Randy Travis, born Randy Bruce Traywick, is a celebrated American artist known for his contributions to country and gospel music. With a career spanning over four decades, he has released over 20 studio albums and achieved significant success on the Billboard charts. His accomplishments include over 50 charted singles, 16 of which reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. In addition to his musical career, Travis has also explored acting in film and television.
May 4, 1959: Randy Travis is Born
Randy Bruce Traywick, later known as Randy Travis, was born on May 4, 1959.
1968: First Public Performance
Randy and his brother Ricky performed publicly for the first time in 1968 at a local elementary school talent show.
1977: Talent Competition Win and Meeting Lib Hatcher
In 1977, Randy won a talent competition in Charlotte, North Carolina, and met his future wife, Lib Hatcher, who helped him avoid jail time and employed him as a singer.
1979: Randy Travis Begins His Music Career
Randy Travis started his music career in 1979.
1979: Early Career and Singles Release
In 1979, Randy Traywick (later known as Randy Travis) released the singles "She's My Woman" and "I'll Take Any Willing Woman" through Paula Records. These singles were distributed throughout the Southern United States, with "She's My Woman" reaching number 91 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
1980: Johnny Lee's "Lookin' for Love" Holds Number One for Three Weeks
In 1980, Johnny Lee's "Lookin' for Love" held the number-one position on the Billboard country charts for three weeks, marking the last time a song had achieved this before "Forever and Ever, Amen".
1981: Move to Nashville
In 1981, Randy Traywick and his manager, Lib Hatcher, moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to be closer to the country music industry. They continued to manage their club, Country City USA, in Charlotte, North Carolina, on weekends.
1982: Release of "1982" and "Reasons I Cheat"
In 1982, Randy Travis released the songs "1982", which had themes of lost love, and "Reasons I Cheat", which had themes of infidelity.
1982: Randy Travis Writes "I Told You So"
In 1982, Randy Travis wrote the song "I Told You So", which he would later release on his album "Always & Forever".
1982: "1982" Becomes Travis's First Top-Ten Hit
In 1982, Randy Travis's single "1982" became his first top-ten hit, leading Warner executives to re-release "On the Other Hand".
1982: Nightclub Management and Independent Album Release
Lib Hatcher began managing the Nashville Palace nightclub in 1982. She hired Randy Traywick (performing as Randy Ray) to work at the club, initially washing dishes, but eventually performing. They released an independent album titled "Randy Ray Live at the Nashville Palace."
1982: First Hit Single
Randy Travis's single "1982" was released and peaked at number six on the country charts in early 1986, becoming his first hit single.
1983: Talent Show and Television Appearances
In 1983, Randy Ray participated in the talent show "You Can Be a Star" on TNN, finishing second. He also made appearances on Ralph Emery's talk show "Nashville Now," gaining exposure in the country music scene.
1984: Meeting Martha Sharp and Stage Name Change
In 1984, Randy Ray met Martha Sharp, an A&R representative from Warner Bros. Records. Sharp recognized his talent and saw potential in his "traditional" sound, ultimately signing him to a four-song contract. She also suggested changing his stage name from Randy Ray to Randy Travis.
1984: Steve Earle Releases "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1984, Steve Earle released the song "What'll You Do About Me", which Randy Travis would later include on his album "Always & Forever".
May 17, 1985: Performance on Nashville Now
On May 17, 1985, Randy Travis performed on "Nashville Now" alongside Johnny Russell and Lorrie Morgan, gaining further exposure in the country music scene.
August 1985: Debut Single Release
In August 1985, Warner Bros. Records released "On the Other Hand" as Randy Travis's debut single. The song reached number 67 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
1985: Darrell Clanton Releases "I Told You So"
In 1985, Darrell Clanton released a recording of "I Told You So", a song written by Randy Travis, as the B-side of his single "I Forgot That I Don't Live Here Anymore".
March 1986: Grand Ole Opry Debut
In March 1986, following the success of his single "1982," Randy Travis made his debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry.
June 2, 1986: Release of Debut Album "Storms of Life"
On June 2, 1986, Randy Travis released his debut album "Storms of Life" under Warner Bros. Records. The album sold over 100,000 copies in its first week and reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart.
July 1986: "On the Other Hand" Reaches Number One
In July 1986, Randy Travis's single "On the Other Hand" reached the top of the Billboard country charts, becoming his first number-one single.
November 15, 1986: Randy Travis Day in Charlotte, North Carolina
On November 15, 1986, the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina declared November 15th to be "Randy Travis Day" after a concert by Travis, George Jones, and Patty Loveless.
December 1986: Release of "White Christmas Makes Me Blue"
In December 1986, Randy Travis released a Christmas single titled "White Christmas Makes Me Blue", which sold over 79,000 copies.
1987: Release of "I Won't Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)"
In 1987, Randy Travis released "I Won't Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)" as a single from his album "Always & Forever". It reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
1987: Award Wins and Nominations for 'Always & Forever'
In 1987, Randy Travis's album 'Always & Forever' and its singles earned him numerous awards and nominations. He won Song and Single of the Year at the ACM Awards for "Forever and Ever, Amen", as well as Top Male Vocalist. He also received nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Music Video of the Year for "Forever and Ever, Amen", and Album of the Year for 'Always & Forever'. At the CMA Awards, he was named Male Vocalist of the Year and earned nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year for "Forever and Ever, Amen", Music Video of the Year for "Forever and Ever, Amen", and Album of the Year for 'Always & Forever'.
1987: First Grammy Award Nomination
In early 1987, Randy Travis received his first Grammy Award nomination in the category of Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Diggin' Up Bones".
1987: "Forever and Ever, Amen" Tops Charts
In early 1987, Randy Travis released the single "Forever and Ever, Amen", which held the number-one position on the Billboard country charts for three weeks.
1987: "No Place Like Home" Reaches Number Two
In early 1987, Randy Travis's single "No Place Like Home" reached number two on the Billboard country charts.
March 1988: Grammy Award Win for Best Male Country Vocal Performance
In March 1988, Randy Travis won his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his album 'Always & Forever' at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards.
1988: Release of 'Old 8x10' and Subsequent Success
In 1988, Randy Travis released his third Warner album, 'Old 8x10', which was originally scheduled for a July 12 release but was moved up to June 30 to be eligible for CMA Awards. The album reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart and included three number one singles: "Honky Tonk Moon", "Deeper Than the Holler", and "Is It Still Over?" He won his second consecutive Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for this album and received multiple ACM and CMA nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
1988: Acting Debut in Young Guns
Travis made his acting debut in 1988 with an uncredited cameo in the Emilio Estevez movie Young Guns.
1988: "Too Gone Too Long" and "I Told You So" Reach Number One
Between 1987 and 1988, Randy Travis released two more singles from "Always & Forever": "Too Gone Too Long" and "I Told You So", both of which reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
December 1989: Release of 'It's Just a Matter of Time' and Chart Success
In December 1989, Randy Travis released a cover of Brook Benton's "It's Just a Matter of Time" as the first single from his album 'No Holdin' Back'. The song reached number one on the country charts.
1989: Continued Success and Nominations for 'Old 8x10'
In 1989, Randy Travis continued to receive nominations for his work on 'Old 8x10', including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards.
1990: Release of Heroes & Friends
In 1990, Randy Travis released Heroes & Friends, a duets album featuring artists like Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, George Jones, B.B. King, and Clint Eastwood.
1990: Cusic Describes "Forever and Ever, Amen" as a "Career Record"
In 1990, music critic Don Cusic described Randy Travis's "Forever and Ever, Amen" as a "career record".
1990: Publication of "Randy Travis: The King of the New Country Traditionalists"
In 1990, the book "Randy Travis: The King of the New Country Traditionalists" by Don Cusic was published.
May 31, 1991: Marriage to Lib Hatcher
Travis secretly married Elizabeth 'Lib' Hatcher, his manager, on May 31, 1991.
1991: Performance at the CMA Awards
In 1991, Randy Travis performed "Heroes and Friends" at the CMA Awards with Jones, Wynette, Vern Gosdin, and Roy Rogers.
1991: Release of High Lonesome
In 1991, Randy Travis released his next studio album, High Lonesome, featuring the hit single "Point of Light."
1992: Touring Hiatus
In 1992, Randy Travis took a break from touring due to exhaustion.
1992: The Forester Sisters Release "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1992, The Forester Sisters released their version of the song "What'll You Do About Me", originally released by Steve Earle in 1984 and later covered by Randy Travis.
1992: Collaboration with Alan Jackson
Throughout 1991 and 1992, Randy Travis collaborated with Alan Jackson on several songs, including "Forever Together," "Better Class of Losers," and "I'd Surrender All."
1993: Release of Greatest Hits Albums and New Singles
In 1993, Warner released Randy Travis's Greatest Hits, Volume One and Greatest Hits, Volume Two, including new hit singles "If I Didn't Have You" and "Look Heart, No Hands."
1993: Stars in Wind in the Wire
In 1993, Travis starred in the television movie Wind in the Wire, which aired on ABC. His album of the same name was a soundtrack to this film.
1993: Release of Wind in the Wire
In 1993, Randy Travis released Wind in the Wire, a Western music album accompanying a television movie he starred in.
1993: Begins Work on New Album and Contacted for Las Vegas Residency
In 1993, Randy Travis began working on a new album. He was also contacted by a representative of the MGM Grand Las Vegas for a residency.
February 28, 1994: Release of "Before You Kill Us All"
On February 28, 1994, Randy Travis released "Before You Kill Us All", the lead single from his album "This Is Me".
1994: Release of "This is Me" Album and Promotional Activities
In 1994, Randy Travis released his album "This Is Me", embarking on promotional activities that included hosting an episode of "Music City Tonight" and re-airing of his Country Radio Seminar concert.
1995: Co-Production of Daryle Singletary's Debut Album
After Daryle Singletary signed with Giant Records in 1995, Randy Travis co-produced Singletary's self-titled debut album.
1995: "This is Me" Achieves Gold Certification and Travis Continues Touring
By mid-1995, Randy Travis's album "This is Me" was certified gold by the RIAA. Despite a lack of charted singles, he continued touring throughout the year.
1995: "This is Me" Achieves Gold Certification and Travis Continues Touring
By mid-1995, Randy Travis's album "This is Me" was certified gold by the RIAA. Despite a lack of charted singles, he continued touring throughout the year.
1995: Doug Supernaw Releases "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1995, Doug Supernaw released his version of the song "What'll You Do About Me", originally released by Steve Earle in 1984 and later covered by Randy Travis and The Forester Sisters.
1995: Mark Collie Releases "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man"
In 1995, Mark Collie released the song "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man", which Randy Travis later recorded for his album "You and You Alone".
1995: Platinum Certification of Greatest Hits Albums
In 1995, Randy Travis's Greatest Hits, Volume One and Greatest Hits, Volume Two achieved platinum certification.
1995: Stars in A Holiday to Remember
In late 1995, Travis and Rue McClanahan starred in the CBS television movie A Holiday to Remember.
1996: Release of "Full Circle" Album
In 1996, Randy Travis released his final album with Warner Bros. Records, titled "Full Circle".
1996: "Always & Forever" Certified Quintuple Platinum
In 1996, Randy Travis's album "Always & Forever" received a quintuple platinum certification from the RIAA for sales of five million copies, his highest certification to date.
August 1997: Randy Travis Signs with DreamWorks Records
In August 1997, Randy Travis became the first artist signed to the Nashville branch of DreamWorks Records.
1997: Double-Platinum Certification for 'Old 8x10'
Nine years after its release, in 1997, Randy Travis's album 'Old 8x10' was certified double-platinum.
1997: "King of the Road" Featured in "Traveller" Soundtrack
In 1997, Randy Travis's cover of Roger Miller's "King of the Road" was featured in the soundtrack of the movie "Traveller".
1997: Departure from Warner Bros. Records
In mid-1997, Randy Travis announced his departure from Warner Bros. Records due to disagreements over promotion and artistic direction.
1997: Randy Travis Leaves Warner Bros. Records
In 1997, Randy Travis left Warner Bros. Records and signed with DreamWorks Records.
1998: "Out of My Bones" Reaches Number Two
In 1998, Randy Travis's single "Out of My Bones" peaked at number two on the country charts.
1999: Kenny Chesney Releases "Everywhere We Go"
In 1999, Kenny Chesney released his album "Everywhere We Go", which featured a duet with Randy Travis on the track "Baptism".
1999: "Same Old Train" Wins Grammy Award
In 1999, Randy Travis was featured on the collaborative song "Same Old Train", which won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.
October 2000: Randy Travis Exits DreamWorks Records
In October 2000, Randy Travis left DreamWorks Records due to dissatisfaction with the label's distribution and production style.
2000: Randy Travis Signs with Word Records
In 2000, Randy Travis signed with Word Records to focus on gospel music.
2000: Randy Travis Signs with Word Records and Releases "Inspirational Journey"
In late 2000, Randy Travis signed with Word Records and released his gospel album "Inspirational Journey".
2001: Randy Travis Releases "America Will Always Stand"
Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Randy Travis co-wrote and released the patriotic single "America Will Always Stand".
2001: "Inspirational Journey" Wins Two Dove Awards
In 2001, Randy Travis's album "Inspirational Journey" won two Dove Awards: Bluegrass Album of the Year and Country Recorded Song of the Year for "Baptism".
2002: Randy Travis Releases "Rise and Shine"
In late 2002, Randy Travis released his gospel album "Rise and Shine" on Word Records.
October 2003: "Rise and Shine" Certified Gold
In October 2003, Randy Travis's album "Rise and Shine" was certified gold.
2003: Four Consecutive Dove Awards
From 2003 to 2006, Randy Travis won four consecutive Dove Awards for Country Album of the Year for his first four gospel albums.
2003: Worship & Faith Album Release
In 2003, Randy Travis released his gospel album 'Worship & Faith,' featuring 20 acoustic covers of praise songs and hymns.
2003: Recording of Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)
Randy Travis recorded the album "Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)" in 2003 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Orlando, Florida.
2004: "Rise and Shine" Wins Grammy Award and "Pray for the Fish" Wins Dove Award
In 2004, Randy Travis's album "Rise and Shine" won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album, while "Three Wooden Crosses" was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. "Pray for the Fish" won a Dove Award for Country Recorded Song of the Year.
2005: Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise Album Release
Randy Travis released his gospel album 'Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise' in 2005.
2006: Collaboration with Josh Turner on CMT Cross Country
In 2006, Randy Travis collaborated with Josh Turner on the show CMT Cross Country.
2006: Christmas on the Pecos DVD and Songs of the Season Album
In 2006, Randy Travis recorded a Christmas DVD titled 'Christmas on the Pecos' and released another Christmas project, the album 'Songs of the Season,' in 2007.
2007: Carrie Underwood Records "I Told You So"
Carrie Underwood included a cover of Randy Travis' "I Told You So" on her album 'Carnival Ride' in late 2007.
2007: Songs of the Season Album Release
Randy Travis released the Christmas album 'Songs of the Season' in 2007.
2008: Around the Bend Album Release
In 2008, Randy Travis released 'Around the Bend,' his first country music album since 'A Man Ain't Made of Stone,' marking his return to Warner.
January 2009: Carrie Underwood Releases "I Told You So"
Carrie Underwood released her version of "I Told You So" as a single from her album 'Carnival Ride' in January 2009.
October 2010: Divorce from Lib Hatcher
Travis and Elizabeth 'Lib' Hatcher divorced in October 2010, citing incompatibility.
2010: Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood won the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for their duet version of "I Told You So" in 2010.
2011: Anniversary Celebration Album Release
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of 'Storms of Life,' Randy Travis released 'Anniversary Celebration' in 2011, featuring collaborations on re-recordings and new songs.
February 2012: Public Intoxication Arrest
Travis was arrested in February 2012 for public intoxication after being found in a parked car outside a church with an open bottle of wine.
August 7, 2012: DUI and Public Intoxication Arrest
Travis was arrested for driving under the influence and making terroristic threats against a public servant on August 7, 2012, after crashing his car in a construction zone and threatening state troopers who attempted to apprehend him.
January 31, 2013: Pleading Guilty to DUI
On January 31, 2013, Travis pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence in relation to the August 7, 2012 incident, receiving two years' probation, a $2,000 fine, and a 180-day suspended jail sentence.
July 2013: Hospitalization for Viral Cardiomyopathy
Travis was hospitalized in July 2013 for viral cardiomyopathy after experiencing difficulty breathing while working out. He suffered a stroke, congestive heart failure, and was placed on life support.
2013: Stroke and Limited Content Release
After suffering a stroke in 2013, Randy Travis recorded and released very little content.
2013: Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am Album Release
Randy Travis released 'Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am' in 2013, an album consisting of cover songs and one original duet with Joe Nichols.
2013: Randy Travis Suffers a Stroke
In 2013, Randy Travis suffered a near-fatal stroke that significantly impacted his ability to sing and speak.
November 2014: Recovery from Stroke
By November 2014, Travis was recovering from his stroke and could walk short distances without assistance. He was also re-learning to write and play guitar.
2014: Release of Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am
In 2014, Randy Travis released "Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am", a second volume of cover songs recorded prior to his stroke.
March 21, 2015: Marriage to Mary Davis
Travis married Mary Davis on March 21, 2015.
2015: Guest Appearance at the Academy of Country Music Awards
In 2015, Travis made a guest appearance at the Academy of Country Music awards ceremony, where Lee Brice paid tribute to him by singing "Forever and Ever, Amen".
March 2016: Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
In March 2016, Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where he sang "Amazing Grace" with his wife, Mary Davis, accompanying him.
2016: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Randy Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
2016: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Appearance in "Forever Country" Music Video
Randy Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. The same year, he appeared in the music video for "Forever Country", a multi-artist medley to honor the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association.
June 2017: Performance with Michael Ray
Travis appeared onstage with Michael Ray during a cover performance of "Forever and Ever, Amen" in June 2017, contributing the final "Amen."
December 2017: Release of Dashcam Video
After a five-year legal battle, police dashcam video of the August 7, 2012 DUI incident was released to the public in December 2017.
2017: Tribute Concert
In 2017, a tribute concert for Randy Travis was held, where Josh Turner and Chris Janson cited "Diggin' Up Bones" as an influence.
May 4, 2019: 60th Birthday Celebration at the Grand Ole Opry
Travis celebrated his 60th birthday on May 4, 2019, at the Grand Ole Opry, where he appeared onstage with Michael Ray during a performance of 'Forever and Ever, Amen,' contributing the final 'Amen.'
September 2019: Return to Touring with James Dupré
In September 2019, Randy Travis announced his return to touring, featuring James Dupré as lead vocalist, singing with Travis's backing band. Travis made selected appearances throughout these shows.
2019: "Forever and Ever, Amen" Named One of the 100 Greatest Country Songs
In 2019, editors of The Tennessean listed "Forever and Ever, Amen" as one of the 100 greatest country songs of all time and referred to it as Randy Travis's signature song.
February 28, 2020: Release of Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)
On February 28, 2020, Randy Travis released "Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)" through Bill Gaither's Music label. This album contained 12 songs recorded in 2003.
July 2020: Release of "Fool's Love Affair" Single
In July 2020, Randy Travis released a new single titled "Fool's Love Affair", a demo recording from the early 1980s.
2020: Guest Vocal on Josh Turner's Cover of "Forever and Ever, Amen"
Randy Travis contributed a guest vocal to Josh Turner's cover of "Forever and Ever, Amen" on Turner's 2020 covers album, "Country State of Mind".
August 2023: Announcement of Forthcoming Album of Archival Recordings
In August 2023, a forthcoming album of archival recordings by Randy Travis was announced, slated for release in 2024.
December 26, 2023: DUI Incident Featured on TV
On December 26, 2023, video of the August 7, 2012 DUI incident was aired on the Investigation Discovery program Exposed: Naked Crimes.
2023: Continued Touring with James Dupré
As of 2023, James Dupré continues to tour alongside Randy Travis, singing with Travis's backing band while Travis makes selected appearances.
February 2024: Guest Appearance on The Price is Right
In February 2024, Travis appeared as a special guest on an episode of the game show The Price Is Right.
April 2024: Release of "Where That Came From"
In April 2024, Randy Travis posted a clip of "Where That Came From", his first new studio recording since his stroke, to TikTok.
2024: Release of Forthcoming Album of Archival Recordings
A forthcoming album of archival recordings by Randy Travis is slated for release in 2024.
2024: Release of "Where That Came From"
In 2024, Randy Travis released 'Where That Came From,' his first studio recording since his stroke, featuring his voice recreated using artificial intelligence.
2024: Last Solo Chart Singles
Randy Travis' last solo chart singles, "Four Walls" and "Angels," were released in 2024.