Artist Of The Day: Randy Travis

Randy Travis

• Randy Bruce Traywick began performing at the age of eight with his brother, Ricky. He and his brother entered a talent contest at a nightclub in Charlotte, North Carolina, when Randy was 16. When Ricky was sent to jail, Randy competed solo and won. Club manager Lib Hatcher gave him a job. They moved to Nashville in 1981 and married in 1991.
  
• In 1982, Travis recorded an independent album, “Randy Ray Live,” and Hatcher used it to secure a deal with Warner Bros. The label changed his name and released the single “On the Other Hand” in 1985. His next single, “1982,” was a Top 10 hit. That was followed by the re-release of “On the Other Hand” in 1986, which became his first No. 1.
  
• The 1986 album “Storms of Life” sold more than 4 million copies. Randy had a string of hits including “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “No Place Like Home” and “Diggin’ Up Bones.” He won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance two years in a row – for the album “Always And Forever” in 1988 and “Old 8x10” in 1989.
  
• In 1997, Randy was the first artist to sign with DreamWorks Records. “Out Of My Bones,” the first single from “You And You Alone,” was released in 1998, giving the DreamWorks its first No. 1 country hit.
  
• Randy also released the albums “Around The Bend,” “I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis,” “Turn it Around” and “Three Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis.” He released the gospel album “I’ll Fly Away” in August 2010.
  
• Randy has a part in the 2011 movie “Jerusalem Countdown,” It is based on a book by the same name, written by John Hagee.
  
• Travis released his “Anniversary Celebration” duets compilation last year. It commemorates the 25 years since the release of his landmark debut album “Storms of Life.” The album features contributions from George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Shelby Lynne and more.
  
• Travis will kick off his “Anniversary Celebration” tour Friday in Grand Ronde, Oregon.
  
• Official website: www.randytravis.com