History of Randy Travis in Timeline
Randy Travis is an American country and gospel singer, songwriter, and actor. He began his career in 1979 and has since released over 20 studio albums. Travis has achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, with over 50 singles charted, including 16 number-one hits. He is a prominent figure in the country music genre.
May 4, 1959: Randy Travis's Birth
On May 4, 1959, Randy Bruce Traywick, known professionally as Randy Travis, was born. He is an American country and gospel music singer, songwriter, and actor.
1968: First Public Performance
In 1968, Randy Travis and his brother Ricky performed publicly for the first time at a talent show held at the local elementary school.
1977: Wins Talent Competition
In 1977, Randy Travis won a talent competition held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Country City USA. This led to Lib Hatcher becoming his custodian and employer.
1979: Randy Travis Begins His Career
In 1979, Randy Travis began his music career, marking the start of his journey as a country and gospel singer and songwriter.
1979: Single release on Paula Records
In 1979, Randy Travis released the singles "She's My Woman" and "I'll Take Any Willing Woman" through Paula Records, promoted to radio stations throughout the Southern United States.
1981: Move to Nashville
In 1981, Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher moved to Nashville to be closer to the country music industry, while still managing their business in Charlotte.
1982: "Lost love" and "infidelity" themes in Storms of Life
Critics have noted in Randy Travis's Storms of Life album, the lyrical themes of "lost love" in the song "1982" and infidelity in the song "Reasons I Cheat".
1982: Management of Nashville Palace
In 1982, Lib Hatcher began managing the Nashville Palace and hired Randy Travis, who started performing under the name Randy Ray.
1982: Travis wrote "I Told You So"
In 1982, Randy Travis wrote "I Told You So" around the time he attempted to sign with Curb Records.
1982: Release of '1982'
In early 1986, the song "1982" peaked at number six on the country charts, becoming Randy Travis's first hit single.
1982: Randy Ray Album Release
Randy Travis' own composition "Send My Body" appeared on the Randy Ray album in 1982.
1983: Second Place on 'You Can Be a Star'
In early 1983, Randy Travis, performing as Randy Ray, placed second on the talent show 'You Can Be a Star' on The Nashville Network (TNN).
1984: Steve Earle releases "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1984, Steve Earle released Dennis Linde's composition "What'll You Do About Me", which was later included on Randy Travis's album Always & Forever.
1984: Signing with Warner Bros. Records
In late 1984, Martha Sharp from Warner Bros. Records' Nashville division, became aware of Randy Ray and arranged for him to sign a contract. The stage name "Randy Travis" was suggested at this time.
May 17, 1985: Performance on Nashville Now
On May 17, 1985, Randy Travis appeared on Nashville Now where he performed with Johnny Russell and Lorrie Morgan.
August 1985: Release of 'On the Other Hand'
In August 1985, Warner released "On the Other Hand", which initially peaked at number 67 on the Billboard country charts.
1985: Darrell Clanton recorded "I Forgot That I Don't Live Here Anymore"
In 1985, Darrell Clanton recorded "I Forgot That I Don't Live Here Anymore" and had "I Told You So" on the B-side.
March 1986: Grand Ole Opry Debut and ACM Award
In March 1986, following the success of "1982", Randy Travis performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time and received an award for Top New Male Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music (ACM).
June 2, 1986: Release of 'Storms of Life'
On June 2, 1986, Randy Travis released his debut album 'Storms of Life' which sold over 100,000 copies in its first week.
July 1986: 'On the Other Hand' Reaches Number One
In July 1986, "On the Other Hand" became Randy Travis's first number-one single on the Billboard country charts upon its re-release.
November 15, 1986: "Randy Travis Day" declared in Charlotte, North Carolina
On November 15, 1986, Randy Travis performed a concert with George Jones and Patty Loveless in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte's then-mayor Harvey Gantt declared November 15 to be "Randy Travis Day".
December 1986: Warner releases "White Christmas Makes Me Blue"
In December 1986, Warner issued a Christmas single titled "White Christmas Makes Me Blue", which sold over 79,000 copies.
1987: Singles released from Always & Forever reached number one.
In 1987, "I Won't Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)" was released as a single from Always & Forever, which reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
1987: First Grammy Award nomination for "Diggin' Up Bones"
In early 1987, "Diggin' Up Bones" accounted for Randy Travis's first Grammy Award nomination, in the category of Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
1987: "Forever and Ever, Amen" released and ACM Award wins
In early 1987, Randy Travis released "Forever and Ever, Amen," which topped the Billboard country charts for three weeks. He also won Male Vocalist of the Year at the ACM awards, where Storms of Life won Album of the Year and "On the Other Hand" won both Song and Single of the Year.
1987: 'No Place Like Home' Reaches Number Two
In early 1987, the single "No Place Like Home" reached number two, and it was Randy Travis's first single promoted with a music video.
1987: "Forever and Ever, Amen" wins Song and Single of the Year at the ACM awards.
The ACM awards, honoring the year 1987, awarded Randy Travis's song "Forever and Ever, Amen" both Song and Single of the Year. Travis also won Top Male Vocalist.
March 1988: Travis wins Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance
In March 1988, Randy Travis won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for Always & Forever at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards.
1988: "Too Gone Too Long" reached number one.
In 1988, "Too Gone Too Long" was released as a single from Always & Forever, which reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
1988: Release of Old 8×10 and Marlboro Country Music Tour
In 1988, Randy Travis continued to tour and released his third Warner album, Old 8×10. He also appeared on the Marlboro Country Music Tour in Madison Square Garden.
1988: Acting Debut in Young Guns
In 1988, Randy Travis made his acting debut with a cameo in the movie Young Guns, where he also sang the title track for the movie's soundtrack.
December 1989: "It's Just a Matter of Time" cover reaches number one
In December 1989, Randy Travis's cover of Brook Benton's "It's Just a Matter of Time" reached number one on the country charts.
1989: Success of singles from Old 8x10 and Entertainer of the Year nominations
In early 1989, the first three singles off of Old 8x10 all went to number one on the country charts. Randy Travis also received nominations for Entertainer of the Year from the Academy of Country Music in both 1988 and 1989.
1990: Randy Travis recorded Heroes & Friends, a duets album.
In 1990, Randy Travis recorded Heroes & Friends, a duets album with artists such as Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and B. B. King.
1990: "Forever and Ever, Amen" described as a "career record"
In 1990, Randy Travis's song "Forever and Ever, Amen" was described as a "career record".
1990: Don Cusic's book about Randy Travis
In the 1990 book, "Randy Travis: The King of the New Country Traditionalists", Don Cusic notes that Randy Travis's parents supported him through his troubles.
May 31, 1991: Marriage to Lib Hatcher
On May 31, 1991, Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher secretly married and bought a house on Maui soon afterward.
1991: Randy Travis performed "Heroes and Friends" at the CMA Awards
In 1991, Randy Travis performed "Heroes and Friends" at the CMA Awards telecast, joined by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Vern Gosdin, and Roy Rogers.
1991: Release of High Lonesome and singles
In 1991, Randy Travis released the album High Lonesome, led by the single "Point of Light". Also, Travis and Alan Jackson wrote several songs together, including "Forever Together".
1992: Singles released from High Lonesome
In 1992, "Better Class of Losers" and "I'd Surrender All" were released as singles from Randy Travis's album High Lonesome. Alan Jackson's number one single "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)" was also released.
1992: Touring Hiatus Due to Exhaustion
In 1992, Randy Travis took a hiatus from touring due to exhaustion. Travis and Hatcher chose to spend time at their property in Maui.
1992: The Forester Sisters release "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1992, The Forester Sisters released Dennis Linde's composition "What'll You Do About Me", which was previously released by Steve Earle in 1984; the song had also appeared on Randy Travis's album Always & Forever.
1993: Role in 'Wind in the Wire'
In 1993, Randy Travis acted in the television movie 'Wind in the Wire'.
1993: "An Old Pair of Shoes" peaked at number 21
In early 1993, "An Old Pair of Shoes", a follow-up to Randy Travis' greatest hits album peaked at number 21 upon release.
1993: Beginning of Follow-Up Album and MGM Grand Las Vegas Performance
In late 1993, Randy Travis started working on a follow-up album with Kyle Lehning and was offered to perform at the new MGM Grand Las Vegas venue.
February 28, 1994: Release of 'Before You Kill Us All'
On February 28, 1994, Randy Travis released "Before You Kill Us All" as the lead single from the album 'This Is Me'.
1994: 'This Is Me' Album Certified Gold
In mid-1994, Randy Travis's album "This Is Me" was certified gold by the RIAA.
1995: Doug Supernaw releases "What'll You Do About Me"
In 1995, Doug Supernaw released Dennis Linde's composition "What'll You Do About Me", which was previously released by Steve Earle in 1984 and by The Forester Sisters in 1992; the song had also appeared on Randy Travis's album Always & Forever.
1995: Mark Collie's 'Tennessee Plates' album release
In 1995, Mark Collie's album Tennessee Plates was released, including the song "Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man", which was later recorded by Randy Travis.
1995: Co-production of Daryle Singletary's debut album
In 1995, Randy Travis co-produced Daryle Singletary's self-titled debut album after discovering Singletary's vocals on a demo.
1995: Touring with Sammy Kershaw and George Jones
In 1995, Randy Travis continued to tour alongside Sammy Kershaw and George Jones.
1995: Role in 'A Holiday to Remember'
In 1995, Randy Travis had a role in the television movie 'A Holiday to Remember'.
1995: Greatest hits albums certified platinum
In 1995, Randy Travis's greatest hits albums, Greatest Hits, Volume One and Greatest Hits, Volume Two, were certified platinum.
1995: Top-Ten Hits From 'This Is Me'
In 1995, Randy Travis's songs "The Box" and "This Is Me", both from the album 'This Is Me', became top-ten hits.
1996: Always & Forever received Travis's highest certification
In 1996, Always & Forever received Randy Travis's highest certification of quintuple platinum for sales of five million copies.
1996: Release of 'Full Circle' Album
In 1996, Randy Travis released his final album for Warner, "Full Circle". The lead single was "Are We in Trouble Now", written by Mark Knopfler.
August 1997: Signing with DreamWorks Records
In August 1997, Randy Travis became the first artist signed to DreamWorks Records's Nashville division.
1997: Old 8x10 receives double-platinum certification
In 1997, Old 8x10 received its highest certification of double-platinum.
1997: Randy Travis Leaves Warner Bros. Records
In 1997, Randy Travis departed from Warner Bros. Records and joined DreamWorks Records.
1997: 'King of the Road' on 'Traveller' soundtrack
In 1997, Randy Travis's cover of Roger Miller's "King of the Road" appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Traveller.
1997: Departure from Warner Bros.
In mid-1997, Randy Travis departed from Warner Bros. due to disagreements over promotion of 'Full Circle' and concerns about the direction of country music.
1998: 'Out of My Bones' peaks at number two
In 1998, Randy Travis's single "Out of My Bones" peaked at number two on the country charts and was featured on his first DreamWorks album "You and You Alone", which was released in April.
1999: Chesney's Album Release Featuring "Baptism"
In 1999, Kenny Chesney's album Everywhere We Go was released, including the song "Baptism" which he previously recorded with Randy Travis.
1999: Collaboration on 'Same Old Train' and release of 'A Man Ain't Made of Stone'
In 1999, Randy Travis collaborated on "Same Old Train" with other artists and released the album "A Man Ain't Made of Stone", whose title track became a top-20 hit.
2000: Departure from DreamWorks
In 2000, Randy Travis exited DreamWorks due to distribution concerns and production style preferences.
2000: Randy Travis Signs with Word Records
In 2000, Randy Travis signed with Word Records, where he began recording a series of gospel albums.
2000: Signing with Word Records and Release of Inspirational Journey
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: Dove Awards for Inspirational Journey
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".
2001: Release of 'America Will Always Stand'
In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Randy Travis co-wrote and released a patriotic single titled "America Will Always Stand", with proceeds donated to the American Red Cross.
2002: Release of 'Rise and Shine' Album
In 2002, Randy Travis released his album 'Rise and Shine' on Word Records, featuring the single "Three Wooden Crosses".
October 2003: 'Rise and Shine' Certified Gold
In October 2003, Randy Travis's album, Rise and Shine was certified gold.
2003: Recording of Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)
In 2003 Randy Travis recorded "Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)" at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Orlando, Florida.
2003: Release of 'Worship & Faith'
In 2003, Randy Travis released the gospel album 'Worship & Faith', featuring acoustic covers of praise songs and hymns, and it later achieved gold certification and won a Grammy Award.
2003: First Dove Award for Country Album of the Year
In 2003, Randy Travis won his first Dove Award for Country Album of the Year, marking the beginning of a streak of four consecutive wins in that category from 2003 to 2006.
September 2004: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In September 2004, Randy Travis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2004: Grammy and Dove Awards for 'Rise and Shine' and 'Pray for the Fish'
In 2004, Randy Travis's Rise and Shine won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. "Pray for the Fish" also won a Dove Award for Country Recorded Song of the Year.
2005: Release of Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise
In 2005, Randy Travis released the gospel album "Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise", which later won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album. The album included a mix of Black spirituals and contemporary Christian music.
2006: Collaboration on CMT Cross Country
In 2006, Randy Travis and Josh Turner collaborated on the show CMT Cross Country.
2006: Recording Christmas on the Pecos
In 2006, Randy Travis recorded footage for a Christmas DVD titled "Christmas on the Pecos". The footage, recorded inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, featured Travis singing Christmas songs and reading Helen Steiner Rice's poem "The Christmas Guest". The DVD was released in late 2006.
2007: Cameo Appearance in National Treasure: Book of Secrets
In 2007, Randy Travis made a cameo appearance in National Treasure: Book of Secrets, performing at the Mount Vernon party.
2007: Release of Songs of the Season
In 2007, Randy Travis released another Christmas project, the album "Songs of the Season".
2007: Carrie Underwood Recorded I Told You So on Carnival Ride
In late 2007 Carrie Underwood recorded a cover of "I Told You So" on her album Carnival Ride
2008: Release of Around the Bend album
In 2008, Randy Travis released his studio album "Around the Bend", marking his return to country music and Warner Records. He promoted the album with an interview and released the lead single "Faith in You" as a free download. The album won a Dove Award.
January 2009: Carrie Underwood releases cover of "I Told You So"
In January 2009, Carrie Underwood released her cover version of Randy Travis's "I Told You So" as a single. Later, a combined recording of Underwood's version with Travis's original vocal track gained popularity, leading to a duet performance and an official duet recording.
October 2010: Divorce from Lib Hatcher
In October 2010, Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher divorced, citing incompatibility, though Hatcher continued to serve as his manager at the time.
2010: Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration
In 2010, Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood won the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for their duet version of "I Told You So".
2011: Dupré vocal bed recording for Where That Came From
In 2011 James Dupré recorded the vocal bed that was used to generate Where That Came From using voice cloning technology.
2011: Release of Anniversary Celebration album
In 2011, Randy Travis released "Anniversary Celebration" to honor the 25th anniversary of "Storms of Life". The album featured collaborations with artists like Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, and Jamey Johnson on re-recordings of Travis's previous singles and new songs.
February 2012: Arrested for Public Intoxication
In February 2012, Randy Travis was arrested in Sanger, Texas, after being found in a parked car with an open bottle of wine and smelling of alcohol.
August 7, 2012: Arrest for DUI and Terroristic Threats
On August 7, 2012, Randy Travis was arrested in Grayson County, Texas, for driving under the influence and making terroristic threats against a public servant after crashing his car and being found unclothed and smelling of alcohol.
July 2013: Travis Suffers Stroke and Heart Failure
In July 2013, Randy Travis was hospitalized in Dallas, Texas, for viral cardiomyopathy. He suffered congestive heart failure and a stroke that affected the left side of his brain, impacting movement on the right side of his body, his ability to speak and sing, and his vision. He was placed on life support.
2013: Travis's Stroke
In 2013, Mary Davis tended to Randy Travis's medical needs during his stroke.
2013: Randy Travis Suffers a Stroke
In 2013, Randy Travis suffered a near-fatal stroke, significantly impacting his singing and speaking abilities.
2013: Release of Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am
In late 2013, Randy Travis released "Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am", a project featuring cover songs including Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw, Michigan", Ernest Tubb's "Thanks a Lot", and George Jones's "Why Baby Why", along with a duet with Joe Nichols.
2014: Release of Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am
In 2014, Randy Travis released "Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am", featuring covers from artists like Merle Haggard, Ernest Tubb, Lefty Frizzell, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings.
March 21, 2015: Marriage to Mary Davis
On March 21, 2015, Randy Travis married Mary Davis, and the couple resides at Chrysalis Ranch near Tioga, Texas.
2015: Appearance at the Academy of Country Music Awards
In 2015, Randy 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".
2016: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2016, Randy Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and sang "Amazing Grace" at the induction ceremony. He also appeared in the music video for "Forever Country" to honor the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association.
June 2017: Appearance Onstage with Michael Ray
In June 2017, Randy Travis, despite speech limitations and being confined to a wheelchair, appeared onstage with singer Michael Ray during a cover performance of "Forever and Ever, Amen".
December 2017: Release of Police Dashcam Video
In December 2017, a judge ruled that the police dashcam video of the 2012 incident did not violate Randy Travis's right to privacy, and it was subsequently released to the public.
2017: Influence Cites for Diggin' Up Bones
In 2017, during a tribute concert Josh Turner and Chris Janson cited Diggin' Up Bones as an influence.
May 4, 2019: 60th Birthday Party at the Grand Ole Opry
On May 4, 2019, Randy Travis appeared during his 60th birthday party hosted by the Grand Ole Opry.
September 2019: Return to Touring Announced
In September 2019, Randy Travis announced his return to touring, featuring James Dupré as the lead vocalist. Travis made selected appearances during the shows.
2019: "Forever and Ever, Amen" listed as one of the 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, referring to it as Randy Travis's signature song.
February 2020: Release of Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)
In February 2020, Randy Travis released "Precious Memories (Worship & Faith)" through Gaither Music, featuring songs recorded in 2003 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Orlando, Florida.
2020: Guest vocal on Josh Turner's cover of Forever and Ever, Amen
In 2020, Randy Travis contributed a guest vocal to Josh Turner's cover of "Forever and Ever, Amen" on his covers album Country State of Mind.
2021: "Forever and Ever, Amen" earns double-platinum RIAA certification
In 2021, "Forever and Ever, Amen" earned double-platinum RIAA certification, marking it as Randy Travis's highest-certified single.
February 2024: Appearance on The Price Is Right
In February 2024, Randy 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 released "Where That Came From", his first new studio recording since his stroke. The song was created using voice cloning technology and featured a vocal bed that Dupré had cut in 2011.
2024: Release of New AI-assisted Songs
Between mid-2024 and January 2025, Randy Travis released two new songs where his voice was re-created via artificial intelligence.
2024: Last Solo Chart Singles
In 2024, Randy Travis released Passing Through which accounted for his last solo chart singles until this year, "Four Walls" and "Angels".
January 2025: Release of New AI-assisted Songs
Between mid-2024 and January 2025, Randy Travis released two new songs where his voice was re-created via artificial intelligence.
January 2025: Release of "Horses in Heaven"
In January 2025, Randy Travis released "Horses in Heaven", a song created using voice cloning technology. Travis dedicated the song to victims of the 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision.
March 2025: Announcement of Forever and Ever, Amen Biographical Movie
In March 2025, Randy Travis joined Clay Walker onstage at the Grand Ole Opry to announce the release of an upcoming biographical movie called Forever and Ever, Amen.
March 19, 2025: 100th Birthday Celebration of the Grand Ole Opry
On March 19, 2025, the 100th birthday of the Grand Ole Opry was celebrated with tributes to country music icons including Randy Travis. Carrie Underwood sang several of Travis's songs and shared the ending lyrics of “Forever and Ever, Amen" with him.
2025: More Life Tour
As of 2025, James Dupré continued to tour with Randy Travis in a tour known as the More Life Tour.
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