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Randy Travis marks a generational shift in country music. When his "Storms of Life" came out in 1986, country music
was still mellowing around in the post-urban cowboy recession, chasing elusive crossover dreams. Travis brought
the music back to its basics, sounding like nothing so much as a perfect blend of George Jones and Merle Haggard. He became
the dominant male voice in country until the rise of "hat acts" like Garth Brooks and Clint Black, releasing seven consecutive
number one singles during one stretch. He won the CMA's Horizon Award in 1986 and was the association's Male Vocalist of the
Year in 1987 and 1988. Travis' life got off to a very rocky start, running away from home at 16 and many run -ins with the
law. With the angel wing help of a bar owner in North Carolina Travis got his first big break when Warner Brothers records
signed him in 1985 and realeased "On the Other Hand" that went to #1. Travis has had a great career and brought country back
to its root , a "self correction" as I like to call it. Travis' very unique almost nasal sounding voice coupled with his very
traditional style has given Travis a big place in the industry. Songs such as "Deeper Than the Holler", "On the Other Hand",
"Diggin' up Bones", "Walked on Water", "Look Heart, No Hands" and "The Box". Personally I think Travis sung his music straight
from the soul, when you hear him sing its sounds as if he is singing right to you. Travis' signature song "On the Other Hand"
will be picked and sung by friends sitting around the table late nights for many years to come. My favorite Travis song has
to be "Diggin up Bones".
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