Randy Bruce Traywick, known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American country music and Christian country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. HIs baritone vocals and traditional style has made him a pivotal figure in the history of country music. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1986. After a stroke and slow recovery Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 16, 2016. Travis has six CMA awards — including two male-vocalist titles — 10 American Music Awards, nine ACMs, six Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Travis has sold over 25 million records. He is married to his second wife, Mary Davis, and lives in Texas.
From 1986 to 1994, he racked up 15 #1 singles.
Began playing the guitar at 8 years old.
He was turned down by nearly every record label in Nashville, some more than once, but was finally signed to Warner Brothers Records in 1985 at the encouragement of Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis , his much-older wife and manager.
He dropped out of school in the ninth grade, and after that fast cars, drinking and drugs led to a series of scrapes with the law.
When he first started his music career, he used his birth name Randy Traywick before changing his stage name to Randy Ray and then later became Randy Travis, in honor of his musical idol, Merle Travis.
His father, Harold Traywick, was banned from the Country City USA nightclub due to his objections to Randys relationship with Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis , who later became Randys wife. They divorced in 2010.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on September 29, 2004.
Was found naked, on a Texas road, next to his crashed automobile and arrested for DWI on August 8, 2012.
My dad wanted me to play when I was a kid, so I learned to play the guitar. I pursued a career in music because I love it so much and I enjoy what it does to those who hear it. .
