Childhood and Education Journey of Randy Travis in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Randy Travis. From birth to education, explore key events.

Randy Travis is an American country and gospel singer, songwriter, and actor. He rose to fame in the 1980s and has been active since 1979. Travis has recorded over 20 studio albums and charted over 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including sixteen number-one hits. He is a prominent figure in country music.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 4, 1959: Randy Travis Born

On May 4, 1959, Randy Bruce Traywick, known professionally as Randy Travis, was born in Marshville, North Carolina.

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1968: First Public Performance

In 1968, Randy Travis and his brother Ricky performed publicly for the first time at a talent show at a local elementary school.

1977: Wins Talent Competition

In 1977, Randy Traywick won a talent competition held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Country City USA, which was co-owned by his future wife, Mary Elizabeth "Lib" Hatcher.

1981: Move to Nashville

In 1981, Randy Traywick and Mary Elizabeth Hatcher moved to Nashville to be closer to the country music industry, while still returning to Charlotte on weekends to manage Country City USA.

1990: Parents Supporting Him

In the 1990 book 'Randy Travis: The King of the New Country Traditionalists' by Don Cusic, it was mentioned that his parents supported him, as they would pay his bail and support him in court whenever he was arrested.

Randy Travis: King of the New Traditionalists

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May 31, 1991: Marriage to Lib Hatcher

On May 31, 1991, Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher secretly married and soon after bought a house on Maui.

1992: Touring Hiatus and Move to Maui

In 1992, Randy Travis began a hiatus from touring, citing exhaustion. He and Hatcher spent time on their Maui property. This break led to rumors of retirement, prompting Travis's publicists to clarify he was merely taking a break.

August 1997: Signing with DreamWorks Records

In August 1997, Randy Travis became the first artist signed to DreamWorks Records' Nashville division, marking a new chapter in his career.

1997: Departure from Warner Bros.

In mid-1997, Randy Travis left Warner Bros. due to disagreements over the promotion of "Full Circle" and concerns about the industry's shift towards country pop influences. His team felt Warner executives restricted their freedom in selecting singles.

2000: Departure from DreamWorks Records

Following the underperformance of later singles from "A Man Ain't Made of Stone", Randy Travis left DreamWorks Records in 2000, citing issues with the label's distribution and production style.

2000: Signing with Word Records and Gospel Album Release

In late 2000, Randy Travis signed with Word Records and released the gospel album "Inspirational Journey", featuring guest vocals from Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Kenny Chesney.

2001: Release of 'America Will Always Stand'

Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Randy Travis co-wrote and released a promotional patriotic single titled "America Will Always Stand". Proceeds from sales of the single were donated to the American Red Cross.

October 2010: Divorce from Lib Hatcher

In October 2010, Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher divorced, citing incompatibility. Despite the divorce, Hatcher continued to serve as his manager.

July 2013: Hospitalization and stroke

In July 2013, Randy Travis was hospitalized in Dallas, Texas, due to viral cardiomyopathy. He then suffered congestive heart failure and a stroke, which affected the left side of his brain, impacting movement on the right side of his body. Travis was placed on life support and given a one percent chance of survival. He underwent multiple surgeries and experienced aphasia, vision problems, and loss of speech, though he recovered through therapy.