an American
country music
singer and actor
. Since 1985, he has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard
Hot Country Songs
charts, 22 of which were number one hits. Considered a pivotal figure in the history of country music, Travis broke through in the mid-1980s with the release of his album Storms of Life
, which sold more than three million copies. The album established him as a major force in the Neotraditional country
movement. Travis followed up his successful debut with a string of platinum and multi-platinum albums.
By the mid-1990s, Travis saw a decline in his chart success. In 1997, he left Warner Bros. Records
for DreamWorks Records
and changed his musical focus to gospel music
. Although the career shift produced only one more number one country hit "Three Wooden Crosses
", Travis went on to earn several Dove awards, including Album of the Year three times. In addition to his singing career, Travis pursued an acting career, appearing in numerous films and television series, including The Rainmaker
(1997) with Matt Damon
, Texas Rangers
(2001) with James Van Der Beek
, and seven episodes of the Touched by an Angel
television series. Travis has sold over 25 million records, and has earned 22 number one hits, 6 number one albums, 6 Grammy awards, 6 CMA
awards, 9 ACM
awards, 10 AMA awards, 7 Dove awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
.
, the second of six children of Bobbie (née Tucker), a textile factory worker, and Harold Traywick, a horse breeder, turkey farmer, substitute school teacher, and construction business owner. He is of Cornish
English descent on his father's side, with the family name originally spelled Traweek. He is a descendant of Cornish immigrant Robarde Traweek, whose son Robert was born in 1700 in Stafford County, Virginia
and died in 1788 in Onslow County, North Carolina
, establishing the North Carolinian roots of the Traywick family.
Randy and his brother Ricky were encouranged to pursue their musical talents by their father, who was a fan of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Lefty Frizzell. In 1967, at the age of 8, Randy began playing guitar. Two years later, he and his brother began performing at local clubs and talent contests, calling themselves the Traywick Brothers. Randy often fought with his father and soon dropped out of high school. He became a juvenile delinquent
and was arrested for various offenses, including auto theft and burglary. Travis has since voiced regret for his past misdeeds.
In 1975, while his brother was serving time in jail for a high-speed car chase, Randy won a talent contest at a nightclub, Country City USA, in Charlotte, North Carolina
. The club's owner, Elizabeth "Lib" Hatcher, took an interest in the young singer, hired him as a cook, and gave him regular singing jobs at the club. During the late 1970s, Randy worked and sang at Country City USA. Still in his late teens, Travis had one last encounter with the law. At his hearing, the judge told Travis that if he ever saw the singer back in his court, he should be prepared to go to jail for a long time. Travis was released into the guardianship of Hatcher, who also became his manager. The two began to focus on his career full time.
In 1978, he recorded a self-titled album, Randy Traywick, for Paula Records. The following year, he released two unsuccessful singles, "She's My Woman" and "Dreamin'". Travis moved in with Hatcher, which put further strain on her already fragile marriage. She eventually left her husband and, in 1982, she and Travis moved to Nashville, Tennessee
. It was during this time that an unlikely romance began to form between the two. Travis would later comment, "I think we discovered how much we needed each other." He and Hatcher eventually came forward with their relationship and were married in a private ceremony in 1991. They divorced on October 29, 2010 after a 19-year marriage. Despite the divorce, their 34-year business relationship continues.
. As part of the contract, label executives insisted they keep their romance a secret, and changed his stage name from Randy Ray to Randy Travis. In 1985, Warner Bros. Records released the single "On the Other Hand
" which peaked at #67 on the country charts. His next single, "1982
", became a Top 10 hit single. In 1986, Warner Bros. re-released "On the Other Hand", which became Travis' first number one hit.
His debut album, Storms of Life
, went on to sell more than 4 million copies. In the late 1980s he had a string of hits, including "No Place Like Home" and "Diggin' Up Bones
". A song from his second Warner Brothers album Always and Forever titled "Forever and Ever, Amen" arguably launched the neo-traditionalist country era. For two years in a row, Travis won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance
, for the albums Always & Forever in 1988, and for Old 8x10 in 1989. He also won the ACM award for Best Country Newcomer in 1986. Off the success of his first two albums, Old 8x10 was certified platinum, and Always and Forever was number one for 43 weeks.
In 1991 Travis took part in Voices That Care
, a multi-artist project that featured other top names in music for a one-off single to raise money for the allied troops in the Gulf War
. The project included fellow singers Garth Brooks
, Kenny Rogers
and Kathy Mattea
. In addition, Travis recorded the patriotic song "Point of Light
" in response to the Thousand points of light
program initiated by President George H.W. Bush. Its release prompted New York freelance writer Lina Accurso to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission charging that the single qualified as political advertising for since Bush media consultant Roger Ailes
produced the song's video and White House publicist Sig Rogich
, was credited as a co-writer. The FEC rejected the complaint, ruling that the song and video "neither expressly advocate the election of, nor solicit contributions on behalf of, Mr. Bush."
In 1992, Travis took a break from music to concentrate on acting and landed roles in several Western-genre films. He returned to recording with the 1994 album This Is Me
and the hit single "Whisper My Name". Three years later, Travis parted ways with Warner Brothers and signed with DreamWorks Nashville
. He recorded You and You Alone
, which produced the top 10 hits "Out of My Bones", "The Hole" and "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man".
, Travis shifted away from mainstream country and focused on Gospel. During this time, he recorded the albums Inspirational Journey
(2000), Rise and Shine
(2002), and Worship & Faith
(2003). The single "Three Wooden Crosses" from the Rise and Shine album reached No. 1 and won the CMA song of the year in 2003. That same year, Travis ranked #13 on CMT
's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music. Additionally, he continued to act in film and television; he appeared in several episodes and in the series finale of Touched by an Angel
. His album, Passing Through
, was released in November 2004. It combined the country music of his earlier years, with the gospel influences from his latest albums. After the release of Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise
in 2005 and the Christmas album Songs of the Season
in 2007, Travis released his brand new single "Faith in You" as a free download from his official website. It heralded the July 2008 release of his album, Around the Bend
, his first collection of mainly secular recordings in nearly a decade.
In February 2009, Travis' "I Told You So" was released as a single by Carrie Underwood
, who had recorded the song for her 2007 album Carnival Ride
. The next month, radio stations were sent a duet version of the song, featuring Randy Travis on vocals. From then, he was credited with Underwood on the single, which peaked at No. 2 on the Country charts and No. 9 on the U.S. Hot 100. That month, Travis released the 2 disc greatest hits compilation I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis
. In June 2011, he unveiled his latest album, Anniversary Celebration.
Compilation albums
Holiday albums
Live albums
American Music Awards
Country Music Association Awards
Grammy Awards
Gospel Music Association
Dove Awards
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
singer and actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
. Since 1985, he has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
charts, 22 of which were number one hits. Considered a pivotal figure in the history of country music, Travis broke through in the mid-1980s with the release of his album Storms of Life
Storms of Life
Storms of Life is the debut album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on June 6, 1986 by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Certified 3× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for American shipments of three million copies, it features the singles "On the Other Hand" Storms of Life is the...
, which sold more than three million copies. The album established him as a major force in the Neotraditional country
Neotraditional country
Neotraditional country, also known as "new traditional" country, is a country music style that emphasizes the instrumental background and a 'traditional' country vocal style. Neotraditional country artists often dress in the fashions of the country music scene of the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s...
movement. Travis followed up his successful debut with a string of platinum and multi-platinum albums.
By the mid-1990s, Travis saw a decline in his chart success. In 1997, he left Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
for DreamWorks Records
DreamWorks Records
DreamWorks Records was an American record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG, the label operated until 2005 when it was shut down...
and changed his musical focus to gospel music
Gospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
. Although the career shift produced only one more number one country hit "Three Wooden Crosses
Three Wooden Crosses
"Three Wooden Crosses" the title of a song written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, and recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Randy Travis. The first single released in November 2002 from his 2002 album, Rise and Shine, it became Travis' sixteenth Number One single, and his first...
", Travis went on to earn several Dove awards, including Album of the Year three times. In addition to his singing career, Travis pursued an acting career, appearing in numerous films and television series, including The Rainmaker
The Rainmaker (1997 film)
The Rainmaker is a 1997 American drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon. Coppola wrote the script, based on the 1995 novel of the same name by John Grisham....
(1997) with Matt Damon
Matt Damon
Matthew Paige "Matt" Damon is an American actor, screenwriter, and philanthropist whose career was launched following the success of the film Good Will Hunting , from a screenplay he co-wrote with friend Ben Affleck...
, Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (film)
Texas Rangers is a 2001 drama/western film directed by Steve Miner. It is about a group of Texas Rangers set in the post-American Civil War era, rated PG-13.- Plot :...
(2001) with James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek
James William Van Der Beek, Jr. is an American television, film, and stage actor, known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in The WB series Dawson's Creek...
, and seven episodes of the Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel is an American drama series that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1994 and ran for 211 episodes and nine seasons until its conclusion on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius and produced by Martha Williamson, the series stars Roma Downey, as an angel named Monica, and Della...
television series. Travis has sold over 25 million records, and has earned 22 number one hits, 6 number one albums, 6 Grammy awards, 6 CMA
Country Music Association
The Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
awards, 9 ACM
Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the...
awards, 10 AMA awards, 7 Dove awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,400 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California...
.
Early years
Randy Bruce Traywick was born on May 4, 1959 in Marshville, North CarolinaMarshville, North Carolina
Marshville is a town in Union County, North Carolina, United States. Its population was 2,360 at the 2000 census. Marshville is known as the birthplace of country music singer Randy Travis.-Geography:Marshville is located at ....
, the second of six children of Bobbie (née Tucker), a textile factory worker, and Harold Traywick, a horse breeder, turkey farmer, substitute school teacher, and construction business owner. He is of Cornish
Cornish people
The Cornish are a people associated with Cornwall, a county and Duchy in the south-west of the United Kingdom that is seen in some respects as distinct from England, having more in common with the other Celtic parts of the United Kingdom such as Wales, as well as with other Celtic nations in Europe...
English descent on his father's side, with the family name originally spelled Traweek. He is a descendant of Cornish immigrant Robarde Traweek, whose son Robert was born in 1700 in Stafford County, Virginia
Stafford County, Virginia
Stafford County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a U.S. state, and just across the Rappahannock River from the City of Fredericksburg. As of the 2000 census, the population was 92,446, increasing to 128,961 in 2010.. Its county seat is Stafford. In 2006, and again in 2009,...
and died in 1788 in Onslow County, North Carolina
Onslow County, North Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 150,355 people, 48,122 households, and 36,572 families residing in the county. The population density was 196 people per square mile . There were 55,726 housing units at an average density of 73 per square mile...
, establishing the North Carolinian roots of the Traywick family.
Randy and his brother Ricky were encouranged to pursue their musical talents by their father, who was a fan of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Lefty Frizzell. In 1967, at the age of 8, Randy began playing guitar. Two years later, he and his brother began performing at local clubs and talent contests, calling themselves the Traywick Brothers. Randy often fought with his father and soon dropped out of high school. He became a juvenile delinquent
Juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency is participation in illegal behavior by minors who fall under a statutory age limit. Most legal systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile detention centers. There are a multitude of different theories on the causes of crime, most if not...
and was arrested for various offenses, including auto theft and burglary. Travis has since voiced regret for his past misdeeds.
In 1975, while his brother was serving time in jail for a high-speed car chase, Randy won a talent contest at a nightclub, Country City USA, in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
. The club's owner, Elizabeth "Lib" Hatcher, took an interest in the young singer, hired him as a cook, and gave him regular singing jobs at the club. During the late 1970s, Randy worked and sang at Country City USA. Still in his late teens, Travis had one last encounter with the law. At his hearing, the judge told Travis that if he ever saw the singer back in his court, he should be prepared to go to jail for a long time. Travis was released into the guardianship of Hatcher, who also became his manager. The two began to focus on his career full time.
In 1978, he recorded a self-titled album, Randy Traywick, for Paula Records. The following year, he released two unsuccessful singles, "She's My Woman" and "Dreamin'". Travis moved in with Hatcher, which put further strain on her already fragile marriage. She eventually left her husband and, in 1982, she and Travis moved to Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. It was during this time that an unlikely romance began to form between the two. Travis would later comment, "I think we discovered how much we needed each other." He and Hatcher eventually came forward with their relationship and were married in a private ceremony in 1991. They divorced on October 29, 2010 after a 19-year marriage. Despite the divorce, their 34-year business relationship continues.
Music career
During the early 1980s, Travis was rejected by every major record label in Nashville. His early demo tapes were criticized by record executives as being "too country." To support them, Hatcher took a job as manager of a nightclub, The Nashville Palace, and hired Travis as a cook and singer. In 1982, Travis recorded an independent album Live at the Nashville Palace, and Hatcher used the album to secure a deal with Warner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
. As part of the contract, label executives insisted they keep their romance a secret, and changed his stage name from Randy Ray to Randy Travis. In 1985, Warner Bros. Records released the single "On the Other Hand
On the Other Hand
"On the Other Hand" is a country music song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. First recorded by Keith Whitley on his 1985 album L.A. to Miami, it was later released as a single by Randy Travis. It was the lead-off single to his 1986 album Storms of Life, and it peaked at #67 in the United...
" which peaked at #67 on the country charts. His next single, "1982
1982 (song)
"1982" is a single by American country music singer Randy Travis. Released as the second single from his 1986 album Storms of Life. It peaked at #6 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, and #5 in Canada...
", became a Top 10 hit single. In 1986, Warner Bros. re-released "On the Other Hand", which became Travis' first number one hit.
His debut album, Storms of Life
Storms of Life
Storms of Life is the debut album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on June 6, 1986 by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Certified 3× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for American shipments of three million copies, it features the singles "On the Other Hand" Storms of Life is the...
, went on to sell more than 4 million copies. In the late 1980s he had a string of hits, including "No Place Like Home" and "Diggin' Up Bones
Diggin' Up Bones
"Diggin' Up Bones" is a song recorded by country music artist Randy Travis. It was the third single to his 1986 album Storms of Life. It peaked at number-one in both the United States and Canada.-Chart positions:...
". A song from his second Warner Brothers album Always and Forever titled "Forever and Ever, Amen" arguably launched the neo-traditionalist country era. For two years in a row, Travis won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance was awarded between 1965 and 2011. The award has had several minor name changes:*From 1965 to 1967 the award was known as Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Male...
, for the albums Always & Forever in 1988, and for Old 8x10 in 1989. He also won the ACM award for Best Country Newcomer in 1986. Off the success of his first two albums, Old 8x10 was certified platinum, and Always and Forever was number one for 43 weeks.
In 1991 Travis took part in Voices That Care
Voices That Care
"Voices That Care" is a 1991 song written by David Foster, Linda Thompson and Peter Cetera and recorded by a supergroup of popular musicians, entertainers and athletes. The single and supporting documentary music video were intended to help boost the morale of U.S...
, a multi-artist project that featured other top names in music for a one-off single to raise money for the allied troops in the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. The project included fellow singers Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks
Troyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
, Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers
Kenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
and Kathy Mattea
Kathy Mattea
Kathleen Alice "Kathy" Mattea is an American country music and bluegrass performer who often brings folk, Celtic and traditional country sounds to her music. Active since 1983 as a recording artist, she has recorded seventeen albums and has charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot...
. In addition, Travis recorded the patriotic song "Point of Light
Point of Light
"Point of Light" is the title of a song co-written by Don Schlitz and Thom Schuyler and recorded by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was the lead-off single released from his album, High Lonesome. It was his twenty-first single overall...
" in response to the Thousand points of light
Thousand points of light
The Thousand points of light was a recurring phrase in speeches given by George H. W. Bush. The term was coined by speechwriter Peggy Noonan. In his inaugural address on January 20, 1989, Bush said:...
program initiated by President George H.W. Bush. Its release prompted New York freelance writer Lina Accurso to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission charging that the single qualified as political advertising for since Bush media consultant Roger Ailes
Roger Ailes
Roger Eugene Ailes is president of Fox News Channel, chairman of the Fox Television Stations Group. Ailes was a media consultant for Republican presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W...
produced the song's video and White House publicist Sig Rogich
Sig Rogich
Sigmund “Sig” Rogich is an Icelandic/American businessman and was a senior media consultant to leading Republican candidates for office, under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush...
, was credited as a co-writer. The FEC rejected the complaint, ruling that the song and video "neither expressly advocate the election of, nor solicit contributions on behalf of, Mr. Bush."
In 1992, Travis took a break from music to concentrate on acting and landed roles in several Western-genre films. He returned to recording with the 1994 album This Is Me
This Is Me (Randy Travis album)
This Is Me is an album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on April 26, 1994 by Warner Bros.. Producer Kyle Lehning, Travis, and A&R Martha Sharp considered more than 1,000 songs before settling on the final ten...
and the hit single "Whisper My Name". Three years later, Travis parted ways with Warner Brothers and signed with DreamWorks Nashville
DreamWorks Records
DreamWorks Records was an American record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG, the label operated until 2005 when it was shut down...
. He recorded You and You Alone
You and You Alone
You and You Alone is the tenth studio album by American country music artist Randy Travis. His first album for DreamWorks Records Nashville, it produced four singles on the Billboard country music charts between 1998 and 1999: "Out of My Bones", "The Hole", "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man", and...
, which produced the top 10 hits "Out of My Bones", "The Hole" and "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man".
Gospel years
After the 1999 release of A Man Ain't Made of StoneA Man Ain't Made of Stone
A Man Ain't Made of Stone is the eleventh studio album from American country music artist Randy Travis. Released in 1999 as his second album for the DreamWorks label, it produced four singles, of which only one — the title track — was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard country charts...
, Travis shifted away from mainstream country and focused on Gospel. During this time, he recorded the albums Inspirational Journey
Inspirational Journey
Inspirational Journey is the twelfth studio album from American country music artist Randy Travis. His first album of gospel music, it also marked his return to Warner Bros. Records . The album was originally cut during Travis's tenure on Warner Bros...
(2000), Rise and Shine
Rise and Shine (Randy Travis album)
Rise and Shine is the title of an album released in 2002 by American country music artist Randy Travis. His second gospel album, it produced the single "Three Wooden Crosses", which in 2003 became his first Number One single on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart since 1994's "Whisper My Name"...
(2002), and Worship & Faith
Worship & Faith
Worship & Faith is the title of an album released in 2003 by American country music artist Randy Travis. It is the third gospel music album of his career, as well as his third release on Word Records. The album is composed of twenty covers of traditional gospel tunes...
(2003). The single "Three Wooden Crosses" from the Rise and Shine album reached No. 1 and won the CMA song of the year in 2003. That same year, Travis ranked #13 on CMT
CMT
- Medicine :* California mastitis test* Certified Massage Therapist* Cervical motion tenderness, a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease* Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease* Chemically modified tetracyclines* Circus Movement Tachycardia...
's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music. Additionally, he continued to act in film and television; he appeared in several episodes and in the series finale of Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel is an American drama series that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1994 and ran for 211 episodes and nine seasons until its conclusion on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius and produced by Martha Williamson, the series stars Roma Downey, as an angel named Monica, and Della...
. His album, Passing Through
Passing Through (Randy Travis album)
Passing Through is the fifteenth studio album released by American country music singer Randy Travis. It is his fourth album of gospel music, and his fourth for Word Records. The album produced two singles on the Billboard country charts: "Four Walls" at #46 and "Angels" at #48...
, was released in November 2004. It combined the country music of his earlier years, with the gospel influences from his latest albums. After the release of Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise
Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise
Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise is the sixteenth studio album released by American country music artist Randy Travis.It is his fifth album of gospel music and his fifth release for Word Records. The album comprises nineteen covers of traditional and contemporary gospel songs...
in 2005 and the Christmas album Songs of the Season
Songs of the Season
-Chart performance:...
in 2007, Travis released his brand new single "Faith in You" as a free download from his official website. It heralded the July 2008 release of his album, Around the Bend
Around the Bend (album)
Around the Bend is the title of an album released in 2008 by American country music artist Randy Travis. The album is Travis' first mainstream country music album since 1999's A Man Ain't Made of Stone, all his other albums in the 2000s were composed of Christian country music. It sold 31,000...
, his first collection of mainly secular recordings in nearly a decade.
In February 2009, Travis' "I Told You So" was released as a single by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Marie Underwood is an American country singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005...
, who had recorded the song for her 2007 album Carnival Ride
Carnival Ride
Carnival Ride is the second studio album from American country pop artist Carrie Underwood. It was released in the United States on October 23, 2007. It has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. The album includes the singles "So Small", "All-American Girl", "Last Name", "Just a Dream", and "I...
. The next month, radio stations were sent a duet version of the song, featuring Randy Travis on vocals. From then, he was credited with Underwood on the single, which peaked at No. 2 on the Country charts and No. 9 on the U.S. Hot 100. That month, Travis released the 2 disc greatest hits compilation I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis
I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis
I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis is a compilation album released by country music artist Randy Travis in 2009. It consists of 32 songs overall in a two disc set. Two of the songs were never before released on albums...
. In June 2011, he unveiled his latest album, Anniversary Celebration.
Discography
Studio albums- Randy Traywick (1978)
- Storms of LifeStorms of LifeStorms of Life is the debut album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on June 6, 1986 by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Certified 3× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for American shipments of three million copies, it features the singles "On the Other Hand" Storms of Life is the...
(1986) - Always & Forever (1987)
- Old 8×10Old 8×10Old 8×10 is the third album by country music star Randy Travis. It was released on July 12, 1988 by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. The album produced the singles "Honky Tonk Moon", "Deeper Than the Holler", "Is It Still Over", and "Promises". All of these except "Promises" reached Number One...
(1988) - No Holdin' BackNo Holdin' BackNo Holdin' Back is the title of American country music singer Randy Travis's fifth album. It was released on September 26, 1989, by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Three singles were released from it, all of which charted on the Hot Country Songs charts: the Number One hits "It's Just a Matter of...
(1989) - Heroes & FriendsHeroes & FriendsHeroes & Friends is the title of an album released in 1990 by American country music artist Randy Travis. Except for the title track , every song on this album is a duet with another recording artist...
(1990) - High LonesomeHigh Lonesome (Randy Travis album)High Lonesome is the title of an album released in 1991 by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was released on August 27, 1991. Four singles were released from the album. "Forever Together" , "Better Class of Losers" , "Point of Light" , and "I'd Surrender All" reached number 20...
(1991) - Wind in the WireWind in the WireWind in the Wire is the seventh studio album released by American country music artist Randy Travis. Released in 1993 on Warner Bros. Records, the album was made to accompany a television series also entitled Wind in the Wire...
(1993) - This Is MeThis Is Me (Randy Travis album)This Is Me is an album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on April 26, 1994 by Warner Bros.. Producer Kyle Lehning, Travis, and A&R Martha Sharp considered more than 1,000 songs before settling on the final ten...
(1994) - Full CircleFull Circle (Randy Travis album)Full Circle is the ninth studio album by American country music artist Randy Travis. His last album for Warner Bros. Records , the album produced four singles: "Are We in Trouble Now", "Would I", "Price to Pay", and a cover of Roger Miller's hit single "King of the Road"...
(1996) - You and You AloneYou and You AloneYou and You Alone is the tenth studio album by American country music artist Randy Travis. His first album for DreamWorks Records Nashville, it produced four singles on the Billboard country music charts between 1998 and 1999: "Out of My Bones", "The Hole", "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man", and...
(1998) - A Man Ain't Made of StoneA Man Ain't Made of StoneA Man Ain't Made of Stone is the eleventh studio album from American country music artist Randy Travis. Released in 1999 as his second album for the DreamWorks label, it produced four singles, of which only one — the title track — was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard country charts...
(1999) - Inspirational JourneyInspirational JourneyInspirational Journey is the twelfth studio album from American country music artist Randy Travis. His first album of gospel music, it also marked his return to Warner Bros. Records . The album was originally cut during Travis's tenure on Warner Bros...
(2000) - Rise and ShineRise and Shine (Randy Travis album)Rise and Shine is the title of an album released in 2002 by American country music artist Randy Travis. His second gospel album, it produced the single "Three Wooden Crosses", which in 2003 became his first Number One single on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart since 1994's "Whisper My Name"...
(2002) - Worship & FaithWorship & FaithWorship & Faith is the title of an album released in 2003 by American country music artist Randy Travis. It is the third gospel music album of his career, as well as his third release on Word Records. The album is composed of twenty covers of traditional gospel tunes...
(2003) - The Very Best of Randy TravisThe Very Best of Randy Travis-Chart performance:...
(2004) - Passing ThroughPassing Through (Randy Travis album)Passing Through is the fifteenth studio album released by American country music singer Randy Travis. It is his fourth album of gospel music, and his fourth for Word Records. The album produced two singles on the Billboard country charts: "Four Walls" at #46 and "Angels" at #48...
(2004) - Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and PraiseGlory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and PraiseGlory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise is the sixteenth studio album released by American country music artist Randy Travis.It is his fifth album of gospel music and his fifth release for Word Records. The album comprises nineteen covers of traditional and contemporary gospel songs...
(2005) - Around the BendAround the Bend (album)Around the Bend is the title of an album released in 2008 by American country music artist Randy Travis. The album is Travis' first mainstream country music album since 1999's A Man Ain't Made of Stone, all his other albums in the 2000s were composed of Christian country music. It sold 31,000...
(2008) - Anniversary Celebration (2011)
- Blessed Assurance (2011)
Compilation albums
- Greatest Hits, Volume 1Greatest Hits, Volume 1 (Randy Travis album)Greatest Hits, Volume 1 is the first of two greatest hits albums released on the same day in 1992 by country music artist Randy Travis. Two new songs were recorded for this album and released as singles. "If I Didn't Have You" reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart while "An Old...
(1992) - Greatest Hits, Volume 2Greatest Hits, Volume 2 (Randy Travis album)Greatest Hits, Volume 2 is the second of two greatest hits albums released on the same day in 1992 by country music artist Randy Travis. Three new songs were recorded for this album and one, "Look Heart, No Hands", was released as a single and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart...
(1992) - Forever & Ever: The Best of Randy Travis (1995)
- Greatest #1 Hits (1998)
- Super Hits, Volume 1 (2000)
- Trail of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology (2002)
- The Essential Randy Travis (2003)
- I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy TravisI Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy TravisI Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis is a compilation album released by country music artist Randy Travis in 2009. It consists of 32 songs overall in a two disc set. Two of the songs were never before released on albums...
(2009) - Three Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy TravisThree Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy TravisThree Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis is a compilation album by Randy Travis. Released in March 2009 by Word/Curb/Warner Bros., the album contains some of Travis' most popular gospel songs.- Track listing :...
(2009) - I'll Fly Away (2010)
- Top 10 (2010)
- Randy Travis (2011)
Holiday albums
- An Old Time ChristmasAn Old Time ChristmasAn Old Time Christmas is an album of Christmas music by country music artist Randy Travis. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA.-Track listing:# "Old Time Christmas" - 3:13...
(1989) - Songs of the SeasonSongs of the Season-Chart performance:...
(2007)
Live albums
- Randy Ray: Live at the Nashville Palace (1982)
- Live: It Was Just a Matter of Time (2001)
Honors and awards
Academy of Country Music AwardsAcademy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the...
- 1985 Top New Male Vocalist
- 1986 Album of the Year – "Storms of LifeStorms of LifeStorms of Life is the debut album by country music star Randy Travis, and was released on June 6, 1986 by Warner Bros. Records Nashville. Certified 3× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for American shipments of three million copies, it features the singles "On the Other Hand" Storms of Life is the...
" - 1986 Single of the Year – "On the Other Hand"
- 1986 Album of the Year – Storms of Life
- 1986 Top Male Vocalist
- 1987 Single of the Year – "Forever and Ever, AmenForever and Ever, Amen"Forever and Ever, Amen" is a single released in 1987 by country music artist Randy Travis, written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was Travis's third No. 1 single on the U.S...
" - 1987 Song of the Year – "Forever and Ever, AmenForever and Ever, Amen"Forever and Ever, Amen" is a single released in 1987 by country music artist Randy Travis, written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was Travis's third No. 1 single on the U.S...
" - 1987 Top New Male Vocalist
- 2003 Song of the Year – "Three Wooden CrossesThree Wooden Crosses"Three Wooden Crosses" the title of a song written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, and recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Randy Travis. The first single released in November 2002 from his 2002 album, Rise and Shine, it became Travis' sixteenth Number One single, and his first...
"
American Music Awards
American Music Awards
-Conception:The AMAs were created by Dick Clark in 1973 to compete with the Grammys after the move of that year's show to Nashville, Tennessee led to CBS picking up the Grammy telecasts after its first two in 1971 and 1972 were broadcast on ABC...
- 1988 Favorite Country AlbumAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Album- 2010s :*American Music Awards of 2011**Taylor Swift, Speak Now*American Music Awards of 2010**Carrie Underwood, Play On- 2000s :*American Music Awards of 2009**Taylor Swift, Fearless*American Music Awards of 2008...
– "Always & Forever" - 1988 Favorite Country Male ArtistAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Male ArtistThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist has been awarded since 1974.Years reflect the year in which the American Music Awards were presented, for works released in the previous year .The all-time winner in this category is Garth Brooks with 8 wins.-2010s:*American Music Awards of...
- 1988 Favorite Country SingleAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country SingleThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Single is a major music industry award that was created in 1974. However, the award was discontinued after 1995....
– "Forever and Ever, AmenForever and Ever, Amen"Forever and Ever, Amen" is a single released in 1987 by country music artist Randy Travis, written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was Travis's third No. 1 single on the U.S...
" - 1989 Favorite Country AlbumAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Album- 2010s :*American Music Awards of 2011**Taylor Swift, Speak Now*American Music Awards of 2010**Carrie Underwood, Play On- 2000s :*American Music Awards of 2009**Taylor Swift, Fearless*American Music Awards of 2008...
– "Always & Forever" - 1989 Favorite Country Male ArtistAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Male ArtistThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist has been awarded since 1974.Years reflect the year in which the American Music Awards were presented, for works released in the previous year .The all-time winner in this category is Garth Brooks with 8 wins.-2010s:*American Music Awards of...
- 1989 Favorite Country SingleAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country SingleThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Single is a major music industry award that was created in 1974. However, the award was discontinued after 1995....
– "I Told You SoI Told You So (Randy Travis song)Carrie Underwood released a cover version of the song on her 2007 album Carnival Ride. It was the fifth and final single released from the album. Her version of the song was featured on the album Now That's What I Call Country Volume 2...
" - 1990 Favorite Country AlbumAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Album- 2010s :*American Music Awards of 2011**Taylor Swift, Speak Now*American Music Awards of 2010**Carrie Underwood, Play On- 2000s :*American Music Awards of 2009**Taylor Swift, Fearless*American Music Awards of 2008...
– "Old 8x10" - 1990 Favorite Country Male ArtistAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country Male ArtistThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist has been awarded since 1974.Years reflect the year in which the American Music Awards were presented, for works released in the previous year .The all-time winner in this category is Garth Brooks with 8 wins.-2010s:*American Music Awards of...
- 1990 Favorite Country SingleAmerican Music Award for Favorite Country SingleThe American Music Award for Favorite Country Single is a major music industry award that was created in 1974. However, the award was discontinued after 1995....
– "Deeper Than the HollerDeeper Than the Holler"Deeper Than The Holler" is a single released by American country music singer Randy Travis and written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. The second single released from Travis's 1988 album, Old 8x10, the song was his eighth Number One single, and his sixth consecutive.-Content:"Deeper Than the...
"
Country Music Association Awards
Country Music Association Awards
The Country Music Association Awards, also known as the CMA Awards, or the CMAs, and not to be confused with the ACM Awards, are voted on by business members of the Country Music Association. The first CMA awards were presented at an untelevised ceremony in Nashville's Municipal Auditorium in 1967...
- 1986 Horizon Award
- 1987 Album of the Year – Always & Forever
- 1987 Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1987 Single of the Year – "Forever and Ever, Amen"
- 1988 Male Vocalist of the Year
- 2006 Song of the Year – "Three Wooden CrossesThree Wooden Crosses"Three Wooden Crosses" the title of a song written by Kim Williams and Doug Johnson, and recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Randy Travis. The first single released in November 2002 from his 2002 album, Rise and Shine, it became Travis' sixteenth Number One single, and his first...
"
Grammy Awards
- 1988 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal PerformanceGrammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal PerformanceThe Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance was awarded between 1965 and 2011. The award has had several minor name changes:*From 1965 to 1967 the award was known as Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Male...
– "Always & Forever" - 1989 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal PerformanceGrammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal PerformanceThe Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance was awarded between 1965 and 2011. The award has had several minor name changes:*From 1965 to 1967 the award was known as Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Male...
– "Old 8x10" - 2004 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass, Gospel Album – Rise And Shine
- 2005 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass, Gospel Album – Worship & Faith
- 2007 Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass, Gospel Album – Glory Train
- 2010 Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with vocalsGrammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with VocalsThe Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals was an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to quality country music collaborations for artists who do not normally perform together...
– "I Told You So" by Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis
Gospel Music Association
Gospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association was founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of Gospel music. There are currently about 4,000 members worldwide...
Dove Awards
- 2003 Mainstream Country Artist of the Year
- 2003 Country Album of the Year – Rise And Shine
- 2003 Song of the Year – "Three Wooden Crosses"
- 2004 Country Recorded Song of the Year – "Three Wooden Crosses"
- 2004 Country Album of the Year – Worship & Faith
- 2005 Country Album of the Year – Glory Train
- 2009 Country Album of the Year – Around the Bend
Filmography
- Jerusalem Countdown (2010) – Jack Thompson
- The WagerThe Wager (2007 film)The Wager is a 2007 Christian drama film, directed by Judson Pearce Morgan. It stars Randy Travis, Jude Ciccolella and Candace Cameron Bure. It was based on the novel The Wager by Bill Myers...
(2007) – Michael Steele - The Gift: Life Unwrapped (2007) – Ellison
- National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) – Himself
- Lost: A Sheep Story (2006) – Porkchop
- On the Farm: The Prodigal Pig (2006) – Porkchop
- The VisitationThe Visitation (film)The Visitation is a 2006 supernatural dramatic thriller based on Frank Peretti's novel of the same name. The Robby Henson-directed film features a cast that includes Kelly Lynch, Edward Furlong, Priscilla Barnes and Martin Donovan.- Plot :...
(2006) – Kyle Sherman - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2004) – Himself
- Apple Jack (2003) – Narrator
- The Long Ride Home (2003) – Jack Fowler/Jack Cole
- The Trial of Old Drum (2002) – Charlie Burden Jr. - old
- Texas RangersTexas Rangers (film)Texas Rangers is a 2001 drama/western film directed by Steve Miner. It is about a group of Texas Rangers set in the post-American Civil War era, rated PG-13.- Plot :...
(2001) – Frank Bones - The Cactus Kid (2000) – Pecos Jim
- The Trial of Old Drum (2000) – Charlie Burden Jr. (as an adult)
- John John in the Sky (2000) – John Claiborne
- The Million Dollar Kid (2000) – Businessman
- King of The HillKing of the HillKing of the Hill is an American animated dramedy series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, that ran from January 12, 1997, to May 6, 2010, on Fox network. It centers on the Hills, a working-class Methodist family in the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas...
(2000) – Himself - The White River Kid (1999) – Sheriff Becker
- Baby GeniusesBaby GeniusesBaby Geniuses is a 1999 family-oriented comedy film directed by Bob Clark, rated PG for "some rude behavior and dialogue". It stars Kathleen Turner and Christopher Lloyd....
(1999) – Control Room Technician - Hey Arnold (1998) – Appears as "Travis Randall"
- T.N.T. (1998) – Jim
- Black DogBlack Dog (film)Black Dog is a 1998 film about an ex-con manipulated into transporting illegal arms. The film stars Patrick Swayze, Randy Travis, and Meat Loaf.-Plot:...
(1998) – Earl - The RainmakerThe Rainmaker (1997 film)The Rainmaker is a 1997 American drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon. Coppola wrote the script, based on the 1995 novel of the same name by John Grisham....
(1997) – Billy Porter - The Shooter (1997) – Kyle
- Annabelle's Wish (1997) – Adult Billy/Narrator
- Steel Chariots (1997) – Rev. Wally Jones
- Fire Down Below (1997) – Ken Adams
- Boys Will Be Boys (1997) – Lloyd Clauswell
- Sabrina, the Teenage WitchSabrina, the Teenage Witch (TV series)Sabrina, the Teenage Witch is an American sitcom based on the Archie comic book series of the same name.The show stars Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina Spellman, a teenager with magical powers, who lives with her aunts Hilda and Zelda , and their magical talking cat Salem...
(1996) - Edie & Pen (1996) – Pony Cobb
- A Holiday to RememberA Holiday to RememberA Holiday to Remember is a TV movie starring Connie Sellecca and Randy Travis. It premiered on CBS in 1995. As of 2009, it was shown in the 25 Days of Christmas programming block on ABC Family, but it was not part of the block in 2010...
(1995) – Clay Traynor - Dead Man's Revenge (1994) – U. S. Marshall
- Frank & Jesse (1994) – Cole YoungerCole YoungerThomas Coleman "Cole" Younger was an American Confederate guerrilla during the American Civil War and later an outlaw with the James-Younger gang...
- TexasTexas (film)Texas is a Western movie starring Glenn Ford - William Holden and directed by George Marshall-Plot:Two cowboys witness an assault of a diligence. They steal loot and rendezvous. However, they discover they are on different sides of the law...
(1994) – Capt. Sam Garner - At RiskAt RiskAt Risk is a 1994 film about a woman name Lara, after spending a year in Mexico unsuccessfully trying to save her marriage to Steven, returns to the U.S. to find Max, her lover in this AIDS cautionary tale.-Starring:*Elana K. Pyle as Lara Wade...
(1994) – Ellison - The Outlaws: Legend of O.B. Taggart (1994)
- Wind in the WireWind in the WireWind in the Wire is the seventh studio album released by American country music artist Randy Travis. Released in 1993 on Warner Bros. Records, the album was made to accompany a television series also entitled Wind in the Wire...
(1993) – Himself - Matlock: The Big Payoff (1992)
Further reading
- Goldsmith, Thomas. (1998). "Randy Travis". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 544–5.